inspect your horse trailer Archives - Phoenix Coach Works, Inc.

Last week we gave an enthusiastic shout out to our customers as a way to show our appreciation for the people who help make Phoenix Coach Works a success.

This week we’d like to get back on task and start talking business once more. As was described last week, our customers range from lifelong equestrians to individuals who possess a nostalgia for shiny, chromed-out toys.

For those who have been loading and unloading trailers their entire life, please be patient as we provide an overview of how to properly prepare and tow a large trailer. As a matter of fact, this week’s post may even serve as a reminder to some of the mundane tasks that often go overlooked after years of repetitive behavior.

Whether you’re hauling a classic car or several of your prizewinning stallions, safety in transportation is the primary concern when you’re planning to hit the road. For that reason, begin with a thorough inspection of the vehicle with which you plan to haul. Starting in the front and working your way back, check the following:

– Fluid levels (including transmission, oil, and water/antifreeze)

– All tires (including the spare) for unusual wear and correct air pressure

– Make sure the hitch is attached correctly and securely

– Wiring harness is clean and all wires are in place

– All proper documents and licenses are in the glove box

Once you have checked your towing vehicle, it is time to inspect your horse trailer, toy hauler, or enclosed trailer. Again, working your way from front to back look closely at the following:

– Trailer wiring harness is clean and all wires are in place

– Test the handbrake

– Make sure there is no damage to the breakaway cable/chains

– All tires (including the spare) for unusual wear and correct air pressure

– Trailer structure for rust, loose fasteners, cracks and breaks.

If you happen to notice any structural damaged, feel free to contact Phoenix Coach Works to schedule an appointment and receive a thorough assessment of the damage.

Now that you have completed this checklist, you can safely attach your trailer to your vehicle and be on your way. Be sure to remember all necessary items including extra gear, a human and horse first aid kit, and all emergency roadside equipment. If you are having trouble thinking of the essentials needed for your truck and trailer, please refer to our past blog-post titled Dream the Possible Dream. It provides a detailed list of many of the items that many travelers include while packing their horse, car, or enclosed trailer.

Most importantly though, don’t forget to have fun. Life is a journey best traveled with those you love and a smile on your face. So put your stress behind you and embrace the open road, trail or meadow. Though you may already know your intended destination, buckle up and ride because in life, if you don’t know where you’re headed any road will take you there.

Here at Phoenix Coach Works, we are excited for spring to arrive. Not only do we escape from dreary, overcast skies but the flora and fauna of nature emerges in its full beauty. Our equine friends have been dormant for many months and are likely raring to burst from the gate. But don’t be hasty at the first signs of spring to saddle up and begin your routine.

Like an antique car sitting for many months, or any machine for that matter, there is maintenance to be addressed and a checklist to follow before you hammer the throttle and drop tread.

If your animal and your equipment are not properly tuned for another season of performance, a number of things can go terribly wrong.

Begin your preparation by getting your gear together. Clean, oil, and inspect each piece, looking for dry-rot, loose screws, rusted buckles, missing straps etc. Catching equipment issues now will ensure that when your horse is ready, you are too. Not to mention this also builds excitement that will make that first ride much more rewarding.

The next thing you want to do is inspect your horse trailer. Whether you do this yourself or have a professional conduct an inspection, be sure to check the following: brakes, bearings, tires, wiring, lights and floor condition. If you discover anything that needs amended, contact Phoenix Coach Works and schedule a horse trailer repair appointment to discuss your concern.

While you’re at it, you may choose to customize your trailer to include a cabin, tack-room, additional stalls or simply modernize your outdated equipment. Doing so will further ensure that no unexpected snags keep you from doing what you love.

Now it’s on to the horse. Check your horses’ hooves and schedule to have them trimmed and possibly shod depending on anticipated riding conditions and intensity. Update your paperwork, and if necessary, have your horses wormed and vaccinated.

Depending on your horse’s living conditions and diet throughout the winter, they may be overweight or lack energy. On the contrary, it is not uncommon for a horse coming out in spring to exhibit a playfulness that may lead to injury if the rider/trainer doesn’t adjust appropriately and regain the animal’s focus.

From here, begin your spring tune-up. Begin with short, slow rides and increase duration and intensity as your horse regains stamina. It will likely take upwards of 90 days to fully reinstate your animals back to optimum performance. But it will be a bonding experience.

Once you have completed spring tuning, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your horses will be able to compete and show well because of your commitment. They will also be in their prime as they team with the hounds to embark on a fox hunt.

Whatever your equine attraction may be, the relationship between man and horse is one to be cherished. Treat your friends with the respect they deserve. Transporting large animals can be a cumbersome task, so when considering your next carriage, be sure to contact us at Phoenix Coach Works where we offer a full line of 4 horse, 6 horse, 8 horse, and 9 horse van bodies as well as a 15 horse trailer for commercial carriers hauling horses interstate. And don’t forget about our new 2 horse-van built on a Mercedes Chassis.

Remember, from custom built horse vans to trailer repairs and modifications…if you can dream it, chances are we can build it.

Posts

Buckle Up and Ride

Spring Tune Up 101