Horse trailers can be an expensive investment. To reduce any unnecessary expenditure, it's vital to conduct a comprehensive inspection before agreeing to purchase. Start by inspecting the floors of the Horse Box Trailers for sale, and make sure they are free of holes or sharp edges that could trap urine or fecal matter, which could quickly erode wood flooring over time. Rubber floor mats might provide extra protection in such cases.
Floor
No matter if it is new or used, a thorough inspection of any Horse Box Trailers for sale is a must. There are various things you should inspect in order to make sure that it fits well and safely for your horse.
First and foremost, take a good, hard look at the floor. Most injuries occur here; therefore it is especially crucial that they are strong as if a horse steps through one while in transport they could become seriously injured.
Make sure that the ramps are easy for your horse to use - anything less could lead to injuries. Furthermore, getting down and inspecting underneath the trailer with a flashlight may reveal any rust, damage, or wear and tear issues that could harm him/her during loading or unloading.
Before loading up, check partitions and breast/breech bars to ensure they are secure with no sharp edges or rips that could injure your horse. It is best to select a trailer equipped with these features for an easier loading/unloading experience and a safer journey for both yourself and your horse - Double D Trailers offers a walk-on, walk-off system which makes this easier with their walk-on/walk-off system that makes loading/unloading safer and simpler for both of you!
Roof
When selecting the perfect trailer for you, it's essential to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Not only should the model match your budget but it should also meet all your requirements - be they long journeys or short excursions.
As soon as you acquire a vehicle, start by conducting a comprehensive inspection. Double-check that it has not been reported stolen and was serviced recently; look out for signs of corrosion and signs of previous collision damage; ensure all security features are present and working as intended; look out for signs of rust or corrosion and check that all security features remain operational and intact.
Check that ventilation is adequate - otherwise, your horses could suffer from heat exhaustion and shipping fever (pleuropneumonia). Windows should be easily opened up and roof vents must be functioning to bring in cool air.
No matter whether it's for hauling horses to competitions or simply transporting one Shetland pony to visit friends, horse trailers are essential investments. Finding a model suitable to both your horse's safety and your own peace of mind is absolutely critical; don't cut corners in terms of the inspection process! With some research you may discover your perfect horse trailer.
Suspension
Thorough trailer inspections are essential in protecting the safety of horses during transport and getting the best value from custom horse trailer purchases.
First and foremost, you will want to inspect the tires on the trailer. Make sure they can carry the weight of both horses and equipment being hauled; additionally, ensure they have not become underinflated or worn out due to lack of use.
Ventilation should also be given careful consideration; failure to do so can cause heat exhaustion or shipping fever in horses. Make sure there are windows that can be opened or roof vents installed for adequate airflow during long hauls.
Next, think about the length of the trailer you need. Slant load trailers are usually shorter in length as they are designed for side loading and usually shorter overall than their counterparts - box stall trailers resemble barns on wheels while gooseneck and living quarter trailers may extend even further. When selecting a hitch system that best meets your needs - such as bumper pull, in-ground or drop-down hitches, or gooseneck trailers - decide between bumper pull, in-ground/drop-down hitches or gooseneck trailers before finalizing any decisions regarding hitch systems available and finally decide between bumper pull, in-ground/drop-down hitches and gooseneck trailers to find what best meets your requirements and hitch type/length options when selecting trailer length and hitch system used.
Ramps
A thorough inspection is key to ensure a horse trailer meets the standards set. This can involve using a flashlight to inspect for signs of damage or neglect; for instance, holes in wooden-built trailer floors allow water and moisture to enter, leading to decayed timber that poses serious hazards for horses; similarly a hole in ramp could result in loading/unloading happening backwards, potentially injuring both horse and rider.
Rotten floors pose a considerable safety risk in herringbone horse trailers, where the horse's weight is concentrated into four small areas rather than being spread evenly across the width. Unfortunately, many horror stories exist of rotten boards collapsing during transit and injuring horses - this can be avoided by inspecting regularly and making sure the lower layer consists of plywood instead of cheaper materials such as chipboard or MDF.
A person's choice of trailer will depend on their needs and budget as well as the vehicle they have available for towing. Careful research must be performed to find a model, size, and quality suitable for a particular task or job. Furthermore, knowing which type of license is necessary to legally tow a trailer can prevent costly mistakes; purchasing the equipment only to discover you lack an applicable category of license could prove quite costly!
Doors
A horse trailer is a specialized vehicle designed to ensure the safe transportation of horses during travel. Most often towed by trucks and used by horse owners, farmers, professional equestrians, and trainers - with various features and configurations depending on capacity, hitch type, load type, and living quarter requirements.
Prior to buying a trailer, it is crucial that a thorough inspection be undertaken. This ensures all parts are in good condition and the vehicle is roadworthy before loading any horses on it. Furthermore, this inspection ensures the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) doesn't go beyond what it's capable of holding which could result in fines or an accident occurring with the trailer.
At each inspection, it's essential to inspect safety chains, breakaway cables, and coupler. In addition, check that all lights, especially brake lights are functioning correctly so as to alert other drivers of your presence and help prevent accidents from occurring.
Ventilation is another essential feature of a horse trailer, helping keep horses from becoming overheated during long hauls and maintaining normal body temperatures. Without adequate ventilation, heat exhaustion or shipping fever may occur resulting in heat exhaustion or shipping fever for horses transported via trailer. Therefore, when selecting your trailer you should always opt for one with large windows and roof vents to facilitate proper airflow for maximum calm during the transport of animals.
Interior
As part of their purchase process for a horse trailer, buyers should conduct a comprehensive inspection. Any flaws could potentially prove fatal to horses being transported inside; in particular, rust can weaken the structure and result in parts coming loose.
Additionally, flooring must be thoroughly checked as its condition can erode over time due to urine and feces deposits left on it. A torch should be taken underneath the trailer to inspect for signs of rot or weakness while at this time check partitions, and breast/breech bars for any cracks, chips, or loose parts that could harm horses.
Ventilation should also be given consideration, as this can help keep horses calm during travel. Make sure all windows and roof vents can be opened or closed as necessary for optimal comfort during transport.
Short version: For transporting horses nationally or further a lorry is often the superior choice, while for local or occasional travelling competitions a horse trailer offers greater comfort for your horses. Be sure to evaluate each trailer using our easy checklist so as to avoid buying lemons!