Safe Horse Float Driving Tips

By Dimo: May 5, 2007
Topics: Horse Floats, Trailer Towing | No Comments »
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Ensure you are familiar with your tow vehicle. If the vehicle is new to you and you are not used to driving it then consider driving it under varying road and weather conditions before towing anything in order to be familiar with the vehicle and it’s handling. 

The same applies if you have not towed your horse trailer before with your vehicle. Attach your trailer but drive it without a horse loaded so you can gain an appreciation of how the vehicle handles with a horse trailer affixed

Once the horse is loaded drive slowly then try your brakes after a few yards to ensure both the tow vehicles brakes and your horse trailer brakes are working correctly. 

Remember also that cold brakes on your vehicle and trailer will cause them to bite thus jolting your vehicle and trailer for the first few miles until they warm up. 

Drive very slowly after setting off so the horses get used to the motion and braking of the trailer. 

Avoid sudden changes or erratic changes in direction, try to take corners slowly and as wide as possible. 

Be aware of other road users and if you can anticipate their actions. 

Be aware of parked vehicles and overhanging branches, remember your horse trailer will be both wider and taller than your tow vehicle. 

Practice reversing with your trailer whilst it is empty. Also remember not only to watch your trailer whilst reversing but watch the front of your vehicle as well as it changes direction. Horse Floats

If your trailer starts to weave on the road try to avoid sudden braking and use controlled acceleration to overcome the weaving before slowing. 

Always try to avoid towing your trailer in ice or snow conditions. This will adversely affect how both your vehicle and trailer handle and only drive in these conditions if you are totally confident. 

Always react to how your horse is behaving in your trailer. If your horse is becoming stressed to the extent of erratic or violent behavior within the trailer always find a safe and suitable place to stop before proceeding further. 

If you suffer a puncture on your horse trailer find a suitable and safe place to stop, preferably by removing the vehicle and trailer off the main road onto a hard, flat and stable surface. 

Always carry a wheel brace and suitable jack for replacing a wheel on your trailer. You can purchase drive on aids to alleviate the use of a jack. Remember if you use a jack ensure its lifting capacity is not exceeded as it could collapse if the weight of the trailer and your horses exceeds this. 

Make sure your trailer spare wheel is in good condition and the tyre pressure regularly checked.

 

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