How to Maintain and Care for Your Horse Float: Tips and Tricks for Longevity
Horse floats are used to easily transport horses on the road from one location to the next. There are different types of horse floats for sale. Still, all share the same goal in mind – providing hassle-free transportation for your equine companions.
While horse floats are significantly useful for equestrians, excessive use may cause mechanical strain. This highlights the importance of horse float maintenance and servicing for longevity and preventing costly float repairs.
So, if you want to extend the lifespan of your equine transport, here are essential care and maintenance tips for your horse float:
General Horse Float Maintenance
Conduct Thorough Cleaning
Annually deep cleaning your horse float is crucial to prevent and remove mildew growth or harmful components. Cleaning ensures you can easily identify and address problems that can impact your vehicle before they become a more significant concern.
Check the Flooring
Your equines can suffer severe injuries if there is damage to the flooring of your horse float. Hence, it is essential to check the flooring of your equine transport as part of your regular maintenance. This will help you determine signs of deterioration or damage and have the flooring repaired before embarking on any travels with your horse.
Washing and Waxing
Routinely washing and waxing your horse float is vital for keeping its appearance and structural integrity. This upkeep can protect your vehicle against corrosion and damage from environmental elements. By committing at least a few months a year to washing and waxing your horse float, you ensure its durability and sustain its value for several years.
Professional Inspections
While you may be skilled, it can be advantageous to have a professional assess your horse float regularly. Having your vehicle inspected by an expert gives assurance that it is damage-free and safe to use. Moreover, professional inspections can provide excellent maintenance services, so you do not have to be worried about the overall condition of your equine transport.
Mechanical Maintenance
The parts of your horse float play a crucial role in its overall safety and functionality. Common components include:
Tyres – Horse truck tyres offer traction, support, and stability on various road surfaces.
Chassis – The chassis serves as the foundation of the horse float.
Towing System – Towing systems connect the horse float to the towing vehicle. It facilitates safe and more controlled transport on the track.
Brakes – Brakes enable controlled stopping power when the towing vehicle decelerates or stops, preventing it from rolling or swaying uncontrollably during transit.
Lights – The lights on a horse float enhance visibility. They are especially useful during low-light situations or at night, ensuring the horse float is visible to other road users for better safety.
Regular care and maintenance of these parts is a crucial aspect of horse float maintenance. This practice helps reduce the risk of accidents and enhances the well-being of your horses during transportation.
Here are some practical ways you can maintain your horse float’s components effectively:
Undercarriage Inspection
Look underneath your horse float and observe the frame and cross members for any cracks or breaks. If your vehicle has torsion axles, check their tightness at the attachment point. Conversely, if the horse float is equipped with spring axles, inspect the hanger and shackles for any indications of wear or tightness.
Inflate Tyres
Underinflated tyres are one of the leading causes of tyre failure, resulting in breakdowns and accidents. Keeping your tyres in good condition can enhance your horse float’s steering, braking, grip, and ability to carry loads.
Check the Bearings
It is critical to keep your horse trailer's wheel bearings in good working order. Confirm that they are adequately tightened and greased to guarantee optimal performance and safety.
Unplug the Electric Cord
Disconnect the cord and hang the plug upside down over the vehicle tongue after using your horse float to prevent water leakage. Avoid covering it with plastic bags or other coverings, as these may hold moisture.
Proper Storage of Horse Floats
To properly store your horse truck, elevate its front slightly higher than the back to let water drain out. You can put a block under the jack for support and use another between the wheels to keep it from moving. Once the floor and mats have dried, close all the windows and vents.
Furthermore, consider where you store your horse float. Although parking the vehicle on grass may seem fine in dry weather, it can become muddy and difficult to move your transport in wet seasons. So, it is best to put your horse float on a flat, hard surface like tarmac or concrete to prevent it from rusting underneath.
Ensure Safety and Longevity with Proper Horse Float Maintenance
Regularly cleaning your horse float can extend its lifespan and boost your confidence in caring for your horses. By knowing how to maintain and care for your horse float properly, you ensure it is always in top condition.
If you are looking for the best horse floats in Australia, EuroFloat is a reputable supplier of a wide range of horse floats. Our products are based on advanced European-influenced designs made to fit the rugged Australian environment. With over 20 years of experience with importation, distribution, and sales, we can proficiently deliver your float and accommodate after-sales queries and support.
Visit our website for more information about our horse floats.
References:
https://www.acaloans.com.au/blog/news/horse-floats-history/
https://www.horsedrinker.com/important-maintenance-for-your-horse-trailer/
https://usrider.org/tips-cleaning-horse-trailer-128/
https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/trailer-maintenance/
https://trailswesttrailers.com/blog/spring-maintenance-checklist-horse-trailer/
https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/lifestyle/horse-trailer-maintenance-101-11749/
