Travel Safely

Walk Around Inspection:

• Examine the trailer’s general condition for any damage, rust, or wear and tear.
• Check that the handbrake functions correctly.
• Ensure that reflectors on the sides of the trailer are clean, secure, and visible to other vehicles.
• Verify that the number plate matches the towing vehicle and is securely fixed at the back of the trailer.

Internal Trailer Checks:

Floor Inspection:

• Lift the rubber matting and check the floor:
• Ensure it’s sound, rot-free (for wooden floors), and dry.
• Always muck out the trailer after each use and ensure the floor is fully dry before closing the doors.
• Clean the floor’s drain holes out with a screwdriver – most trailers have natural drain holes built into the lower body and floor at the front and rear of the trailer.

Ramp, Doors, and Hinges:

• Inspect the ramp, doors, hinges, and fastenings:
• Ensure they are in working order.
• Carefully examine the roof for signs of leaks or weakness.

Partitions and Breast Bars:

• Thoroughly check that partitions and breast bars are secure and in good working order.
• Check any quick release pins

Electrical Connections:

• Verify that all electrical connections are secure:
• Look for frayed wires or loose connections.

Light Check:

• Confirm that brake lights, sidelights, and indicators are functioning.
• Inspect light lenses for cracks or breaks that could affect the electrics.

Tire Inspection:

• Check tire pressure (refer to your trailer handbook for correct levels).
• Inspect each tire for wear, cracks, bulges, and splits in the rubber.
• Ensure tire treads are at least 1.6mm deep.
• Don’t forget to check the exterior spare wheel: remove the cover, ensure it’s secure, has sufficient tread, no cracks, and is properly inflated.

Coupling Up:

Confirm the following:

• Brake is off
• Jockey wheel is raised securely.
• Breakaway cable is correctly attached (not over the towball) It should have a separate attachment point from the towball but on the same piece of metal.