Posted by
Sue Shiels on Thu, Jun 21, 2012 @ 01:43 PM
It is summer time and we are hitting the roads, lakes, ponds, and some of us are going to horse shows. This means that we are pulling all sorts of trailers behind our vehicles.
If your trailer is being pulled by a vehicle on your Personal Auto Policy, liability coverage follows automatically. If you want to have Comprehensive or Collision Coverage for the trailer, there will be an additional charge. If your trailer is being pulled by a Commercial Auto Policy it must be added to that policy for the trailer to have liability coverage.
Before you take your trailer out on the road, there are a few things that should be checked. Below is a list of things that should be done:
1) Tires
A) Tire tread can be checked with a penny. The rule of thumb on tread depth is to use a penny and if it reaches the top of Lincoln’s head, it is ok.
B) Tire pressure should be as per specific tire/vehicle specification as on the tire, the door jam of the vehicle, of very often it is on the trailer itself
C) Be sure that actual tire trailers are used, not vehicle tires
D) Look carefully for any dry rot/cracking on the side walls of the tires
and repacked on boat trailers at least once a year and on other trailers at least every two years.
3) Brakes
A) Need to be in proper adjustment
B) Brake battery is charged and in working order
C) Run-away brake switch works
D) Brake controller working properly
4) Lights
– be sure that all running, brake, and directionals are working properly
5) Grease and oil all hinge pins at least once a year so they do not bind
6) Floor
– check that all floor boards and cross members that support the floor boards are not broken or cracked. If there are mats in the trailer, be sure to check underneath them
7) Extra equipment
A) Chock blocks for when trailer is parked
B) Reflectors in case of a break down
C) Lug wrench that fits trailer lugs
D) If your tires have locks on them be sure to know where the key is kept
E) Jack or ramp/tire chock that works to lift trailer in case of a flat
If you are diligent on checking things on your trailer, it can have a long safe life.
If you're looking to insure the car you use to tow, check us out at www.agordon.com and contact us with any questions or get a quote and see how much you can save with us.
Happy Trailering and Happy Summer!
Posted by
Sue Bird on Tue, May 22, 2012 @ 04:20 PM
The weather is getting nicer which means there are more people out on the road driving, walking, running, riding…We have many equestrians in our area and most drivers seem to be courteous when approaching them on the road. Unfortunately, there are fewer trails around than there were 20 years ago which translates to equestrians having to use the roads more to reach a trail. Please use caution when passing a horse since they can spook easily. Here is a section from the Massachusetts Drivers Manual for guidance.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/chapter4.pdf (page 101)
Animals and Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Always give the right-of-way to an animal that someone is leading, riding, or driving. Animals are easily scared by motor vehicles. When you get near an animal or horse-drawn vehicle, be careful and do the following.
• Slow down.
• Stop if the animal or vehicle is coming toward you or is crossing your path. Allow the animal to pass.
102http://www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/chapter4.pdf
• If the animal or vehicle is traveling in the same direction as you, allow plenty of room
for passing safely. Drive at a reasonable speed.
• Do not honk your horn or make a loud noise.
• If the animal you are passing looks scared, you must pull your vehicle to the side and stop.
• Proceed only when it is safe.
• You must stop if a rider or driver signals you to do so.
The law applies to horses, cows, and any other draft animals.
In rural areas, take extra care when passing hay rides. These are usually animal drawn and full of passengers.
