Horse floats
carry precious cargo, so it is important to ensure you are not only safely
towing and protecting your horses but also protecting your family in transit.
Therefore efficient and immediate horse float maintenance and repairs are a
necessity. Depending on the kilometres towed, you should aim to get your float
serviced every year as a minimum or every six months if you tow regularly.
Scheduled servicing may
save you from the unfortunate mishap of being stuck on the side of the road and
requiring the expenditure of a tow truck, and not getting to your destination
in time!
To avoid any issues or
serious horse float repairs, we recommend following our checklist before
loading your horses onto the float.
Check Your Tyres
and Bearings
The first item on your horse
float repairs checklist should be to always examine your tyres and look for
uneven tread wear. You may need to consult a mechanic or tyre shop if any tyres
display uneven wear as this could result in a bigger issue. You should also
make sure to replace low tread tyres and check the air pressure. It is
important to ensure each tyre has the same pressure to balance out the weight
evenly. If one tyre always seems to have
less pressure, ask your mechanic or tyre shop to inspect the tyre. It may be a
result of a puncture which can be disastrous if the puncture ruptures during
the tow.
It is always a
good idea to carry a spare tyre and ensure the pressure of this tyre matches
the tyres currently on the horse float. Fixing all tyre issues increases safety
and reliability when on the road and reduces unnecessary wear and tear.
To assess the wheel
bearing, grab the top of each wheel and rock it back and forth towards and away
from you to ensure no wheel bearing movement.
Check For Rusted or
Loose Floor Boards
Before loading, make sure the internal floor of your horse
float is strong with no damage. It is crucial to ensure floors are strong
before using your horse float to eliminate any significant horse float repairs.
To check your internal flooring, lift any matting and check
for any signs of rust, rotting or sagging floor. Walk around on the float to
feel if any boards are loose or weak. You can also inspect the flooring by
going under the trailer to look from below.
Transporting
your horse with such issues increases the risk of injury. If the damage is
extensive, always book your horse float in for a repairs service before
transporting your precious cargo.
Check Your Frame,
Suspension and Float Components
When inspecting
your hose float from underneath, it is also a good idea to check the
suspension, axles and other float components, including Ubolts, for signs of
fatigue. Signs that your horse float requires repairs include rust, cracks and
bowing/bends in welds, frames, support beams, suspension or components such as
Ubolts. You should also check for broken brake lines and frayed wiring.
A final component check
should include walking around your float and inspecting the latches, coupling
and body parts.
Check Your Float’s Electrical
System
Inspecting the
electrical system of your horse float is vital for the safety and efficiency of
not just the horse float but also the tow vehicle and its passengers. Verify
that the lights and indicators are in full working order while also bright and
easily visible in daylight. You should also check for broken brake lines and
frayed wiring.
If the electrical system is
not in working order, book the horse float into a mechanic for repairs.
Check Your Float’s Braking System
Check
your brakes before use and ensure maintenance is up to date, for example, the
master cylinder has adequate brake fluid (hydraulic) to avoid disaster and
expensive repair.
Check For Unwanted Passengers
Horse
floats seem to be an attraction for mice, spiders, bees and wasps. Always check for unwanted guests before
loading horses.
Book Your Horse Float Repairs Service Today!
As
with any vehicle, servicing, maintenance and safety are paramount. If any of the above issues are evident,
always book in with a qualified mechanic for repair and service. Swiftco
Trailers highly recommends minimum 12 monthly servicing to ensure your equine
activities are carefree, reliable and safe.
