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Re: [RC] Got my facts straight? - DarkHorseGoddessI believe I've read that insurance on trailers is not required, but it seems like a good idea. What's the general consensus about this? Is it worth it or no, and are there different types of policies like there are for automobiles (full coverage, liability, etc)? Hello....your "liability insurance" from your towing vehicle will extend to your trailer, BUT, you may want to consider comp insurance which will cover any loss or damage to your trailer. Many times it's as cheap as $50.00 per year, that will depend on the value of your trailer. As far as actually traveling with the horse(s), my state requires only a negative Coggins and a health certificate. While we aren't required to get brand inspections, is it still a good idea to have one anyway just as an extra precaution? I don't mind the extra paperwork if it means being more prepared. Also does the health certificate include vaccination records or should that be brought along as extra (unneeded) documentation to substantiate the health cert? If you are going to travel outside your state, your Vet will know what is required by those states you will be entering. Check with your State about Brand Inspections. It's always a good idea to cover proof of horse ownership with you, a copy of registration papers and/or a bill of sell will do. As well, as your vaccination, deworming records, just in case you need them. You vet will fill out the Health Certificate (HC) and will verify that your horses are not ill. Please note that HC are only good for 30 days, and many states require that they be issued within 10 days of start of travel. Here is what I do, I have a folder in my rig with the following info on each of my horses: Registration papers (copy), bill of sale (copy), Coggins (also carry extra copies), current HC, record of vaccinations, and deworming, my emergency contact info, as well as feed & supplement info for each horse, and each dog (my dogs go everywhere with me). That way if something happens to me, there is a record of who to contact and how to care for my horses and dogs A lot of the archives mentioned having to stop at weight stations, or mandatory Ag Ports of Entry. Just to be safe I should stop even if I don't think I need to? I'm assuming people mean the first weigh station when one crosses the state line? Or is it every single station on the interstate? Or is this completely unnecessary with just a truck and a regular horse trailer? As you approach a weigh station it will tell if what vehicle must pull into the station, this is based on the weight of your rig. So, know the weight of your rig! That is the total weight, loaded with your horses, feed, hay, camping stuff...dogs and you. You may want to get your rig weighed after you buy it, you can do that at a local truck stop, it'll cost you about $5.00 or if you have a grain mill nearby, they may do it for free. And yes, you will most likely have to enter each station as you cross it, just read the signs for info. When you entered the station, be prepared with your paperwork ... just in case you are pulled over for an inspection. This has only happen to me, twice..1. pulled my notebook binder out, and the Ag inspector looked at me, and said "is that all the records for your horses?" I said yes...then he said "you like organized, so I'm only to believe that you are also legal". 2. The inspector had me pull my coggins our, and he looked into my trailer, and compared my horse to the drawing on my coggins papers. Then he asked me for proof of rabies on my dogs, not only did my dogs have their tags, but I also had a statement from my Vet that my dogs had their vaccinations up to date, BTW...you can also add your dogs to your HC. when using a straight load trailer, you put most of the weight on the left side to counteract the crowned surface of the road. What about slant loads? Obviously that wouldn't apply, but is there a specific "slot" you should put the horse(s) in if not traveling with all three? I have a 3 horse slant load trailer, my first stall in my storage stall, my horse rides in the middles stall (over the axle) and my last stall is empty. If I am hauling 2 horses I put the heaviest one in the middle stall. I rarely haul 3 horses. Liz...have fun trailer shopping! >:] Raven =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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