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Horse Trailer Safety Condition Inspection
By Chuck Burns
A few important points to consider about the safety
and condition of your horse trailer. Before loading and
hauling your horse in any horse trailer you should perform a safety and condition inspection. The condition of
the trailer will affect your safety, and the safety of your
horses.
The condition of the floor. The fact that the floor is
wood and wood is prone to rot makes it an important
safety concern. There isn’t anything more tragic than
having a horse fall through the floor of a horse trailer. I
don’t even want to think about it because it is so upsetting. The wood planking used to make the floor must
have NO rotten or soft spots. Underneath, the wood
planks are attached to the cross frames. These can have
some surface rust but major rust is a hazard. Rust is the
result of oxidation and oxidation not only removes the
steel in the form of rust, but also softens it and removes
its strength. In the case of an acceptable degree of surface rust the flat surface of the metal is still flat with no
pitting. Once the surface starts to pit then the strength
is reduced. When in doubt call in an expert to give you
a professional opinion. The cross frames are usually
attached to the main trailer
frame by welding. Inspect
the welds, look for cracks
along the edge of each weld
and also along the center of
the weld. When in doubt call
in an expert to give you an
informed second opinion.
The door latches are often
overlooked. Each trailer door
must easily lock and unlock.
The door latches must keep
the doors safely locked so
the doors can’t open accidentally but they should also be
easy to open when the time
comes.
The trailer brakes are an often neglected safety item.
The trailer should pull easily with no brake binding and
should provide stopping assistance when braking. There
are two main categories of trailer brake systems, electric
brakes and hydraulic surge brakes. I prefer the hydraulic
surge brakes but either system will work as long as it is
maintained properly. The trailer brake system should
be inspected by a mechanic or someone knowledgeable
about trailer brakes. When pulling a trailer loaded with
horses always drive cautiously and give plenty of extra
distance for safe stopping.
Before each use of the trailer check to make sure the
brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights are working.
Other drivers need to see the trailer so make it easy for
them. The lights give others an indication of what your
turning and stopping plans are. Most drivers on the road
are not paying attention and they don’t consider that you
are pulling a heavy load. Take the time to inspect your
trailer before each use. A little prevention is worth a lot
and just may prevent an accident.
This article written by Chuck Burns a retired U.S Navy veteran, worked as a civilian contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, an
aspiring Internet publisher. Visit his website http://www.used-horse-trailers.com.
30 • Walking On