Stock Trailers ━ Safe Transportation Tips
If you have any kind of livestock, you know a stock trailer is indispensable for you. Whether you need to take an animal to the vet or take a few to an out-of-town show, livestock trailers are what you use to get there. To help you safely transport your animals from one place to the next, we at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs have created the following guide. If you need additional information or if you’re ready to own a reliable stock trailer, come to one of our dealerships in Red Deer and Edmonton, AB. We’re proud to serve all our friends from Alberta!
The Right Stock Trailer
Before you make a purchase, you should make sure the livestock trailer you’re looking at is suited for your tasks. You can do this by asking yourself a few questions: is the trailer big enough to hold all the animals I may need to transport at one ago? Does it have the right sort of loading for my animals? Is the slope created by the ramp gradual enough for the animals to safely walk-up? Are the floors built with non-slip material that limits the excess noise that can agitate cattle? The first step is to get the right stock trailer, which makes the transportation safer to start with.
The Right Tow Vehicle
Before you get the stock trailer home, make sure that your tow vehicle will be able to handle it. To figure that out you should know the gross combined weight ratio (GCWR) of the tow vehicle; this number lets you know how much weight can be hauled by it. Then calculate the weight of the stock trailer, cattle, passengers and any cargo. This number should be lower than the GCWR of the tow vehicle.
Inspect The Equipment
Once you start using the stock trailer, keep in mind that both it and the tow vehicle will be subject to random wear and tear. Conduct pre-trip inspections so any problems can be nipped in the bud. Ensure turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights haven’t burned out. Measure the tire tread and air pressure to ensure they match the manufacturer's recommendations.
Make sure the livestock trailer floor is clean and sturdy. Look around the area for any sharp objects sticking out that could harm your animals. Inspect the electrical connections and wiring to ensure they are in good condition. If there’s any problem that you can’t handle yourself, bring your stock trailer to Allan Dale Trailers & RVs and we’ll whip it into shape for you!
Follow Safe Loading Practices
Don’t load the stock trailer willy-nilly; be intentional about it. Distribute the weight as evenly as possible. First, place the heaviest animals in the area supported by the axle's front. Then load the rest of the livestock around this area. When it comes to securing the animals inside the trailer, you want to strategize it. For the knot, use a slip knot. When you tie, make sure it happens at the cattle's head height.
Use Safe Transport Practices
Once the loaded (and, therefore, heavy) stock trailer is hitched to the tow vehicle, you need to increase the braking time. To do that, you need to increase the distance you leave between yourself and other commuters. Make sure you've got a good sense of how much time you'll need to stop and leave enough room to match.
Check the weather before any trip. Avoid taking trips in bad weather, but if you have to go, take any necessary precautions and stay alert throughout the drive. Try to limit lane changes as much as possible. There are too many distracted drivers on the road and it's too easy to get into a collision when you change lanes. Pick a lane and stick to it as much as you can to help keep your ride safe.
We hope this list will help you and your animals stay safer on the roads! For more information, visit Allan Dale Trailers & RVs and have a chat with our helpful staff. If you’re looking for stock trailers for sale in Red Deer and Edmonton, AB, get in touch with us today! We welcome all our patrons from Alberta!