Livestock Trailer Safety

Livestock trailers play a vital role in the safe transportation of animals. Whether you are hauling a single horse to the trailhead or moving multiple cows to a stock show, you must pay careful attention to what you are doing to ensure your safety, the animals’ safety, and the safety of others on the road.

In this guide, we will break down livestock trailer safety into four categories:

• Before loading
• During loading
• On the road
• At the end of a trip

Each section will share with you practical tips for helping contribute to a safe journey. Remember, if you ever have questions about the operation of your livestock trailer, feel free to swing by a Transwest location. Our team will be happy to walk you through the features of your trailer, ensuring you know how to safely operate the rig before hitting the open road with animals in tow.

Before You Load Your Livestock Trailer

Before leaving on a journey, no matter how short or long the trip will be, take the time to prepare for the drive. The following are all pre-trip safety tips:

Double-Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

It is imperative that you only tow a livestock trailer with a vehicle capable of handling the load. Remember, you need to calculate both the weight of the trailer and the weight of your animals, as well as any other cargo you plan to bring along. Compare this against your vehicle’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) towing capacity. When you tow a livestock trailer with a vehicle that was not designed for your trailer’s total weight, you run the risk of damaging your vehicle. Not only that, but even if a vehicle feels capable of towing a trailer, you must consider its braking capacity.

Inspect the Trailer Floor

Over time, trailer floors can weaken. Wood floors are particularly prone to rotting. Make sure that you walk through the entire trailer while inspecting the floor. If you notice a weak spot, schedule repairs before your trip.

Look Over All Connections

All electrical connections must be functioning. Brake lights and blinkers should be fully operational to ensure that other vehicles on the road can follow you safely. Make sure that the hitch is properly connected and that emergency chains are also in place.

Test Latches

When you are in transit, make sure your animals are secure and that all door and gate latches shut firmly.

Check Your Tires

Use a tire pressure gauge to test the pressure on all trailer tires, as well as the tires of your tow vehicle. Make sure every tire is adjusted based on the manufacturer’s suggested pressure. Additionally, look for any signs of worn tread or cracking in the walls of your tires. Never tow a trailer with signs of dry rot in the tires.

Secure Loose Items

Anything you plan to bring along on your journey should be secured in place. Make sure that no loose cargo is at risk of moving around in transit.

During the Process of Loading Your Livestock Trailer

Once your trailer and tow vehicle are prepped for the road, it is time to load your animals. Practice the following safety tips when loading up:

Think About Weight Distribution 

Ideally, if you have a gooseneck livestock trailer, you’ll want to load the heaviest animals at the front of the trailer.

Practice the Process

Not all animals will be comfortable being loaded into a trailer. Before your first travel day, work with your animals to help them become accustomed to the process. The less stressed your animals are, the less chance of injury in transit.

Double-Check All Latches

Once you have your animals loaded, take the time to go back over all doors and gates, ensuring they are securely closed and latched.

On the Road with Your Livestock

Now that your animals are loaded, it is time to hit the open road. Use these safety tips while towing your animals:

Leave Ample Space

When pulling a livestock trailer, the amount of time it will take you to fully stop your vehicle and trailer is more than usual. Make sure to leave ample space between you and any vehicle in front of you. This will prevent you from slamming on your brakes, which can put your animals at risk.

Obey Speed Limits

Take your trip slowly. Always obey posted speed limit signs. In some cases, you might need to drive under the speed limit to be safe. In this case, use slow lanes when available.

Stop for Breaks

Both you and your animals will benefit from short breaks. Stretch your legs, water your animals, and double-check connections.

Watch the Weather

High winds, torrential rain, snow, and ice can all be extremely hazardous when towing a trailer. Make sure to pay to check the weather forecast before you leave and pull off the road if necessary.

At the End of Your Trip

After you are finished with your trip and have unloaded your animals, use these tips to help ensure continued safety:

Clean the Floors

To help prevent rot or damage to your trailer’s flooring, make sure you sweep and clear out any trash or debris.

Tidy Up

Make sure you clear out any tackle or other items you brought along. Clutter can be a tripping hazard and may be forgotten before your next trip.

Store Under Protection

If possible, store your livestock trailer in a barn or other enclosed space. This will help prevent rust and damage, which could weaken connections or the frame of the trailer.

Visit Transwest to Find the Right Livestock Trailer

It is important when transporting animals to ensure that you have the right style of livestock trailer for your needs. Attempting to haul too many animals in a small trailer can be hazardous.

If it is time for you to upgrade your livestock trailer, come visit our team at Transwest. We carry a variety of livestock trailers, including both bumper pull and gooseneck styles.

We will be happy to assist you in finding the right trailer for your specific needs. Stop by a location or give us a call to learn more.