Posted 2012-02-04 5:41 PM (#140545) Subject: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316 Location: Illinois
Sadly a UPS driver was killed last night. He was hit by a horse trailer (thankfully no horses were inside) that had come loose from it's tow vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.There was no mention of what caused the trailer to disengage from the tow vehicle or whether or not safety chains had been used, but the fact that it crossed the median into the path of a semi truck hauling doubles causing the death of the driver is tragic to say the least.
The only thing I'll add is to lube your hitch and ball. I'd rather have the occasional greased pant leg, then have a hitch fail. I also spent the extra money for a stainless steal ball.I also recommend doing an inspection before hauling and anytime you stop. No matter how big of a hurry you might be in. Particularly if you leave the trailer unattended for any time. You never know when someone might mess with your hitch, chains, electrical connection or even open a door or window to get a better look at your horse. Let's face it, there are a lot of stupid and inconsiderate people out there.
Posted 2012-02-04 10:51 PM (#140553 - in reply to #140545) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
I have seen too many times where drivers lucked out when towing. I just hope that everyone on this site knows the price you may pay for a moment of forgetfulness. BE SAFE, double check your towing equipment, then CHECK IT AGAIN!! Your own life and the lives of others depend on this..
Posted 2012-02-04 11:18 PM (#140554 - in reply to #140545) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Tucson, AZ
YES!! Check your hitch and trailer EVERY time you walk away from it! I was just at a show, stopped at a very busy Cracker Barrel with some friends for a quick bite before jumping on the freeway. THANK GOODNESS my husband has trained me to do a full 'walk around' the truck/trailer after each stop. Some IDIOT must have thought it would be funny to unhitch my BP trailer.
I kissed my husband when I got home, and thanked him for training me (even though I whined throughout the entire training!) and keeping my horses safe!
***MAKE A HABIT to ALWAYS do a FULL walk around EVERY time you leave your truck/trailer.***
Posted 2012-02-05 2:35 PM (#140566 - in reply to #140545) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: high desert, CA.
As someone else has said;DON'T MAKE EXCUSES...do the walk around and CHECK the hitch and the ball every time you stop. And....check the nut under the ball, it CAN loosen under vibration or strain.( In fact I took my wire elder and put a weld of steel across the threads. Can't change the ball size, but it WON'T come loose)
Posted 2012-02-05 8:58 PM (#140571 - in reply to #140545) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
and when you stop for fuel, walk around and feel hubs. Had a friend tell me of a trailer tire coming off, fly thru the air and thru a windshield. Hub had froze up, sheered off.
If you have one that feels hot, or much warmer than others, get it checked ASAP!
Posted 2012-02-06 1:19 PM (#140581 - in reply to #140555) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Expert
Posts: 2615
Originally written by hosspuller on 2012-02-05 1:25 AM
Check hitch AND safety chains... Those "S" hooks don't qualify as safety chains for a horse trailer weighing 5000 + pounds. This is an costly tragedy.
What do they use in that case?
Man,I don't know how I'd deal with that sort of thing the rest of my life,if I caused something like this to happen and killed another person.I doubt I'd deal with it very well,at all.
Posted 2012-02-06 2:38 PM (#140585 - in reply to #140581) Subject: RE: The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Originally written by crowleysridgegirl on 2012-02-06 6:19 AM
Originally written by hosspuller on 2012-02-05 1:25 AM
Check hitch AND safety chains... Those "S" hooks don't qualify as safety chains for a horse trailer weighing 5000 + pounds. This is an costly tragedy.
What do they use in that case?
Buy some actual chain hooks instead of the "S" hooks. They are easy to install, Usually just slip a link into the bottom and slide the pin through the holes and the link. then add a Cotter pin to keep it in place.
Chains come in various grades, Truckers and transportation specialist usually use the the higher Grade 8 chains and parts for the added strength. ( usually a yellow or golden color ) Although the color is not a guarantee of the chains strength.
Subpart F - Coupling devices and towing methods ยง 393.70Coupling devices and towing methods, except for driveaway-towaway operations.
The key paragraphis :
d) Safety devices in case of tow-bar failure or disconnection. Every full trailer and every converter dolly used to convert a semitrailer to a full trailer must be coupled to the frame, or an extension of the frame, of the motor vehicle which tows it with one or more safety devices to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the tow-bar fails or becomes disconnected. The safety device must meet the following requirements:
Of this part ...
(3) The safety device, and the means of attaching it to the vehicles, must have an ultimate strength of not less than the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed.
The Importance Of Trailer Safety.
YES!! Check your hitch and trailer EVERY time you walk away from it! I was just at a show, stopped at a very busy Cracker Barrel with some friends for a quick bite before jumping on the freeway. THANK GOODNESS my husband has trained me to do a full 'walk around' the truck/trailer after each stop. Some IDIOT must have thought it would be funny to unhitch my BP trailer. 
