Keeping your horse float in top shape isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about knowing what matters, spotting early warning signs, and taking care of problems before they cost you time, money or your horse’s wellbeing. But like any vehicle, horse floats need regular upkeep to stay safe and roadworthy. Ignore that, and you’re rolling the dice every time you hitch up.
In this guide, we'll discuss the basics of horse float maintenance that will help you avoid major repairs and protect your investment.
Start with the Essentials
Before you tow anything, there are a few simple checks that should always be part of your routine. Make sure your trailer plug is properly connected, the safety chains are crossed over and securely fastened, and the tow coupling is locked in tight.
Test the handbrake, pump the brakes on your car and turn on the indicators a few times to check the lights, and give the tyres a once-over, ensuring they're inflated to the correct pressure, have sufficient tread depth, and don't have any perishing or damage to the tyre walls. For more info on tyre pressure and care, read our guide on how often you should check your trailer tyre pressure.
These checks only take a couple of minutes and are the easiest and most effective form of maintenance you'll ever do. They let you spot worn tyres, loose chains, or dodgy plugs early and allow you to fix them before they become a roadside nightmare.
After the First 1,000 Kilometres
Every float goes through a break-in period. After about 1,000 km (or three months, whichever comes first), you’ll want to check and tighten the U-bolts on the leaf spring suspension. A local trailer mechanic can carry out the inspection if you’re unsure what to do, and they usually offer horse float repair services as well. Loose bolts and neglected bearings are a recipe for trouble.
Stay Ahead of Wear and Tear with Regular Maintenance Services
Good horse float maintenance is about regular upkeep, and it doesn't need to be much: your pre-departure checks will catch almost every problem before it becomes an issue, whether that's a broken taillight or a dodgy shackle.
In addition, a spray of WD40 into the door locks and hinges will keep them moving and free from rust. Keeping your tyres properly inflated and out of direct sunlight will help prevent the rubber from perishing.
After a long trip, walk around your horse float and check for heat around the centre caps of the mags. If they’re hot to the touch, your wheel bearings need attention. While you're there, check that your wheel nuts are tight, your brake controller is working properly, and your jockey wheel is free from rust and able to lock to the A-frame of the float.
Service Your Horse Float Annually: No Shortcuts
It might seem like overkill, but you should book your float in for a full service with a qualified mechanic every year. They'll take care of the stuff you can't do yourself, such as checking and adjusting the brakes, repacking or replacing bearings, inspecting the tow hitch and suspension, and going over the chassis for cracks or signs of stress.
One thing you can do yourself is to check the floor. Whether it’s hardwood, composite, or aluminium, check for sagging, soft spots, or moisture getting under the rubber matting. Resealing edges with a bit of silicone now can save you thousands in float repairs later.
Pay Attention to the Details
If your float is equipped with a water tank, battery system, or internal partitions, check that everything’s operating as it should. Inspect the isolator switch on your battery system, and confirm that the water pump runs off your trailer plug’s auxiliary wire. Ensure any chest bars, partitions, breaching gates, windows, and storage bin lids are latched, pinned, and strapped before every trip.
A float isn’t just a trailer; it’s carrying live cargo. The more attention you give the little things, the less chance you’ve got of running into big problems.
Stay Ready & Stay Safe with Regular Horse Float Repairs & Maintenance
There’s a lot riding on your float. If you want to keep your horse float in peak condition, get in the habit of doing regular checks and routine maintenance, book that annual service, and don’t leave problems to chance. The result is fewer surprises, safer towing, and a float that stays in top condition for longer.
Looking for a new float built to go the distance? Our extensive range of horse floats has something for everyone, whether you need a 2-horse straight load float, a 3-horse angle load float, or large gooseneck horse floats. Built tough for Australian roads, with safety, strength, and comfort at the core, trust Big Man Trailers for reliable horse floats and exceptional service.