How to Maintain the Brakes of a Horse Trailer

There’s a lot you can do to keep your horse trailer in peak working condition. The most obvious, of course, is keeping up with preventive repairs and maintenance. One of the most important aspects of proper maintenance is keeping the brakes in good shape. After all, the brakes keep your rig from slamming into your tow vehicle or causing other mishaps. We have gathered some helpful tips on horse trailer brake maintenance to get you started.

Inspection

The best way to keep your brakes well-maintained is to check them regularly. Inspect every part of the system from your towing vehicle all the way back to your trailer to look for any signs of damage or disrepair. This means examining the shoes, drums, and shoe return springs, in addition to any hardware.

Think about the kinds of brakes you use and how that might affect the kind of maintenance you need to perform. For example, for electric brakes, you’ll need to check the wiring and connections to ensure there are no breaks or frays. If you’ve got surge brakes, try and push your trailer to see if the braking system activates. If it doesn’t, you might have an issue with the brake fluid or the master cylinder or wheel cylinders.

Make sure nothing is grinding together and that there’s no corrosion. If you discover that your brakes are wearing unevenly when you compare the left and right sides, this may mean you’re not balancing the weight in your trailer properly or that your hitch isn’t adjusted properly.

Regular Maintenance

Check the brakes of your horse trailer at least annually or after you’ve clocked 12,000 miles. Regular inspection is especially necessary if you don’t use your rig very often. It’s also sometimes necessary to have a professional check the entire brake system. You may be able to make some minor repairs, but an expert can quickly diagnose any problems and get to the root of them quickly, saving you valuable time.

Have additional questions regarding horse trailer brake maintenance? The experts at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence have got you covered. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit us for assistance with horse trailer repair, service, or parts. We proudly serve all those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.