Whether you are pulling a horse trailer or any piece of large cargo, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for an emergency. Unlike regular car trouble, trailer trouble can be almost impossible if you’re not ready with a few tools and repair parts. You should always have an emergency kit when pulling a trailer with parts that give out often and make sure that you have the right tools that you need.
Phone Numbers
Even in the day and age of the smart phone, a trailer could give out in an area where you don’t have data working. You’ll want to make sure to keep your emergency phone numbers close at hand. Keep the numbers of parts manufacturers in case you need to ask questions. If you’re pulling livestock or horses, keep the number of their vet on hand in case of an emergency. Keep your mechanic’s number handy in case you need a little more direction.
Emergency Engine Parts
Pulling a lot of weight can take its toll not only on the trailer, but also on the truck pulling it. No one wants to spend a lot of overhead on parts they may or may not ever need. But if you’re going on a long trip, you may be willing to pay for the peace of mind. Some parts aren’t that expensive to stock in your truck and you’ll be glad to have them:
- Spare belts and hoses: If your coolant hose goes out, it’s critical. If the drive belt goes, you’re also in trouble. Stock these relatively inexpensive parts.
- Replacement fuses: Replacement fuses are also inexpensive parts to stock up on and usually pretty simple to replace. You could save yourself calling another tow truck.
Spare tires: Spare tires (notice, that it’s tires and not tire) are especially important when towing. You have eight or more wheels that could ruin your trip.
Emergency Trailer Parts
If you’re not used to pulling a trailer, you may not be ready for correcting trouble when pulling a lot of weight. Here are some things you won’t want to pull a trailer without:
- Tow chain: Start with the obvious, right? If your tow chain breaks or starts to look like it’s in danger of breaking, you will want to replace it ASAP.
- Trailer tires: If you’re trying to buy a replacement tire for your odd-sized trailer tire, you’ll see that you might be waiting three or four days to get back on the road. Make sure to bring extra.
Emergency Tools and Products
- Grease and WD40: You’ll want these materials for greasing wheel bearings.
- Electrical tape and duct tape: If your trailer develops any kind of tear, it will become a very big tear no matter how small it is at first. You must patch any and every tear in the trailer, and if you’re on the road, duct tape will work.
- Fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher on board to address any fires that could be dangerous for your trailer cargo.
Being prepared is key, but when it comes to driving with a trailer, it can be life-saving. Make sure that you do a little prep work before setting out on the highway with your trailer.
Dan Nielson writes articles on recreation vehicles and their maintenance. When traveling with a towing vehicle you should carry emergency trailer parts and spare tires for safety and convenience.
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