You finally have your dream horse trailer. You can't wait to haul your horse to a trail-riding adventure away from home. But first, take time to learn how to drive your horse trailer for your and your horse's safety and comfort, using the following 15 tips. Note that if you've never driven a truck-and-horse-trailer rig before, practice by driving off-hours with an empty trailer in an empty parking lot (with permission) and on a seldom-traveled road.
We'll also provide rest-stop planning tips (opposite page), and give you the rundown on a new medium-duty truck, along with a related glossary (page 73).
1. Adjust mirrors properly. Adjust your mirrors so that you can see your trailer's back end. Then you'll know when there's enough clearance when pulling in front of another vehicle. Also, aim your mirrors down so you can see the road edge behind your trailer. Keep in mind that passenger-side mirrors don't give accurate distance measurements.
2. Invest in good mirrors. If your current mirrors don't extend out far enough on the side to see the back of your trailer, buy new ones, or add extenders to the mirror arm. Or, buy "fisheye" mirrors, whose curvature provides a wider viewing area than normal. After-market mirrors are available at auto-supply stores and online; or, you can custom-order them from your local dealer.
Plan Your Rest Stops
Plan your rest stops around weather and road conditions. Rule of thumb: If you're on a freeway in good weather with no traffic and a smooth surface, you can go about three to four hours without stopping. If you're on a rough road with a lot of curves and stops, or you're driving in poor weather conditions, plan to stop for a rest after about two to three hours.
When you're stopped, check your lights, hitch lock, and tires. Test latches and doors to make sure they're secure and closed tightly.
If you plan to unload your horse and clean your trailer, select a safe site out of traffic. Pack out the manure as a courtesy to other drivers, and so you won't inadvertently leave any exotic weed seeds, which can upset the area's natural ecological balance.
3. Note your trailer's tracking. Observe how your trailer tracks behind your towing vehicle - that is, how evenly and closely your trailer's tire marks follow your towing-vehicle's tire marks. You'll use this information to help you turn with care. (See Tip #9.) To see how your trailer tracks, drive your empty trailer to a dirt field. Make some turns, then inspect the tracking pattern.
4. Turn on all lights. Turn on your towing-vehicle lights (low-beam) and trailer lights for enhanced visibility. The better the other drivers see you, the safer you'll be.
5. Be a turtle. Be a turtle, not a jackrabbit. Jackrabbit starts and sudden stops are hard on your trailered horse. That sudden jerk when peeling out can throw him against the butt chains or dividers; a sudden stop can throw him forward into the manger or sideways against the trailer wall. Pull out slowly. When approaching a signal or stop sign, allow plenty of room between your rig and the cars ahead of you for greater stopping distance. In stop-and-go traffic, leave about four to five car lengths in front of you to allow for smooth stops. (Bonus: A comfortable, happy horse will tend to trailer load more easily than an uncomfortable, unhappy one.)
6. Watch your speed. Be aware of your state's speed limits for towing, or for rigs of a specific size or length. And regardless of the speed limit, make safety a priority. Don't adjust your speed according to a road sign, but to the highway's weather and safety conditions.
