A truck pulling a horse trailer heads down a scenic road.

When it comes to traveling with your horses, safety is always a top priority. Not only do you need to make sure your horses are safe in their trailer, but you also want to make sure everyone in the towing vehicle is safe as well. Read these 10 tips to prevent any problems or issues when taking your horses on the road.

  1. Slow Down – The majority of trailer accidents are caused by drivers who are going too fast. While we know it is important to be on time, rather than driving dangerously fast, keep your speed just slightly under the speed limit, keeping in mind the precious cargo you are towing behind. You should also double your regular following distance in case you find yourself having to break suddenly or avoid crazy drivers.
  2. Stay Off the Phone – Texting, or talking on the phone while driving is a bad habit that many Americans are guilty of every single day. However, studies show that being on a cell phone, even on Bluetooth, takes away from your ability to focus on the task at hand. Therefore, you should take extra precaution when driving with your horse trailer, to avoid a traumatic and deadly accident. Many phones now have apps that can automatically send a reply to anyone letting them know you are driving and will call or text them back later.
  3. Use Reflectors – Adding reflective materials on the back of your trailer is an extra safety precaution that can increase your trailer’s visibility to other driers. While many trailers have brake lights, reflective materials are a good back-up source in case your lights go out or you suffer an electrical failure. The reflectors will alert drivers that they are approaching you.
  4. Check and Replace Tires – Trailer tires take on a good bit of wear and tear, especially if you drive on rough roads or in bad weather. It is a good practice to replace your tow-vehicle and trailer tires every three to five years, regardless of the mileage you use. Before hitting the road, you should always check the tires on both your trailer and tow vehicle to ensure that there are no flats, and that you have the proper tire pressure for each vehicle.
  5. Call for Mobile Service – If you run into any issues while driving, it’s best to let a professional dissect and fix the issue for you. An on-the-road breakdown or flat tire can be easily fixed by calling for mobile service from a local trailer dealer, like Crossroads Trailer Sales.
  6. Balance is Key – When loading your trailer with equipment, and your horses, try to distribute the weight as evenly as you can throughout the trailer. An unbalanced trailer can risk tipping over. If you are loading only one horse, or particularly heavy cargo, always load those on the left side first. After you finish loading, make sure all your hatches and doors are properly secured.

Driving with a horse trailer, or any trailer behind your vehicle, can be dangerous if the driver does not take extra care in the safety of their cargo. Horse trailers, cargo trailers, and utility trailers come in all different shapes, sizes, and weights, so be sure to ask your salesperson about the specific tire pressures, weight limits, etc. that your trailer can handle. For more information about trailers and trailer safety, contact our experts at Crossroads Trailer Sales in Newfield, NJ. Visit our website or call 856-697-4497 for more information.

 

Save

Save

Save

Save