www.towahorse.co.uk

It is important to remember when towing a trailer that the combined weight of trailer and horses can be as much as 2-3 tons and thus relies on good brakes on the towing vehicle. At Lea Garage we can carry out safety inspections on the vehicles brakes before you start to tow, to ensure both you and your horses reach your destination safely.

Are you fit to Tow?

Remember, if you are taking to the roads with a horse trailer or horsebox, don’t set out without a final safety check, especially if you leave it standing for most of the year.  Before setting out, make sure your trailer has been properly serviced and is fit to be on the road.

Before you set off

Carry out a final maintenance check

• Is the load correctly distributed and firmly secured?
• Are all the lights undamaged and working correctly?
• Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres in good condition?
• Is the trailer correctly coupled to the tow call or pin?
• Is the coupling height correct? It should be level

Driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect the vehicle’s performance

• Moving off needs more effort
• It will take longer to slow down and stop
• You need to take extra care when negotiating sharp bends

Reversing with a Trailer

• Make sure the road behind you is clear before reversing
• Be especially aware of children and pedestrians
• Try to get somebody to observe for you
• Practice makes perfect, try reversing before setting off
• Have you got the right licence?

Speed Restrictions

• Always keep within the legal speed limit
• 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise
• 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise
• 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways