Problems With Towing Horse Trailers

Towing a horse trailer comes with its share of problems, in addition to adding weight and length to the tow vehicle. Most people put the horse before the cart. The tow vehicle is a secondary consideration after establishing the trailer's gross vehicle weight and the number of horses to be transported. When horses are added to a trailer, they create an unstable load by carrying the bulk of their weight mid-height of the trailer, and are capable of making sudden weight shifting movements. Weight calculations and balance are key to successful horse trailer towing.

  1. Tire Failure

    • A tire failure is bad enough with a car, but a horse trailer flat can put a crimp in your day at the races. Trailer tires do not usually go flat from wear but from dry rot. Months of sitting in the same spot, overexposure to the sun or cold, insufficient inflation pressure and age all contribute to the condition. Before starting a trip with the horse trailer, perform a visual inspection of each tire. Check the sidewalls for multiple deep cracks. Discoloration around the cracks is an indication of advanced dry rot.

    Trailer Comes Off Tow Vehicle

    • Many states require horse trailers to have a break-away brake installed in case the trailer comes off the tow vehicle. If the trailer breaks away, a battery-operated device mounted on the coupler of the trailer actives the trailer brake to stop the vehicle. Because trailers do come off frequently, 46 states require tag-along trailers to be equipped with safety chains.

    Sway

    • Road, weather, driving conditions and weight shifts can cause a horse trailer to sway. There are times when it is unpreventable. You can only hope for a safe recovery. If the trailer sways, consider reloading it or add a weight distribution system with sway control. If towing a two-horse trailer with only one horse loaded, ensure that the horse is situated on the left side of the trailer for balance, as most roads crown in the center. If hauling two horses, put the heavier horse on the left side.

    Trailer Light Failure

    • It is easy to forget the small things such as connecting the trailer lights or not inspecting their working condition prior to departure. Trailer lights take abuse from the elements and road conditions -- wires are prone to damage and exposed connectors corrode. Their failure can mean disastrous results. Tow vehicle directional signals and brake light indications depend on working trailer lights.

    Tow Vehicle and Hitch Compatibility

    • The tow vehicle must be rated for the trailer, with the correct hitch attached and the weight properly balanced and distributed evenly in the tow area. Determine the trailer's GVW, the actual weight when fully loaded, by having it weighed at a truck scale. This figure determines the type of tow vehicle and hitch required. Driving an underpowered tow vehicle stresses the engine and transmission, eating away the life of the vehicle and causing unsafe operation should you not be able to accelerate at a critical time or maneuver because of limited power.