If you betray your horses trust in you by not making absolutely sure his trailer is safe for him, the consequences could be a disaster.

He could suffer terrible injuries if he goes through the floor or the ramp, even if the trailer is parked and could even face a high risk of death if mechanical failure causes an accident.

An out of control car and trailer have the weight to do an enormous amount of damage, so you put at risk the lives of everyone in and around your car and trailer.

At this time, the UK has no trailer MOT test, so making sure your trailer is safe and legal is entirely your own responsibility.


THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD CHECK

FLOORS AND RAMPS

Every two or three months, lift the rubber matting to check floors from above.  Also get underneath the trailer to check below for damage and rot using a pointed object to prod any suspect areas.  While the mats are out, disinfect the floor and let it dry properly before replacing them.

Aluminum floors are likely to be more resistant to deterioration than wood but they still need checking and cleaning because they can be damaged by your horse kicking and could eventually corrode.

Never use a trailer with a suspect floor.

Get the floor professionally replaced if it needs to.  Horses put great stress on the floor so the correct materials must be used.  Do not use a trailer without rubber matting as it helps to spread the load and will also absorb any impact.  Check the ramps for damage and rot and if they should start to flex more than normal, have them professionally replaced.

TYRES

Check for correct tyre pressures on your car and trailer when cold, with a pressure guage.  Car tyres should be the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer for towing or a full load.  If neither is recommended, try inflating rear tyres to 3psi above normal, as long as it is within the maximum shown on the tyre wall.

While checking the pressures, check for wear and damage to each tyre.  All tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread over the central 75 per cent of the tread width for the whole circumference.  However, trailer tyres will often perish long before the tread wears out.  Look out for tell tale sidewall cracks and bulges caused by air getting between the layers of the damaged tyre and cuts deep enough to show the reinforcing, both of these indicate a potential blow out.  Never use an inner tube in a trailer wheel because they deflate suddenly when they are punctured.  Ensure that when you replace the tyres they have the correct weight rating.  These are vital to the stability of your outfit, so before every trip, check them.

LIGHTS

Trailer rear lights are the same as a cars, plus two triangular red reflectors, though there is normally no reversing light and on older trailers they do not have rear fog lamps.  For your safety and the safety of others, have fog lamps fitted.

All trailers must have an illuminated rear number plate, matching the tow cars' and show two white marker lights to the front.  Regulations cover the power and position of the lights so do not make changes without checking.  All trailer lights must be clean and undamaged.

When you hitch up the trailer, check that all the lights work.  Always check the indicators separately because hazard lights are normally on their own circuit and fuse so they can work when the indicators may not.  Some faults can make the opposite car and trailer indicators flash.  Every six months have the lamp lenses removed and cleaned inside and out, if you have this done professionally they will also remove any corrosion from bulb contacts and clean the plug and car socket contacts.

HITCHES AND TOW BALLS

Tow balls should be greased before use.  Modern trailers have wear indicators in the hitches to warn of tow ball wear, if in doubt get well used tow balls measured by either a garage or a caravan or trailer dealer.  Worn tow balls increase hitch wear and could lead to trailers breaking free.

At least every three months, clean dirty grease from the hitch cup with white spirit.  When dry, smear grease in the cup and oil moving parts.  Every 3000 miles get your trailer serviced.

BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS

Trailer brakes need adjusting for wear, or new brake shoes, after 500 miles for a new trailer, then at every 2500 - 3000 miles.  Many modern trailers have sealed-for-life wheel bearings, but older ones need bearings re greased, checked and adjusted at least every two years.  The bearings are rings of rollers on which the wheels turn and may seize if not properly lubricated.

Trailers are legally required to have breakaway cables to apply the brakes if they become unhitched.  The breakaway cable must be clipped to a purpose-made tow bar ring or other substantial part of the car.  All trailers are legally required to have breakaway cables so regular checks are essential.


CHECKLIST

Every trip

• Check the condition and pressure of all tyres;
• Make sure all lights and indicators are working;
• Check that there are no loose or damaged fittings;
• Make sure the breakaway cable is clipped to the car.

Every three months

• Clean and re grease the hitch cup;
• Check the condition of the ramp;
• Clean and examine wooden floors.

Every 2500 - 3000 miles

• Get your trailer professionally checked and serviced.

Every two years

• Get your trailer professionally checked, thoroughly inspected and serviced.