Posts

Safety: Observe & Execute

Here at Phoenix Coach Works, we are fully aware that many of you are seasoned travelers, having towed horse-trailers, RVs or toy haulers hundreds of times and thousands of miles throughout your life.  However, in recent weeks we have been focusing our attention on proper towing techniques and other safety related items. Our purpose is not to bore or insult the intelligence and experience of our weathered vets but rather to educate and inform those who are just beginning their travels.

Whether you tow a 6×8 tilt-bed or a 4 horse trailer with a tack room and sleeping quarters, there are certain techniques and driving habits that must be learned and observed.  If a driver fails to abide by these principles, vehicles, trailers, people and their animals may fall victim to their negligence and unsafe towing practices.  That is why it is important to discuss safety at such lengths.

Practice, Practice, Practice:  Before cruising on the interstate, you’ll need to get some practice operating your rig.  Even if it’s a small trailer, the additional weight as well as your extended length will change the way your vehicle handles.  If you’re used to heavy, last-minute braking, you need to practice giving yourself more space and time to slow your rig to a stop.

One of the most frequent complications when towing a trailer is backing up.  Practicing backing will not only ensure the safety of your rig and those riding in it, but it’ll impress bystanders as they watch you finesse your trailer into position.

WIDE LOAD:  If you’re towing a trailer or RV that has a wider wheelbase than your vehicle, you will need to replace the standard side mirrors with a larger set or install mirror extensions.  You also want to consider the length and width of your rig when making any spatial judgments including turns and passing other vehicles (most likely you’ll be the one getting passed as safe towing requires driving at reduced speeds).

Keep it steady:  Aside from being scary, trailer sway can be extremely hazardous and cause your rig to jackknife if not corrected promptly.  In order to prevent trailer sway, make sure your load is evenly distributed and maintain a steady, consistent speed with as little lane change as possible.  If your trailer has independent brakes, you can correct trailer sway by applying the trailer brakes without the vehicle brakes.

It seems that almost anything truly enjoyable comes with some sort of risk or hazard.  Traveling while towing a trailer is no different.  Whether you’re hauling quads in your enclosed trailer or livestock in your 6 horse trailer, safety should always be your number one concern.

And if you happen to discover something during your rig’s inspection that needs repair or slight fabrication, please contact Phoenix Coach Works and schedule a consultation.  We take pride in what we do so you can take pride in what you tow.

/0 Comments/by

No Job Too Small

Each week as we’re plowing through blog posts, providing what we hope is useful information to our customers and visitors, we remind them [you] that we provide a wide range of services that stretch far beyond custom trailer design and construction.  This week we would like to shine light on these services and elaborate on the fact that we are truly a full service company.

Although we typically stress our involvement with horse trailers, toy haulers and RVs, we also provide our services for 53’ semi-trailers, boats, cars and aircraft part painting.

We offer the following services:

Painting:  Phoenix Coach Works’ exterior services include collision work such as FRP and fiberglass repair as well as custom paint and vinyl striping.  We are happy to work on individual units or entire fleets with very short down times.

Fabrication:  Our facility is equipped to handle every possible challenge that a custom trailer may present.  We have the tools you need as we can cut and bend any size sheet metal and schedule 40 pipe (up to 2 ½”).  Our past projects include fold-down and roll-out ramps, unique tool box installations, interior walls and aluminum cages both with and without doors.

Installations:  At Phoenix Coach Works, we are happy to help in any way we can.  If you are having trouble finding or installing an item, please allow us to simplify the process and do the leg-work for you.

We offer installation of the following: climate control units, A/C units, camera systems, AC electrical wiring, windows/doors, generators, pressurized and gravity fed water tanks, underbody fuel tanks, in-bed fuel transfer tanks, towing air bags, hitches, electric brake box, axles, hydraulic jack and charge lines between truck and trailer.

Truck Customization:  If you just want to make your truck appear a little flashier as you’re cruising down the interstate, Phoenix is where it’s at.  We install running boards (lighted and unlighted, painted to match), nerf boards, visors, bug shields, LED accent lights, mud flaps, auxiliary lighting and bed rails; anything to make your ride stand out among the rest.

Vehicle Service and Repair:  Besides run-of-the-mill service and repairs such as tires, wheels and brakes (both hydraulic and electric), we also provide a variety of specialized services including: wiring repair, frame repair, air suspension service and aluminum, steel and stainless steel welding.  Not mention we provide Pennsylvania State Inspection.

We really hope this brief overview has given our visitors a better idea of what we mean when we say that if you have ANY problem or question at all regarding your trailer to please contact our offices for a consultation.  And please remember that although we welcome fleet work into our facility with open arms there’s no job too small here at Phoenix Coach Works.

We treat every job as if it’s our most important…because it is.

/0 Comments/by

Introducing the Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van

We’re extremely excited to introduce the latest addition to our complete line of trailers, vans and RVs. Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van is a premier two-horse van built on a 3500 Mercedes chassis. It’s compact, fuel-efficient and stylish—but big enough to do the job. Thoughtful touches that account for your comfort in every detail—from added storage to space flexibility and safety features—make this horse van an ideal choice for your transport needs.

With its 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine delivering 188 hp to its five-speed automatic transmission, the Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van can comfortably haul two rear-facing horses. And should you need to haul a few more, it’s equipped with a hitch to pull a trailer.

And of course horses aren’t your only cargo. The cabin is a streamlined space that can comfortably fit 3 people. There are many ways to tailor both sections of the rear space to suit your preferences and needs for each and every time you use it.

Here are some specs for your consideration:
• With a total length of just under 22’, the van can turn a circle in under 55’—making it extremely maneuverable and easy to drive
• The horse section is a roomy 10’5” in length and 84” in width with an interior height of 8’
• Loading is by a large 6’ wide, spring-assisted side ramp
• The van sports four 24×30” drop-down windows in the horse area and two 24×30” slide windows in the tack area
• The rear tack room is 36x 84” and a walk-through door allows access to the horse section

But that’s not all we have to say about the new Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van. Next week, learn about three more key features that we haven’t even mentioned yet.

/0 Comments/by