Horse Trailer Storage Tips for the Off-Season

Give the trailer a thorough cleaning

Remember, a clean horse trailer means a happy horse. Do not store a horse trailer with manure, urine, damp bedding, or hay still inside. Moisture and organic material can cause odors, corrosion, floor damage, and pests if left for several months.

Start by removing everything from the horse area and tack room. Sweep out loose debris, then pull up removable floor mats. Wash the walls, dividers, floors, mats, and other surfaces using cleaning products appropriate for your trailer’s materials.

Pay close attention to the area underneath the mats. Moisture can become trapped there, even when the top appears dry. This is also a good time to inspect the floor for soft spots, corrosion, loose boards, or other damage.

Let every surface dry completely before replacing the mats or closing the trailer. Parking a damp trailer for the season defeats much of the work you just did.

Inspect it before storing it

The best time to find a problem is before the trailer sits unused for months. Walk through the interior and around the exterior while everything is clean and visible.

Check:

• Windows and vents
• Floors and floor supports
• Roof seams and sealant
• Doors, ramps, and dividers
• Hinges and latches
• Wiring and light fixtures
• Hitch components and safety chains
• Brakes, suspension, and wheel bearings
• Exterior panels and exposed metal

Look for leaks, cracks, loose hardware, rust, sharp edges, and parts that no longer move correctly. Addressing those problems now means you are less likely to begin the next season with a repair list.

Choose a dry, level place to park

Indoor storage offers the most protection, but not every owner has space available in a barn or enclosed building. If the trailer will stay outside, choose a level, well-drained area away from standing water and falling branches.

Avoid parking directly on soft soil or grass for long periods. Moisture around the tires and undercarriage can contribute to corrosion and make the trailer difficult to move after heavy rain or snow.

If you use a trailer cover, make sure it fits properly and allows airflow. A loose tarp can rub against the finish in the wind, while a cover that traps moisture may create a different set of problems. Close doors and windows securely, but follow the trailer manufacturer’s ventilation recommendations. The goal is to keep weather out without creating a sealed, damp interior.

Take care of the tires

Horse trailer tires can develop problems even when the trailer is not moving. Check the air pressure before storage and inspect each tire for:

• Sidewall cracks
• Bulges or cuts
• Uneven tread wear
• Embedded objects
• Damaged valve stems
• Signs of aging

Use the pressure listed for your specific trailer and tires rather than guessing based on appearance. Tire covers can help protect exposed tires from sunlight during outdoor storage.

If the trailer will remain parked for an extended period, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on supporting or moving it. Do not place the trailer on blocks or stands unless they are properly rated and positioned at approved support points.

Protect the battery and electrical system

A trailer battery can slowly lose its charge while sitting, particularly in cold weather. Disconnect, remove, or maintain it according to your battery and trailer's recommendations.

If you remove the battery, store it in a dry, protected location and use an appropriate maintainer when recommended. Do not leave a damaged, leaking, or heavily corroded battery connected inside the trailer.

Check interior lights and accessories before shutting everything down. Turning off the main disconnect may not prevent every device from drawing power, so confirm which devices remain connected in your specific trailer.

Winterize living quarters and water systems

A horse trailer with living quarters needs additional preparation. Any water left in tanks, pipes, pumps, or fixtures can freeze and cause damage.

Depending on the trailer, winterizing may include:

• Draining freshwater and holding tanks
• Emptying the water heater
• Clearing or protecting plumbing lines
• Winterizing sinks, showers, and toilets
• Cleaning the refrigerator
• Removing food and toiletries
• Checking the heating and propane systems
• Turning off appliances and disconnecting power sources

Follow your trailer's and installed equipment's owner's manual. Plumbing layouts vary, so a general checklist should not replace the instructions for your specific system.

Keep pests from moving in

Hay, grain, treats, leather, blankets, and nesting materials can all attract rodents or insects. Remove anything edible along with tack and supplies that could be damaged.

Inspect around doors, vents, wiring openings, and storage compartments for secure, approved screens or covers where needed without blocking required ventilation.

Avoid leaving loose pest-control products where horses, pets, or other animals could reach them later. Whatever method you use should suit the storage location and be checked regularly.

Do not forget about it until spring

Every few weeks, take a quick walk around it and look for:

• Flat or low tires
• Water leaks
• Wind or storm damage
• Signs of rodents
• Moisture inside
• A shifted or damaged cover
• Battery or electrical problems
• Rust or corrosion

Catching a small problem in December is usually easier than discovering a large one the morning of your first spring haul.

Start the next season ready to haul

Proper horse trailer storage is less about putting the trailer away and more about making sure it comes back out in good condition. Before hauling again, complete a full safety inspection and test the brakes, lights, hitch, doors, and tires. 

If your inspection uncovers something that needs professional attention, schedule service with a Transwest horse and livestock trailer service center before the next trip.