10 Steps to Maintain Your Float

The following is a guide to a ‘simple home service’ you can do yourself to cover the basics of float maintenance. This guide is not to replace a full float service by a professional.

1. Registration & Insurance

First, check that your float is registered and insurance is current and up to date.

TIP: Check your insurance to confirm the sum insured on your float is sufficient.

2. Check tyre tread

Check tread of each tyre (including the spare) for any wear and tear, rubbing, bulging, or feathered edges to the tread pattern. Tyres have a tread wear indicator which is a small bar on every tyre’. When the tread is worn down to the level of the tread wear indicator, it’s time to change those tyres.

TIP: Place a 20c coin into a tyre groove to check the tyre tread. If the tread doesn’t reach the platypus bill, you have less than 3mm of tread left.

3. Check tyre pressure

Tyre pressure is based on the tyre manufacturer's recommendations and the towing load the float is carrying. The higher PSI (pounds per square inch), the heavier the load; the lower the PSI, the lower the load. Check the tyre pressure is in the correct range for the load you are towing before hitting the road.

TIP: Check the PSI on the spare tyre of the float. Wheel bearings should be cleaned, re-greased and checked for wear by a professional at least every 12 months.

4. Inspect the floor

We have all heard horror stories of horses' legs falling through the floor of a moving float, and we do not want your horse to be a statistic! Remove rubber matting and carefully inspect the floor. Look for discoloration, bulging, soft spots, sagging, cracks or rot. Pay particular attention to where the horse stands in the float. Repeat the inspection under the floor by sliding under the float.

5. Inspect the loading ramp

The integrity of the loading ramp is as essential as the float floor. Carefully inspect the flooring of the loading ramp for integrity. While at it, inspect the ramp springs for mobility and the ramp latches for any rust or wear and tear. Lubricate the latches to ensure easy mobility.

6. Draw Bar/Jockey Wheel/Safety Chains

Inspect the jockey wheel before use to confirm it is in working order. Pay particular attention to the spring-loaded handle and pins that lock the jockey wheel to the mounting plate — they need to lock in easily. Drawbar integrity is paramount; check the drawbar for any signs of excessive wear and tear, cracks or rust. The same applies to safety chains. Check for any cracks or deficiencies.

TIP: Use a lockable hitch pin on your towing vehicle to ensure the float and hitch cannot become unattached from the towing vehicle.

TIP: Check the jockey wheel for rust by extending it to its full capacity and lubricating it if required.

7. Check latches, couplings and bolts

Each float varies with the quality and quantity of latches, couplings, barn doors, breaching gates, chest bars, tie-ups, windows, vents and more! All must be carefully inspected
for structural soundness, wear, tear and integrity.

TIP: WD40 metal latches, hinges, springs, etc to keep them in working order.

8. Brakes

Electric brake systems need to be checked by a professional during an annual service check. However, if your float has a hydraulic brake system it is important to keep an eye on the brake fluid in the master cylinder and top up as required. No fluid, no brakes.

9. Check all lights

Check lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators and reflectors to confirm they are all operational. Pay particular attention to the power plug and cover it when not used.

TIP: Carry spare globes (that fit) in the storage compartment of your float.

10. Are you towing legally?

You must be clear on the float manufacturer’s towing specifications for both the float and your towing vehicle. Refer to your vehicle manufacturer's handbook and specifications for your vehicle's weight limits.

TIP: Check the safety chain D shackles are weighted correctly for your float.

Article: Kerri Cock

For more information on towing regulations check out our article Navigating Towing Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide for Horse Float Buyers

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