Preparing Your Horse Trailer for the Season    

Is Your Horse Trailer Ready for Show Season? 

As winter turns to spring, many begin looking ahead to show season. There’s lots of work involved getting you and your horse show-ready; from scheduling spring vaccinations to assessing your show clothes. But, as you make these preparations, don’t forget one important yet sometimes overlooked element of your horse show prep routine – your horse trailer. 

That’s right; it’s a good idea to annually inspect the condition of your trailer, so why not start a habit of doing it before you hit the road to show. A yearly maintenance check could save you a lot of trouble and money in the long haul (no pun intended), and increase the life of your trailer. 

Ideally, you should schedule a service appointment with your trailer dealer or a reputable body shop, if possible. They’ll know what to check and can give you a heads up on potential problems. If you’re mechanically inclined, you may be able to repair minor problems. But regardless of who does the servicing; at the least, be sure to address the following areas. 

Horse Trailer Structure – inspect the inside and outside of the trailer for rust or corrosion, paying particular attention to the frame. 

Undercarriage – check underneath the entire length of the trailer for rust or corrosion. In aluminum trailers, inspect the welds and joints for stress fractures as well as bolt holes and fasteners for wear or loosening. While you’re under there, inspect the axles too. 

Floor – examine your wood floor for rot. Remove the mats and take a good look, and don’t forget to check underneath. Corrosion or pitting (tiny holes appearing in the metal) can occur with aluminum floors, so be on the lookout. 

Tires – check the condition of all tires, including spares, with an eye out for dry rot, especially if you stored your trailer for the winter. Be sure to check the air pressure, too. 

Lights – test the lights to see if any bulbs have burned out. Also, check that turning lights and emergency flashers work. 

Brakes – check the horse trailer brakes to be sure they’re working and properly adjusted. In addition, be sure to check that the breakaway brakes’ battery is fully charged. 

For those with living quarters horse trailers, don’t forget to “unwinterize” the living quarters. Check the water pump, air conditioner, and hot water heater to confirm that they’re still in good working order. Inspect the awnings for any tears or deterioration. 

Servicing your horse trailer every year makes good sense. You can catch problems before they become an issue. No one wants to learn that something’s wrong with their trailer as their heading out to a show. Give yourself peace of mind by readying your trailer before show season begins.

Finally, make sure you wash and wax your trailer.  The majority of horse trailers sit outside unsheltered and a good coat of wax will extend the exterior finish of your trailer for many years.