When autumn air starts getting crisp and the first frost looks possible, it’s time to think ahead—not just about horses’ blankets and feed, but about your horse trailer. Putting in some effort before winter hits can protect your investment, extend the life of your trailer, prevent costly repairs, and make sure everything’s ready when you want to get back on the road. Here are the steps and tips you’ll want to follow.
Why Winterization Matters
- Freezing water expands. Pipes, water tanks, pumps, and hoses can crack or burst if left full of water.
- Moisture trapped inside walls, under mats, or in corners encourages rust and rot.
- Rodents and pests may seek shelter inside trailers, especially when warmth dwindles. Hay or bedding left behind only makes it more inviting.
- Cold, dry air and snow can damage tires, seals, paint and electrical parts if not properly protected.
- If your trailer has living quarters (sink, shower, hot-water heater, etc.), damage from freezing can be especially expensive. Farm House Tack+1
When to Start
Late fall is the key. Don’t wait until hard freezes set in. Once temperatures are routinely near or below freezing at night, it’s time. The sooner you winterize, the less risk you run. Farm House Tack+1
Step-by-Step Winterization Checklist
Here are the core tasks you should do. Depending on your trailer’s features (living quarters, plumbing, etc.), some steps may or may not apply.
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Task |
What to Do |
Why It Matters |
|
Clean & Inspect |
Remove all hay, bedding; sweep/mat out; wash walls/floors/mats with a mild, horse-safe detergent. Clean tack room if applicable. Let everything dry thoroughly. |
Prevent rot, mold, bad odors, corrosion. Farm House Tack+1 |
|
Drain Water Systems |
Drain freshwater tanks, pumps, water lines; open faucets and low-point drains. If trailer has hot water heater, bypass or drain it properly. |
Prevent freezing damage. Horses Daily+1 |
|
Add Antifreeze |
Use RV- or marine-safe antifreeze (non-toxic) in water lines, traps, etc.—especially for living quarters setups. Trails West Trailers+1 |
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Protect Exposed Parts |
Lubricate hinges, locks, latches, ramps. Seal gaps/cracks in roof, walls, around doors/windows. Insulate exposed hoses/pipes. Farm House Tack |
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Electrical & Battery Maintenance |
If you have a battery, disconnect and store in a cool, dry place or use a maintainer. Ensure lights, wiring are in good shape. |
Cold weather can drain batteries; moisture can corrode connectors. Trails West Trailers+1 |
|
Tires & Wheels |
Clean wheels, check tire pressure and tread, grease or pack bearings if required. Store on solid surface (gravel/asphalt/concrete). If parked on grass, use boards under wheels to reduce moisture exposure. Horses Daily+1 |
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Ventilation |
While sealing for cold, make sure there is proper airflow to avoid moisture buildup that leads to mold/mildew. Use ventilation covers or screens to keep pests out. Farm House Tack |
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Cover & Storage |
Ideally, store inside a barn or covered building. If outdoors, use a breathable, full-size cover made for RV/trailers. Cover from roof down to the fenders if possible. Park on solid ground. Horses Daily+2Trails West Trailers+2 |
Extra Tips for Living-Quarters Trailers
- When using antifreeze, don’t forget to bypass the hot water heater so antifreeze doesn’t go into that part if it’s not required. Farm House Tack+1
- Open appliance doors (like fridges) slightly so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside and cause mildew. Farm House Tack
- Relieve all pressure from lines before draining or adding antifreeze to avoid accidents. Farm House Tack
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long—first few freezes often catch folks off guard.
- Not letting everything dry before storage, which leads to mold or rust.
- Using the wrong kind of antifreeze (non-potable or too harsh) in water systems.
- Overlooking small cracks, worn seals, or grease points—these are often what fail first.
- Parking on grass or dirt without protection—moisture from the ground will damage undercarriage and tires.
Final Thoughts
A few hours of work now can mean many trouble-free months later. After you do all this prep, your trailer should come through the winter in much better shape—ready to go when spring rolls around, with fewer repairs, less stress, and more fun. And remember: small maintenance every season keeps your rig stronger, safer, and more reliable.