Owning a trailer. Things to consider?

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HaffiesRock

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I am in the market for my first trailer and have some questions.

It will be my dad towing with his years of experience so no worries there. My questions lie with insurance and breakdown really. I know I can insure the trailer for theft, but how does insurance to tow work? Does dads insurance cover it or do we need something extra? Also, what about breakdown?

Thanks everyone.
 
Your dads standard car insurance should cover him to tow but it's worth getting in contact with the insurance company to be sure - I'd rather an hour on the phone to get an answer than to have an accident and find out that I'm not insured.

The RAC do trailer breakdown cover but I'm not sure if that's an extra on top of the normal membership or is covered as standard.
 
Thank you, dad tows his caravan and boat regularly so id assume he's covered for my ponies but ill ask him to check. Ill look into to break down too :-D
 
I'm insured to tow under my regular car insurance at no extra cost (i did ring and check with my insurance company). I also have trailer insurance. I have seperate car and trailer breakdown cover too although you can get joint and add on policies. With regards to the trailer isurance you may have to have a specific type of lock so bear that in mind.
 
Just to be clear, ordinary breakdown cover (AA, RAC, Greenflag etc....) does NOT cover your trailer with horses on board. You need specialist equine breakdown cover if you are towing your horses anywhere. Google "equine breakdown cover" but do read the small print about how your horses will be rescued if you need it! There's a few threads on here about what to look for, but make sure you get fresh horse transport, non low-loader recovery and don't go for the cheapest option as you can end up with a heft bill even though you thought you were covered
 
I wish I could insure against people wanting to borrow my trailer! The first time it came back damaged, the second time I had to go and get it (75 mile round trip), and the third time I spent a day making sure everything was working -- then they didn't want it after all! Now I try to keep it hidden and go selectively deaf when they ask. :(
 
Dry Rot said:
I wish I could insure against people wanting to borrow my trailer! The first time it came back damaged, the second time I had to go and get it (75 mile round trip), and the third time I spent a day making sure everything was working -- then they didn't want it after all! Now I try to keep it hidden and go selectively deaf when they ask. :(
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Just say no. You shouldn't have to hide your trailer.

'Can I borrow your trailer because x,y,z?'
'No.'

If the people asking to borrow it are actually friends then they'll understand, but they don't sound like friends from the examples above! If they get offended that you won't lend them your fairly expensive possession then they're taking the pee. If they need a trailer then direct them to the nearest hire company if you're feeling particularly helpful.

Having no time for the people who are only interested in what they can get from you will make your life so much better and enjoyable.
 
I'm another one with the PRP bolt on to my RAC membership. Fingers crossed I haven't needed it yet but well worth £45 for the peace of mind I think.

My trailer itself is insured with KBIS. You will probably need to keep it clamped and/or tow hitch locked as part of the policy.

Other things to consider - servicing and maintenance, storage, tyres.

When I got my first trailer I also obviously needed a new tack box just for shows, water buckets, travelling rugs etc etc :-)
 
Thanks everyone. Trailer is now purchased! It's an old Rice Eventer and not worth a lot so not sure yet if I'll insure it. It has a wheel clamp on it and is stored on the yard behind a locked gate. I'm looking for a hitch lock but struggling to find one that will fit the old style hitch.

Dad is insured to tow it and both ponies are fully insured.

It's had a service and passed with flying colours :) Could do with a paint job but its safe and ready to go.

I will not be letting anyone use it, EVER, unless they are coming with me :)

I have RAC so will ask about the bolt on for trailer recovery.

Thanks everyone.
 
MyDogIsAnIdiot said:
Just say no. You shouldn't have to hide your trailer.

'Can I borrow your trailer because x,y,z?'
'No.'

If the people asking to borrow it are actually friends then they'll understand, but they don't sound like friends from the examples above! If they get offended that you won't lend them your fairly expensive possession then they're taking the pee. If they need a trailer then direct them to the nearest hire company if you're feeling particularly helpful.

Having no time for the people who are only interested in what they can get from you will make your life so much better and enjoyable.
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Oh, I usually do. But sometimes it's difficult in the Highlands. We have a saying up here, "Fall out with your neighbour and you have one guess who will come around the corner on his tractor when you are stuck in a snow drift!" There are no hire firms that I am aware of within 150 miles.
 
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