Buying a Trailer

- Steel trailers have been around a long time, and have proven to be reliable. Newer steel trailers are made with weight in mind, but are still structurally sound. Most steel trailer companies hold corrosion protection as a high priority, using galvanized steel and high quality paint. Exterior maintenance is more important with a steel trailer, but normally only includes a wash and wax.

-Aluminum trailers were designed to weigh less than it's steel opponent. How much less? Typically 10-15%. Aluminum can fight the elements better than steel, but can still oxidize as it ages. Exterior Maintenance of an Aluminum horse trailer is not as frequent as a steel horse trailer, but it is typically more expensive when the time comes. Aluminum trailers also typically cost more than a steel trailer, normally 10-25% more.

No matter what a horse trailer is made of, check out used horse trailers at fairs, rodeos, etc. and see how they have aged. A 3-5 year old trailer can show a trailer's weak points that should be noted unless the manufacturer has made big changes to how they are making their product.

It is very important to consider the actual function of the horse trailer, especially the moving parts. Inspect the operation of tack doors, dividers, feed doors, swing out saddle racks, etc. Do they feel like they are quality? We all know what cheap feels like. Make sure they feel good and like they can withstand the test of time. Also, play close attention to noise in rattle within the trailer. The more noise a horse has to experience, the more stressed out it will be for shows or trail rides, which can lead to poor performance. Shut yourself in the trailer and test the noise levels by jumping and banging around. The horse trailer should be as quiet as possible. This will help keep Buttercup relaxed while on the road.

Also, when looking at safety, a horse trailer should have a NATM sticker mounted on the trailer.This sticker means that the maker of the trailer is part of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. This means that they stick to safety stanards and recieve updates about safety information as they are changed in the always changing horse industry.

Maintaining a Horse Trailer

Keeping up on maintenance of your horse trailer is just as critical as maintaining a tow vehicle. We can't take risks with horse trailers, especially with our beloved animals inside.

Tires-

Make sure there is no damage to the tires of the horse trailer, and inspect the sidewalls to make sure that they aren't collapsing. Also, check that there is tread left on them. Tire pressure needs to be checked regularly to be sure that it is in spec. Also on the topic of tires, remember a spare! You don't want to not make a big show because you're stranded on the side of the road.

Hitch

Grease the hitch at regular intervals. Also, make sure that the catch on the hitch is properly engaging and locking on to the ball.

Floor

You should lift the rubber floor mats and inspect the floor for rust on steel floored applications. For trailers with wood floors, lift the mats and look out for rotting, splintering, cracking, etc.

Chassis

Check out the chassis of the horse trailerand look for rust and damage from the road. Pay close attention to the main beams and make sure they are straight with no bowing. Especially in box sections where you can't see rust damage.

Wheels

Here's an important one. MAINTAIN YOUR WHEEL BEARINGS. These are a very common cause of breakdowns. Make sure that they are always greased and not running dry, and make sure they are seated all the way in their seats and that the wheel is true and does not wobble or have play in it due to shot wheel bearings.Make sure that the rims aren't damaged or bent from potholes or curbs.

Brake System

Hydraulic and electric brakes should be regularly serviced by professionals. Test the brakes with a hard stop every once in awhile to make sure they are working as they should be.

Body

Look for rust and damage. Inspect the ramp and door latches and make sure that they are still tightly secured to the trailer, and that they securely latch. Make sure the vents open as they should. Remember, horses can overheat easily, and faulty vents could be a cause of that.

Electrical

Make sure that stop, night, and turn signal lights are all working as they should be. Also, make sure that the connector plug fits tightly and securely so that it cannot fall out while on the road. Inspect the cable and make sure nothing is being worn down past the wire insulation.