Problems With Low-Hanging Tanks on Horse Trailers

Horse trailers typically only have two types of tanks --- though not all horse trailers have one or any of them. Water tanks are typically installed in the tack room and fastened to the wall, but may be found on the outside of the trailer if installed after-market or on a horse trailer that does not have a tack compartment. Propane tanks on a trailer with living quarters are usually installed on the front of the unit, underneath the gooseneck portion of the trailer. The height of these tanks will depend on the manufacturer. There are a few problems these two types of tanks might cause if mounted too low.

  1. Horse Injuries

    • Metal tanks often have sharp edges that can seriously injure a horse if it brushes up against the tank. Cuts and scrapes may require veterinary care, including tetanus boosters or stitches if the wound warrants it. Because horses can have a tendency toward spooking and moving rapidly, a low-hanging tank that is near where the horse will be tied outside the trailer can lead to serious injury, even if the animal is supervised at all times.

    Horse Kicks

    • Low-hanging tanks on a horse trailer are in danger of being kicked by horses that are tied or being led near the trailer and tank. A typical riding horse can often weight up to 1,400 pounds, and when it kicks, out of fright or in frustration, it can damage, bend or even puncture the tank, rendering it unusable and injuring the animal at the same time. Many horses wear steel shoes, making this problem even more hazardous due to the additional impact by the metal shoe, which is significantly harder than an unshod hoof.

    Rough Fields

    • Many equestrian events are held in rural areas and often require participants to park their trucks and trailers in fields. These parking areas may be very rough and full of gopher and mole hills, ruts or large rocks. A low-hanging tank on the trailer has the potential to snag on any one of these hazards, which could then damage, dent or even tear open the tank.

    Solutions

    • If the tank on your trailer hangs low enough that it has the potential to cause any of these problems, take it to the dealership where you purchased it or to a qualified trailer repair shop, and have the shop rebuild the tank fittings so that the tanks sit higher. If possible, move the tanks so that the horse cannot come in contact with them. Propane tanks mounted low on the front of the trailer may need to be moved higher so that they are tucked underneath the frame of the gooseneck. Water tanks may be moved into the trailer's tack compartment and remounted or even placed on the roof in the hay rack.