The spring is the perfect time to perform an annual trailer tune-up. You trust your trailer to safely carry your horse, so it’s important to make sure that it always receives the tune-up that it needs. These five spring trailer tune-up tips can help you to get started.
Remove the Mats
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Remove the floor mats from your horse trailer and carefully inspect the floorboards for any signs of weakness or rot. Don’t forget to look at the undersides of the boards, too. If you find weakened boards, then you will need to replace them before transporting a horse.
Grease and Pack the Fittings
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Your trailer will need to have its fittings greased and repacked every year, and more often if you use the trailer frequently. A mechanic who works on horse trailers can grease and pack the fittings for you.
Add Air to the Tires
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Don’t forget to check the tire pressure and add air to the tires if needed. Most tires will need at least some air after the winter. While you’re adding air, take a close look at the tires to make sure that they still have good tread and that there isn’t any dry rot present. Don’t forget to also take care of your spare tire, too – you won’t want to be caught without it.
It may also be time to rotate your tires, so consider rotating the tires while you don’t yet need to use the trailer. Even if you don’t rotate the tires, then make sure that you check and tighten the lug nuts.
Recharge Your Emergency Brake Control Battery
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Is there plenty of power left in the battery for your trailer’s emergency brake control? Having adequate power is important to keeping the control working when you need it. Check the battery, or take it to a mechanic to have it checked. If you can recharge the battery, do so. Otherwise, if the battery is low, it will be time to replace it.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
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Now is the perfect time to check your emergency kits to make sure that they’re well stocked. You should have a roadside emergency kit in your trailer, as well as an equine and human first-aid kit. Be sure to check expiration dates on items such as ointments. Replace batteries which may be old, and restock any items that you have previously used.
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By taking the time to tune-up your trailer, you can keep it in better working condition so that it’s safer for both you and your horse.
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