Last week, we talked about a few ways to keep your horse trailer safe. But security measures such as sturdy locks and trailer alarms aren’t the only ways to protect your investment. First and foremost, you need to consider buying horse trailer insurance.

Your car insurance provider may already provide coverage plans for your horse trailer. If it does, this will almost always be your most cost-efficient option. If it’s not offered outright, be sure to ask if you get any discounts for insuring multiple vehicles through one provider. If not, you may want to consider switching to an insurer with such benefits.

And once you’re ready to buy, not all plans are the same. You may be able to add extended coverage, such as damage from natural disasters, which are not typically covered in basic plans. You can also choose between options for pricing, such as insuring your horse trailer for the amount you paid for it or the amount it would take to replace it. You may even be able to negotiate a fixed price to cover your horse trailer’s worth.

A few things to look for in a standard plan include coverage for parked or moving trailers, theft, collision, towing, roadside assistance and fire damage. Of course, you also want to be sure your belongings within the trailer are covered—including your most prized possessions, your horses.

Don’t hesitate to ask Phoenix Coach Works, Inc. for advice about how to best buy insurance for your new or refurbished horse trailer.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing ways to keep your horse trailer safe while traveling. This week, we’d like to talk a little more about one of Phoenix Coachwork Inc.’s favorite ways to protect your horses on the go: security cameras.

Security cameras can be hooked up to watch over your horses in the trailer while you focus on the road from the cab. However, you can keep an astute eye on what’s going on behind you by watching a monitor rigged to your dashboard (or a similarly convenient location). This not only allows you to ensure that your horses (or other cargo) are protected, it also provides you with peace of mind when you’re on the road.

Voyager is our brand of choice for monitors and cameras–they’re very reliable, commercial-grade units. Although a variety of options are available at lower price points, we’ve tried out many and realized that Voyager is the best blend of quality and affordability. And though some wireless systems claim to work through the wall of your cab, our testing has revealed that reception is unreliable–and what good is a semi-reliable security system?

We can work with almost any system devised by Voyager, so you can choose which kit best suits your rig. We will then install all of the necessary wiring and equipment on your horse trailer. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just completed a new horse trailer purchase from Phoenix or you’re bringing in your old tried-and-true trailer. Most horse transport vehicles can benefit from a camera security system. Call us for a custom quote for installing security cameras in your horse trailer. If you imagine the total cost of losses of one lost or injured animal or a piece of pricey equipment, it’s easy to see how these cameras pay for themselves. Extra security may also reduce your monthly insurance payments; contact your provider to learn more.

Not only is it a significant expenditure to buy your horse van or trailer itself, but most of the time, it’s full of valuable tools and equipment you need for your horses, shows and transport. Good people like you aren’t the only ones aware of the worth of a horse trailer and its contents—there’s unfortunately a large market for theft targeting this type of vehicle. That’s why insurance and other forms of protection are so vital to horse trailer ownership.

Security System

Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is installing a security system. There are many types out there for rigging your doors and windows, and a little research will go a long way when it comes to tailoring one specifically to your rig. From a simple auto-lock mechanism to an alarm to a GPS tracking system, there’s an option at every price point. Just remember, any additional security you add is going to pay for itself in peace of mind.

Locks and Bolts

You’ll also want especially strong locks on all of your doors—whether for people or horses. A thief with a simple lock-picking toolkit could make your life very difficult if you don’t start out with locks that deter thieves from even trying to break into your horse trailer. Compared to a security system, this may be a cheaper way to wisely protect your horse trailer while it’s parked on a lot and you may be too far to hear a siren (unless you’ve installed an alarm that also automatically notifies authorities, which may be wise if you’re often away from your trailer chock full of valuables). At Phoenix Coach Works, we always install high quality, theft deterrent locks on all of our horse vans and trailers. If you have a used horse trailer that needs an upgrade on its lock and bolting system, bring it by and we can help you install one.

Insurance

Phoenix Coach Works Inc. likes to think that our clients are smart enough to protect their investments with the proper vehicle insurance. But that being said, how covered are you really? Let this serve as a friendly reminder to review your policy and be sure you’ve got the coverage you need for your trailer on the road and parked in storage–for the vehicle itself and for the items inside. Is towing covered? What about natural weather damage? Stay safe and stay smart by reviewing and updating your existing insurance.

Next week, we’ll talk more about horse trailer insurance. In upcoming weeks, look for articles about other interesting and clever security ideas at varying price points. As always, feel free to call us or drop by to discuss the best protection for your horse trailer.

It’s the end of 2010, a time for reflection on what’s past and what’s to come. As we think about where we stand today, it’s easy to see that Phoenix Coach Works, Inc. has come a long way from its origins in 1984. But the journey to this place and time paints an accurate portrayal of why Phoenix is now a successful and bustling horse trailer retailer and repair company.

For example, did you know that owner Joe Skupski comes from a family background of trucking—and he even personally owned a company for seven years? His astute attention to detail with Phoenix comes from years of trucking business experience, so you can trust him with the ins and out of financing, paperwork and to hire only the most knowledgeable and trustworthy staff.

But even before that, he started out as a mechanic. He brings this intimate knowledge of how vehicles operate to overseeing the work done on your rigs today. After running his own trucking company, Joe opened a truck repair and paint shop that adapted to include horse transport repairs and restoration—and later became Phoenix Coach Works.

You can find our complete history here and then learn all about the services that are currently expertly offered by Phoenix Coach Works. They’re all part of a result of the company’s background and collective experience. We bring everything we’ve got to the table to ensure the most reliable work on behalf of your valued vehicles.

Looking back at where Joe came from, it’s easy to see how he rose to acquire the success that Phoenix enjoys today. And you can benefit from the fruits of his labors as well when you make a new horse trailer or van purchase from Phoenix or bring any of your needs to Joe and the rest of the friendly crew at Phoenix Coach Works, Inc.—they’re always happy for the chance to show you exactly where they came from and just what they’re made of.

There may be snow on the ground for many Americans in the coming weeks. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your equestrian gear until spring. This time of year is bustling with events for owners and riders with horses competing in the winter circuit, taking place in sunny Florida. If you’re making the drive south to compete in upcoming activities, you definitely want to travel in safety and style.

First of all, before you take off you’ll want to have your horse trailer thoroughly checked. You’ll want to check your tires, lights, wheel bearings and braking system—among other standard check-ups (gas, oil, license, etc.). This will ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, without any unscheduled road hazards, police checks or side trips to an unknown garage. Phoenix can help you out either starting off to your shows or when you’re about to head home; we offer fast, reliable systems checks to get you on your way with total confidence.

But the security of your travel isn’t the only thing you might want to think about. How about how your horse RV or trailer is looking these days? Has it been washed from top to bottom in awhile? Showing up with a worn-looking horse trailer is no way to kick off your competition season. Start things out right by presenting your champions in their best light: in a freshly cleaned horse trailer. Phoenix offers trailer acid-wash cleaning to get even the worst buildup of grime and dirt off your hitch—so you’ll make an entrance looking your best. On the other hand, traveling for the circuit can also take its toll. If you’re looking to get cleaned up after the fact, we can get your rig in good condition to bring back home.

Please don’t hesitate to ask about our trailer maintenance services and pricing for preparing your horse trailer in terms of both safety and style.

Last week was the first time Phoenix Coach Works Inc. introduced our newest addition, the Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van. With impressive design and a Mercedes Benz engine guiding you on, this two-horse van offers the best modern solution for your horse transport needs. If the specs alone aren’t enough, here are three more perks to consider:

Saves You Money

The 3500 Mercedes chassis–along with the aerodynamic van body–will get you 16-17 mpg. Compared to 11-12 mpg with a pickup truck pulling a trailer, this benefit will add up to big annual fuel savings–not to mention the savings in maintaining one vehicle instead of two.

Eco-Friendly

The Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van is also better for the environment than many horse vans because it utilizes the most modern Mercedes Benz engine technology, with additional eco-conscious considerations to the smallest detail. Furthermore, Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van’s body materials have been recycled and are recyclable.

Safety and Convenience

Here are some safety details that come standard with the Phoenix 2 horse Euro-Van:
• Safety gates make loading horses quick, easy and secure
• Steady loading ramps and fold-out steps facilitate entry
• Adjustable partition and quick-release breast-bar ensure ease of use
• The interior is fully lined in aluminum and insulated for horse comfort

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.

An RV can be a big investment, and we know that you want to get the best that’s out there at a fair cost. That’s our aim, too. For your consideration, we’ve compiled a list of Cs that might help you “see” why we’re the top choice for your new RV or trailer purchase.

For your comfort and convenience, Phoenix Coach Works RVs come equipped with:

1. Convertibility—RVs can suit many purposes. You can store your motorcycles or store your pals. A few tweaks can make it suitable for loading and unloading bikes or hitting the next campsite.

2. Cooking tools (microwave, 2-burner cook top, mini freezer fridge)—you don’t have to always eat fast food on the road. Stay healthy, save money and spare time by cooking in your enclosed trailer on the go.

3. Couch beds—easily changed from upright to flat for hanging out or sleeping.

4. Climate control—A/C, heat and hot water keep you at the right temp at all times. All of our trailers and toy haulers are also insulated and weather-resistant to protect your belongings.

5. Customization—one RV can never suit everyone’s needs. Phoenix can customize the features of your RV for your exact usage intents as well as personal preferences. Modify your RV with hitches, ramps, hubcaps and other accessories. Several sizes are available.

Learn more about our Bike and Car RVs.

Every horse owner has different needs. Some are frequently moving their horses to and from sites for competitions. Others move horses on a weekly or monthly basis for leisure or loaning. And then some horse owners infrequently transport their horses to the vet or during moves. So it isn’t always easy to decide if you should own your own horse trailer.

If you’re a new horse owner, you may be wondering if it’s best for you to invest in owning a horse trailer and the requisite equipment. Or, if you’re a longtime horse owner, you may simply be sick of renting and borrowing used horse trailers—and worrying about whether or not you can trust their durability and construction—much less entrusting your horses’ care to the hands of strangers, in some cases. Or you may already own a horse trailer but wonder if there isn’t something that’s better-suited to your exact needs than the one you already have.

All of these concerns and considerations are important to the staff at Phoenix Coach Works. And we’re always happy to discuss your exact stipulations to see if we may be able to help you make a choice about buying a horse trailer. As experts in the industry, we may even come up with ideas and questions you haven’t even thought of yet to help you decide. Targeting your ideal specs—such as materials, weight, height, storage space, aesthetics, etc—is an important task before you invest. After all, it’s not just a matter of making a shipment—horses are more than just cargo; they’re your pets and often considered members of the family. You want to transport them with the same safety and diligence that you’d give to transporting your own kids. And we understand.

Phoenix Coach Works also customizes trailers, so when you’re ready to figure out which horse trailer to buy, you can rest assured that you’ll wind up taking home a rig that’s exact to your specifications. Eliminate the hassle of hauling your horses by consulting with the friendly staff and considering the variety of options at Phoenix Coach Works.