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Trailer Savvy

Before you hit the road this summer, we asked your local trailer dealers what they thought were most important concerns for the safety of you – their horsepeople customers. Here are their answers and where you can find them for more info.

Edited by Horsetrader staff - May 20th, 2010 - Feature Article

Patrick LyonsSouthwest Trailer Sales, Ramona
Makes: Cimarron, Lakota, Bison, Trails West and Classic
See ad on Page 29
Safety. I would strongly suggest horse owners have an annual inspection done on their trailer. Some states require it by law. Due to the economic conditions over the last two years, many people have postponed their trailer maintenance. The age, condition and proper inflation of tires is a big one. Just because a tire looks good does not mean it is safe. Brakes, bearings and floor boards are also critical. A failure of any of these items can cause anything from an inconvenience to a major catastrophe.

Also, make sure their tow vehicle, hitch and equipment are all properly rated to be pulling the gross vehicle weight rating (GVRW) of the of the trailer they are pulling. California is starting to set up check points for trailers to make sure the tow vehicle, it’s hitch and other equipment are properly rated. Many receiver hitches are under rated for pulling dual axle trailers without the use of a weight distribution hitch. Get caught without out one and your trailer just might be impounded.

Ronnie WycheToday’s Trailer Sales, LLC, Hemet
Makes: Featherlite and Windsor
See ads on Pages 48 & 52
First, are you using the correct vehicle to pull your trailer? It is important that the truck or SUV you are using is rated to pull or haul the trailer you have. Just because you can move it forward doesn’t mean that you are within the limits of towing/hauling that vehicle. Second, isn’t quality very important? A quality horse trailer will retain more value than most other brands. If you are are investing money in a trailer for your precious cargo, why not buy the best you can? We sell trailers designed to be the only trailer you will ever need to buy.

Stephanie Browns All American Trailers, Norco
Makes: 4 Star, Bloomer, Elite, Hart, Logan Coach, Sundowner, Titan, Big Makes: Tex and Wells Cargo.
See ad on Page 7
In the coming summer months, tire pressure and ventilation will be two major concerns for trailer owners. No one wants to be on the side of the freeway in 100-degree weather with four horses in the trailer, so the tire pressure should be checked before pulling. Also, for the health of the horses, adequate ventilation must be provided as well.

Dennis DeMontignyR&De Trailers, Norco
Makes: Merhow, Maverick, Royal T, Hawk, Trail-et and Circle J
See ad on Page 31
Prior to driving off, the driver needs to walk around the trailer to be sure that all doors have been properly secured, and to check the trailer’s chains are connected. This is a good practice, especially with today’s cell phone distractions! Also, be sure tire pressure has been checked.

Gene WrightGolden West Trailer, Acton
Makes: S&H, Maverick and Classic
See ad on Page 17
Safety and Comfort of the horse.

Bill CuddebackCuddeback Trailer, Lakeside
Makes: Platinum, Wells Cargo, S&H, Big Tex, Circle J, Royal T and Maverick
See ad on Page 24
EVERY time a trailer is hooked up, the driver should do a pre-trip inspection. Turn on the lights and make sure all of the lights are working. An easy way to check the turn signals is to turn on the hazard flasher, which is the same light as the turn signal. This way, you only have to walk to the back of the trailer one time. Check to make sure the brake-away is properly hooked up and that the brakes are working. Annually, owners should have the bearings checked and repacked — and at the same time do an overall check of the brakes, lights, floor and brake away system.

Jennifer FenstermakerCarson Trailers, Hesperia
Make: SilverLite
See ad on Page 35
I would have to say the top two concerns would be saftey and comfort for the horse.

B.W. JonesChino Valley Featherlite, Chino
Featherlite, Haulmark and JV Custom
See ad on Page 22
Yes, the top two concerns that horse owners should take into consideration when shopping for a horse or stock trailer are obviously safety and quality. But, there are other factors that are very important in choosing the right trailer. One of the most important is your horse’s safety and comfort while being transported to a show or trailhead. A trailer that just doesn’t fit a particular horse can create more than a few loading or hauling problems as well as being potentially dangerous.

Kellie BentonD2 Trailer Sales, Galt
Cimarron, Exiss, Sooner, Miley, Bison and Haulmark
See ad on Page 45
Especially in a slow economy, horse trailer owners need to be mindful to keep their trailers maintained. Horse trailer maintenance such packing and greasing bearings, checking and replacing brake parts is a MUST in keeping yourself, your horses, and others safe on the road.

One comment has been made on “Trailer Savvy”

  1. cargo trailers Arkansas Says:

    Useful information. Lucky me… I found your site by accident, and I’m surprised why this coincidence didn’t came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

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