It is only when you run into a situation in which you have to transport your horses that you think of the effectiveness of your horse trailer. Horse trailers come in different sizes and varieties and deciding on the right one is a decision that is difficult to make. Even though the structure of the trailer is expected to remain the same, there are variations in the material used, style incorporated, and some other components. Depending on how many horses you have, you can decide on the size of the trailer; however, for all the other components, this article will serve you a great deal.
Top Horse Trailer Build Materials
When considering the right build material for your horse trailer, it is necessary to choose one that has extended durability and is helpful regarding maintaining the temperature inside the trailer. Also, in case of traffic accidents, you would want the trailer to stay strong. Maintenance is another aspect that needs due consideration as you would not want to spend more money and time on keeping it in good shape.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass trailers come with a combination of aluminum or any other metal to make them stronger and more durable. This is because fiberglass is extremely light and it will be easy for the horse to break through. However, the interior of a fiberglass trailer will be bright and will be visually appealing.
Aluminum
While Aluminum is famous when it comes to horse trailer material, it is also expected to bend easily that can prove to become a problem. Also, the aluminum trailers do not perform well in case of maintenance of temperature inside. But, you will not need to worry about rust for your horse trailer if it is made of Aluminum. Another downside, however, might be its ability to destroy.
Steel
With the improvements in technology that can help prevent steel from rusting, steel can be considered to be a good choice for your horse trailer. This is because steel is comparatively sturdier regarding strength. Thus, in case of an accident you do not need to be concerned about the damage was done to the whole structure of the trailer. Steel is also seen as being more cost-effective. However, you will need to give attention to the maintenance of your steel trailer. Do not forget to store them up in a dry place.
​Hitch Types
A hitch is probably the most important part of the whole structure since it serves as a connection between the trailer and your vehicle.
The Weight Distributing
These type of hitches is used in the case of SUVs and trucks to balance the load consisting of more than one trailer. Because of the nature of distributing the load across different axes, this hitch is considered to be excellent in case of handling the vehicle for turning, braking, and steering.
Goose-Neck
This type of hitch is considered to be excellent for large trailers. This is because, in such a system, the hitch is incorporated in the middle of the bed of the truck which makes the whole ride comparatively smoother and prevents the vehicle and trailer from swaying throughout the journey.
The Weight Carrying
These are the oldest form of hitches used and are connected to the bumper directly. The hitches are thus not seen to be useful in case of heavy loads and are considered to be slightly riskier than the others.
Note: Always ensure your trailer is theft proof. Theft prevention starts with a great trailer hitch lock.
Safety Components
Giving importance to the following components before heading out for your journey is essential to your safety:
Tires
The tires will be holding the weight of the whole structure which is why it is important to ensure the air pressure and to make sure to carry out consistent maintenance and checks for the health of your tires.
Brakes
Before letting the horses onto the trailer, it is important to check your brakes. Take your trailer out for a spin and check if your brakes are working fine.
Axles and Wheel Bearings
Service of the wheel bearings of your trailer is best done by a professional. Moreover, it is essential to keep the axles well lubricated.
Straight Load or Slant Load
Smooth loading and unloading is an integral part of the whole process. To avoid getting into a situation where your horse goes into a panic, it is imperative that you make the right decision.
Straight Load
The feeling that a straight load reflects from a perspective of a horse is of one that is open and not constricting. This will keep your horses at ease throughout the journey. Space allows the horses to support themselves with the front legs at the same time giving them room to lower their heads to clear the respiratory tract. However, if you need space for more than two horses in a straight load, it will prove to become difficult. In this case, you will have to go with a larger straight load which will create more pressure on the vehicle because of its weight.
Slant Load
The shorter length of the trailer allows more horses to accommodate inside. Not being able to see the dividers when entering causes the horses to feel at ease when being loaded. When exiting, they can do so by practicing head first. However, in case of emergency wherein you have to unload the horse at the front, you will need to do it by unloading all of the horses.
Flooring Mats
Having the right flooring inside the trailer is essential to the way your horses feel throughout the journey. If the horses do not feel comfortable enough to support themselves, they will remain in a panic mode. Hence, it is recommended to use durable mats that are made of good quality rubber.
Taking care of all the elements mentioned above in your horse trailer will enable smooth sailing and will remove any concerns that you might have regarding the journey.
[catlist name=trailer]