The trailer should arrive at the dealer this week-ish.
Now...I took notes from Sunshine's thread re:trailer tips, but got a little confused about some suggestions as I wasn't sure they would apply to a 2H BP versus maybe big trailers with LQs, or just high horse number trailers. So....keeping my 2H BP scenario in mind....
1. Greasing hitch was mentioned. What did you guys mean? Adding grease to the ball? Adding grease to the ball mount befire sliding into the receiver of the hitch? None of the above? And what is used as grease?
2. I rarely haul. The last time I used my truck with a friend's trailer was a trip to a university hospital with Fergus, maybe 4 years ago, all went well. Some old neighbors wired in a brake controller for me when I bought my truck in 2008 or so...all of a sudden I have started wondering if there is a way to make sure all is still well with that brake controller before I end up 2+ hours from home to pick up the new trailer. We have a utility trailer at home, but it doesn't have brakes to check it with. Do I need go to a friend's and hook up to check or is there a way to be sure checking it here sans trailer? Really basic question....if the brake box isn't working correctly, there are no brakes on the trailer...correct?
3. Extra fuses for trucks, trailer and tractors were mentioned...would I have fuses on my trailer?
4. Is it safe to use a ball that is rusty? (I am getting a new ball and ball mount as the on I have is the wrong size for my new brand, but just wondering about the old one for pulling other peoples' trailers that need the size that the old ball is).
5. I started a list of things I need to get...new ball and ball mount, US Rider, insurance for trailer, Trailer Aid in case of flat, lock(s), possibly a cover, trailer ties for inside, wheel Chocks, extra hitch pins. Some of those things are needed before I go pick up the trailer, others just before I haul a horse for first time. Any other "get before you pick up the trailer" things I have forgotten?
6. For getting extra hitch pins and clips...are they all the same size?
7. I am getting the new ball mount and ball from a trailer dealer that is close by/convenient. They put together my other set up about 8 years ago. Is there a reason that the ball/ball mount connection should be checked periodically? Can it come loose or rust out or break apart? Is there a life span?
Wow, thanks guys. I am excited and really nervous about getting the trailer home. Thankfully no horse to worry about, but it's me and my non-horsey DH going to pick it up. He pulls the utility trailer all the time, but never a horse trailer. I am making myself drive it the 2+ hours home on the interstates that run past big cities to force myself to avoid wimping out/handing off when I get worried. I just look at this as such a big responsibility, even empty, that I don't hurt anyone else when some idiot does something stupid on the road! I am not worried about me (as long as I don't have to back up, lol)...I am worried about other drivers. I jokingly asked DH if we could go get the trailer at three in the morning when it's ready...to avoid more drivers!