How to Repair a Horse Trailer

Check the floor boards under the mats regularly unless you own a trailer with a metal floor. It is of utmost importance to keep the floors in good repair to avoid having a horse's leg go through while you are traveling. Metal floors are usually aluminum, which doesn't rust out, but check for thin spots.

Replace floor boards if they are showing any signs of rot or excess wear. You can check for rot by using a screw driver and and checking for soft spots. Replacement boards should be of good quality- of a hardwood and of proper size. Ensure you wedge them in tightly and bolt them down, or the result will be disastrous when they flip up and come apart.
Metal floors should be power hosed off after each use. Although aluminum floors are not prone to rust- check your trailer's warrenty. Most require that the floor be hosed off every 6 months or before storage.

Use of rubber matts over your floor will help prolong it's life as well as give more grip to the horse.

Remove tires and wheels. Check and replace brake shoes as needed. Repack wheel bearings with grease or replace bearings if there are metal filings present.

Trade old tires for new ones, if needed, and ensure you tighten wheel lugs snugly when you put the wheels back on.

Run a new wiring harness through the channels provided if there is a problem with the wiring. Replace lights and bulbs until all lights are working.

Ensure the springs and shackles are attached and not broken, if your trailer has them.

Look at the undercarriage to make sure it is not broken or rusted through in places. If it is, weld it back in place or replace with new metal.

Inspect the hitch and safety chains and replace, if needed. The hitch is the one part of a trailer that doesn't usually wear out.

Weld any spots that may be rusted out where the trailer sides connect to the frame and apply a new coat of paint after all welding is complete.