Buying a horse trailer isn’t just about price or appearance,  it’s about safety. A trailer with hidden flaws can put your horse, your passengers, and your investment at risk.

That’s why we’ve created this interactive pre-purchase safety checklist. In just a few minutes, you’ll know if a trailer is:

• Ready for the road ✅
• Needs inspection before purchase ⚠️
• Or a risk you should walk away from ❌

This checklist was developed by Brad Heath, a horse trailer designer with 25+ years of experience building safe, innovative trailers at Double D Trailers.

How It Works

• Answer each question honestly.
• Your results will update in real time.
• At the end, you’ll get: A safety score, a clear recommendation, and a downloadable PDF of your results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Trailer Safety Inspections

Q1: Why should I inspect a horse trailer before buying?
A pre-purchase inspection ensures you’re not missing hidden safety hazards like rusted frames, rotted flooring, poor ventilation, or faulty brakes. Addressing these before you buy can prevent accidents, protect your horse’s health, and save you thousands in repairs.

Q2: What’s the most important part of a horse trailer to check?
There’s no single “most important” part. Safety depends on the frame, flooring, ventilation, brakes, and loading design working together. Our checklist covers each of these areas so you can evaluate the trailer as a whole.

Q3: How often should I use a safety checklist?
Use it before buying any trailer (new or used), and then at least once per year to maintain safety. Frequent checks are especially important if you travel long distances, store your trailer outdoors, or haul in extreme weather.

Q4: Can I use this checklist for both bumper pull and gooseneck trailers?
Yes, the checklist works for both bumper pull and gooseneck horse trailers. The core safety factors apply to both.

Q5: Does this checklist work for living quarters horse trailers?
Absolutely. While living quarters add extra inspection points like electrical systems and plumbing, the structural and horse safety checks in this tool are still critical.

Q6: How do I know if my current trailer is still safe?
Run through the checklist and pay attention to wear and tear signs: soft spots in the floor, rust or corrosion, sticky latches, or reduced airflow. Even if it passed inspection when new, trailers require ongoing maintenance.