Horse Trailer Parts - Maintenance and Safety

Safety and quality should always be a primaryLights are also another consideration, especially stop
consideration when selecting horse trailer parts forand turn lights. Connectors should be checked before
your horse trailer. Quality parts will add greatly, not onlyuse as they can become contaminated with dirt and
to your safety but the safety of other road users asother objects when the horse trailer has been out of
well.use for some time. This can lead to lights shorting and
Some of the most important parts to consider arenot working correctly so all lighting should be checked
wheels, tires and brakes. Wheel bearings should bebefore heading off.
tensioned and greased correctly as well as beingJacks and wheels chocks are horse trailer parts that
periodically checked and serviced. The tension on yourare often overlooked. Quite often when you need to
wheel nuts is also vitally important as under tightenedreplace a tire it will always be at the most inconvenient
wheel nuts can come loose, while over tightenedtime and place. Most roadsides have uneven and in
wheel nuts can cause studs to break.some cases soft ground. A set of chocks and a good
Tire quality is very important as well. Sometimes it mayquality jack that has a long reach and can handle
be tempting to buy used tires which are half worn foruneven ground is essential when replacing a tire.
a lower cost but one day you may have to stop in aFenders are another item that can be overlooked and
hurry and the difference between new and used tiresare often used as a step which can eventually cause
might just be the difference between a favourable orthem to come loose. Check the security of your
not so favourable outcome.fenders from time to time. A loose fender can rub
Good quality brakes, like tires, also add greatly to youragainst a tire and cause damage or it could become
ability to stop in an emergency. Correct brake selectiondetached when in transit and become a real hazard
for the size and weight of your trailer is also veryfor other road users. Another point about fenders is to
important. Some lesser quality horse trailers may havemake sure any new tires still fit inside the fender and
inferior brakes fitted right from the start so if you'redon't rub. There can be a tendency at times to use
looking at purchasing, test it first to see how well thetires and wheels that are slightly wider than standard.
brakes work. Keeping your brakes serviced is alsoSometimes rubbing will not be obvious until tested on
important not only so they work as they should butthe road, so consider this and replace your fenders
also so you get the maximum life from them.with wider ones if need be.
Other horse trailer parts that should be regularlyThere are many considerations relating to the quality
checked are suspension, lights, jacks, wheel chocks,and servicing, these are just a few. So if you've just
and fenders. When fitting suspension considerationpurchased a used horse trailer or haven't had yours
should be given to how much weight you plan to carry.serviced for some time then it may be a good idea to
U-Bolts should be quality and tensioned correctly. Justget a professional to service it and check all your
as with wheel nuts, over tightened bolts can lead tohorse trailer parts are in the best condition possible, so
failure as well.you and your horses can stay safe on the road.