If you’ve ever hauled horses on the highway, chances are you have stories to tell—from unforgettable adventures to harrowing close calls. While experience earns its own lessons, preparation gives you the upper hand in any situation. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways to maximize safety when towing horse trailers down the road.
- Outfitting with Reflective Panels or Conspicuity Strips. Outfitting your trailer with reflective panels or strips can make a significant difference, especially during nighttime travel or in low-visibility conditions. These simple additions can alert other drivers to your presence, giving them more time to react during emergency situations. Furthermore, this reflection provides better visibility should rear lighting fail on your trailer or you blow a fuse on your tow vehicle.
- Pre-Trip Inspection. Before hitting the road, a thorough safety check is non-negotiable. Some of these checks include inspecting your trailer’s tires, examining the hitch and safety chains, testing brake lights and turn signals, and ensuring the trailer’s doors latch securely. Remember, you’re now responsible for a much larger vehicle on the road, and a few minutes of inspection can save hours of trouble.
- Ensuring the Horses are Comfortable Throughout the Journey. Your equine passengers’ comfort is paramount; therefore, provide them with ample food and water, and make sure the trailer is well-ventilated. Additionally, you should stop every 100 miles or so to perform welfare checks on your horses.
- Invest in Quality Horse Trailers. Perhaps the most significant factor in road safety and your horses’ comfort is the quality of your trailer. A well-built, properly maintained trailer can drastically improve your travel experience. As such, you should invest in a horse trailer with sturdy construction, quality suspension systems, and features designed with equine comfort in mind.
When it comes to investing in quality, look no further than Lewis Trailers, the leading trailer dealership in the Gulf South. View our inventory online today and discover a fantastic selection of high-quality horse trailers, trailer parts, accessories, and more.