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Buying a horse float- Checklist

• Inspect the general condition of the Horse float-sides, front and rear ramps, roof.
• Look underneath for signs of woodrot or metal fatigue in the floor and ramp, especially the ramp top near the hinges.
• Check the condition of the metal chassis. This is very important as the chassis forms the foundations of the rest of the horse trailer.
• Look at the way the trailer is sitting. Does it appear to lean to one side? This could indicate a fault in the suspension.
• Look for cracks in the springs and check their general appearance i.e are they too flat? Do they look as though all the spring has gone out of them?
• If possible have a test tow
• If a reversing arm or lever has to be flipped over to allow the trailer to be reversed check this. The brakes should come on and the trailer will be resistant to reverse.
• Test the lights. You will have to attach the trailer electrics to a car to do this. The law requires that the lights on a horse trailer are in good working order.
• Check the operation of the trailer ramp and spring assisters.
• Check the float frame inside where the roof meets the side walls. Check along the top of this frame work as there can often be rust there.
• Check the floor inside the trailer, especially where it joins the sides. Water or dirty straw may have rotted the wood there.
• Check that the trailer chassis mountings are secure.
• Check for rust in a horse trailer, rust repair may be very expensive.