As I get grayer, comforts while traveling get closer to the top of my list of must-haves. Here are a few comfort items you can add to your hauling rig to make it an easier ride for you and your horse.
Air Bags
Semi trucks that travel long distances over-the-road have air axles, air cabs, air seats, air trailer axles - even air assist in shifting gears. You can have air ride, too. Consider adding air bags to help level your existing truck and trailer to smooth out the ride.
I installed Air Lift (800/248-0892; www.airliftcompany.com) air bags on my truck - the Air Lift model LoadLifter 5000 and the WirelessAir remote with air compressor. This unique system has a remote control for setting the air bag pressure to level your truck and trailer. This means you don't have to run air lines and install an air gauge in your cab.
The remote has a digital readout of air pressure in each bag, allowing you to level your truck side to side, as well as up and down. On the Ford model I used, the air bag attaches inside the truck frame so you can still attach an overload spring, such as SuperSprings, for the really heavy loads.
The air compressor is fast, and two preset buttons on the remote control for empty and loaded air bag pressure makes it simple to keep your ride smooth. It's not an easy install, but the air hoses were simple to connect, they just push into the couplers.
The Air Lift WirelessAir remote control clips to your visor so you can just dial in the best ride.
Air Axles
Air ride for horse trailers isn't new. It provides a softer ride for your horses; they'll feel less vibration and bounce. They'll arrive with less stress and will tend to be less leery of the trailer.
Now, there's a hybrid trailer axle that uses air bags and torsion suspension. Hybrids are the buzzword now. Air axles typically have more axle travel (five inches) than torsion axles (two to three inches). This new hybrid axle can have almost eight inches of wheel travel using the two suspensions. (With a hybrid air axle, you'll notice how soft it is when you walk into the trailer - it's like walking on a trampoline.)
The air valve sensor control on the ASI axle was designed with Transwest Truck Trailer RV of Colorado (800/289-3161; www.transwest.com). It keeps the trailer level regardless of load. It also equalizes the axles so they carry the same weight over bumps and railroad tracks. The axles come with air compressor, air tank, and an air heater/dryer, just like the big 18-wheelers. Cimarron Trailers (877-286-8757; www.cimarrontrailers.com) helped develop and test the new hybrid axles.
Other Modifications
Other trailer modifications that can make a difference to your equine buddy's trailering comfort include those that reduce vibration and noise.
Balancing your trailer tires reduces tire heat by eight to 10 percent, increasing tire life by 25 to 50 percent. Balanced trailer tires also vibrate less, which leads to less equine agitation.
Centramatic automatic balancers (800/523-8473; www.centramatic.com) keep your truck and trailer tires balanced as you drive. Along with reducing vibration stress, the design also helps reduce brake heat and brake dust that transfers to the tires and wheels.
Try some of these ideas this summer, and enjoy your ride - both on your horse and in your rig!
