We have compiled some helpful safety tips for you to review. We hope that you take them to heart and observe safe trailer operation at all times.
AAA Towing and Braking Guide
Click here for the official AAA trailer and RV towing and braking guide.
Do I have the correct vehicle to tow my trailer?
Your trailer fully loaded, which includes the trailer, all your horses, tack, feed, water, etc. must not exceed the manufacturer's suggested tow capacity. This information is found in your owner's manual.
Visual Check - Top to Bottom
Before each trip it is highly recommended that you do a visual check of the entire trailer. This means examining everything from underneath to make sure your axles are intact, and to ensure that nothing else has broken or come loose that might endanger you or your horse.
Floors & Doors
One of the worst things that can happen to a horse while traveling is to fall through the floor of your trailer, or for a door to come open and give your horse the opportunity to jump out or back out of the moving trailer. Always check your floors and door latches. If you are not sure how to do this, ask somebody who is qualified to check these items.
Brakes, Lights, and Plugs
Once the above has been established, plug your trailer into the truck. Make sure the plugs match and that all the lights work correctly. The next thing to check is your brake operation by driving forward at a slow speed and manually applying the trailer brakes. After this, make sure your brake controller is adjusted properly. The trailer should stop with the truck, not drag or push the tow vehicle.
Hitch Operation
Your hitch is what keeps your trailer safely attached to your truck. Make sure its operation is well-understood before towing any trailer. The mechanism should work freely, making it easy to connect and disconnect your trailer. Again, if you do not understand the operation of your hitch, check with a qualified person.
Safety Chains
If your hitch ever fails, the safety chains are designed to keep your trailer from breaking away from the tow vehicle and going into oncoming traffic, or just becoming a unguided mobile wrecking ball on wheels. Make sure your safety chains are the correct length and rating.
Brakeaway Cable & Battery
The brakeaway cable must be attached to the tow vehicle and is designed to apply the trailer brakes in the event that the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. For this system to be operational, the brakeaway battery must be fully charged, connected, and the brake away switch functioning correctly. If you have any questions or doubts about the operation of this safety system, contact a qualified person.
Tire Pressure
Before each trip it is highly recommended that you check your tire pressure on the trailer and tow vehicle. Doing so can greatly increase tire life and help avoid costly and dangerous blowouts or premature tire failure.
Tire Wear
Visually check all tires for uneven wear. Irregular tire wear can be a sign of more serious problems and can also lead to blowouts and premature tire failure. If tire wear is present contact a qualified person.
Lug Nuts
Before each trip it is highly recommended that you check that the lug nuts are tight, especially if you have recently had new tires or wheels fitted to the trailer.
Jack
The jack has to support the trailer while it is unhooked from the tow vehicle and should be visually inspected for any bending, cracking, or broken components. The jack's operation should also be free; a binding jack can be the sign of a more serious problem.