RED DEER, Alta. – David Wilson is a horse lover who learned how to repair trailers because he couldn’t find anyone else to do it properly.
Now horse trailer repair has turned into his vocation at Santa Rosa, California. He has seen many problems over the years that could be prevented with proper maintenance, he told the horse breeders seminar in Red Deer recently.
People get lazy and don’t properly check trailers before hitting the road. The consequences could be a wrecked trailer or injured horses.
Read Also
Geopolitics can change trade routes
WHISTLER, B.C. — Today’s geopolitical tensions could have dire long-term consequences, says the director of international policy at the University…
This includes newer aluminum trailers. These are not maintenance free and oxidization can occur, especially in places where salt and sand is used on roads.
Vents needed
Many new trailers are aerodynamic and have no open windows. There have been cases where horses were asphyxiated by exhaust fumes because there were no vents to let in fresh air while they were traveling.
“You don’t realize how much exhaust fumes build up in these trailers,” Wilson said.
He recommends regular examination of hitches, brakes, suspension and floors. Hitches should be kept well-greased and checked for cracks and signs of metal fatigue.
Safety chains must be the right strength for the trailer and should be strung in a criss-cross fashion to form a cradle that ensures added strength if a hitch fails.
Warning signs and signals must be in place. These are often stick-ons and can peel off if they get wet so Wilson suggests riveting them on.
Tire pressure must be maintained. Wilson said people come to his shop complaining the trailer is wobbly on the road. A tire check shows there are about 10 pounds of air in the tires.
His favorite lubricant is WD-40, which can be used on hinges and other moving parts inside and out. It prevents rust and keeps moving parts moving smoothly.
Storm doors on newer trailers need to open all the way because if they don’t, a horse can skin its back when it is getting in and out.
Always carry a pocketknife to cut away tangled halters or reins if a horse is tied to a trailer.
Wilson also recommends conducting a safety check when returning from a trip, especially if the trailer was parked in a deserted area. Vandals could have damaged the trailer and the owner may not realize it until it is too late.
Need to clean
A trailer will last longer if it is kept clean. Manure and urine can lead to corrosion that rots walls and floorboards. If the floor is starting to rot, a horse’s leg could go through. He said there have been cases where horses’ legs have broken through the floor and the animal dragged along the road.
Check along walls and floor for dry rot. If a screw driver sinks in, the board should be replaced.
Walls should be washed with a rag or sponge. Don’t hose them down because water can seep into cracks. It is all right to hose down floors.
After washing floors, lift the mats and let the floor air out. Paint the floor with motor oil to seal it. Then when the horse urinates, it will run off rather than seep into the wood.
Get rid of worn mats woven with wires because holes can catch the horse’s feet and hurt them.
