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Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

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Page 1: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

CHAMPIONS FOR SAFETY

For decades the Tekonsha® brand has championed safe braking. The combination of “smart” brake controls with properly maintained trailer brake systems ensures smooth predictable stopping, every time. And because safe braking is paramount when it comes to transporting your horses, we’ve teamed up with expert trainer and rider Stacy Westfall, to help get that message out.

Stacy displays her passion for horses through competitions, seminars and videos on handling techniques that demonstrate safe practices for the care and well being of the animal.

The Tekonsha/Westfall relationship focuses on the need for stable and predictable transportation, the reduction of equine stress while trailering, and tips to ensure that your trailer performs fl awlessly during every trip.

ABOUT CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is the industry’s largest manufacturer of towing and trailer aftermarket products. Each product is engineered and tested to meet and often exceed the industry’s highest standards. Product focuses include vehicle specifi c trailer hitches, electric trailer brake controls, fi fth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution systems, cargo management, custom designed and standard electrical harnesses, trailer jacks, couplers and much, much more. Brand names include: Bargman®, Bulldog®, Draw-Tite®, Fulton®, Hidden Hitch®, Pro Series™, Reese®, ROLA®, Tekonsha®, Tow Ready® and Wesbar®. Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is a subsidiary of TriMas Corporation. For additional information, please visit www.CequentGroup.com.

ABOUT TRIMAS

Headquartered in Bloomfi eld Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into six reportable segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacifi c and Cequent North America. TriMas has approximately 4,000 employees at more than 60 diff erent facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.TriMasCorp.com.

LIFESAJOURNEYSTOPOFTEN.COM

TRAILER SAFETY TIPS

Cequent Performance Products, Inc., 101 Spires Parkway Tekonsha, MI 49092 lifesajourneystopoften.comMKG0723 REV A 3/26/12

Page 2: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

CHAMPIONS FOR SAFETY

For decades the Tekonsha® brand has championed safe braking. The combination of “smart” brake controls with properly maintained trailer brake systems ensures smooth predictable stopping, every time. And because safe braking is paramount when it comes to transporting your horses, we’ve teamed up with expert trainer and rider Stacy Westfall, to help get that message out.

Stacy displays her passion for horses through competitions, seminars and videos on handling techniques that demonstrate safe practices for the care and well being of the animal.

The Tekonsha/Westfall relationship focuses on the need for stable and predictable transportation, the reduction of equine stress while trailering, and tips to ensure that your trailer performs fl awlessly during every trip.

ABOUT CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is the industry’s largest manufacturer of towing and trailer aftermarket products. Each product is engineered and tested to meet and often exceed the industry’s highest standards. Product focuses include vehicle specifi c trailer hitches, electric trailer brake controls, fi fth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution systems, cargo management, custom designed and standard electrical harnesses, trailer jacks, couplers and much, much more. Brand names include: Bargman®, Bulldog®, Draw-Tite®, Fulton®, Hidden Hitch®, Pro Series™, Reese®, ROLA®, Tekonsha®, Tow Ready® and Wesbar®. Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is a subsidiary of TriMas Corporation. For additional information, please visit www.CequentGroup.com.

ABOUT TRIMAS

Headquartered in Bloomfi eld Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into six reportable segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacifi c and Cequent North America. TriMas has approximately 4,000 employees at more than 60 diff erent facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.TriMasCorp.com.

LIFESAJOURNEYSTOPOFTEN.COM

TRAILER SAFETY TIPS

Cequent Performance Products, Inc., 101 Spires Parkway Tekonsha, MI 49092 lifesajourneystopoften.comMKG0723 REV A 3/26/12

Page 3: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

CHAMPIONS FOR SAFETY

For decades the Tekonsha® brand has championed safe braking. The combination of “smart” brake controls with properly maintained trailer brake systems ensures smooth predictable stopping, every time. And because safe braking is paramount when it comes to transporting your horses, we’ve teamed up with expert trainer and rider Stacy Westfall, to help get that message out.

Stacy displays her passion for horses through competitions, seminars and videos on handling techniques that demonstrate safe practices for the care and well being of the animal.

The Tekonsha/Westfall relationship focuses on the need for stable and predictable transportation, the reduction of equine stress while trailering, and tips to ensure that your trailer performs fl awlessly during every trip.

ABOUT CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is the industry’s largest manufacturer of towing and trailer aftermarket products. Each product is engineered and tested to meet and often exceed the industry’s highest standards. Product focuses include vehicle specifi c trailer hitches, electric trailer brake controls, fi fth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution systems, cargo management, custom designed and standard electrical harnesses, trailer jacks, couplers and much, much more. Brand names include: Bargman®, Bulldog®, Draw-Tite®, Fulton®, Hidden Hitch®, Pro Series™, Reese®, ROLA®, Tekonsha®, Tow Ready® and Wesbar®. Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is a subsidiary of TriMas Corporation. For additional information, please visit www.CequentGroup.com.

ABOUT TRIMAS

Headquartered in Bloomfi eld Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into six reportable segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacifi c and Cequent North America. TriMas has approximately 4,000 employees at more than 60 diff erent facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.TriMasCorp.com.

LIFESAJOURNEYSTOPOFTEN.COM

TRAILER SAFETY TIPS

Cequent Performance Products, Inc., 101 Spires Parkway Tekonsha, MI 49092 lifesajourneystopoften.comMKG0723 REV A 3/26/12

Page 4: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

Tekonsha Self Adjusting Brakes

Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit

Tekonsha P3®

TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE

Train your horse to safely load and unload from a trailer.

It’s important to train your horse how to properly load and unload from a trailer. In case of an emergency, you want your horse to load or unload as safely and as easily as possible. Enlist the help of a professional trainer to help teach you and your horse proper loading and unloading techniques.

Consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Riding in a trailer takes energy. Did you know your horse exerts the same amount of energy riding in a trailer as he does walking? In other words, 4 hours riding in a trailer is equal to a 4-hour walk. It’s important to consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Consider protective gear for your horse to improve safety comfort.

Consider protective gear for your horse, especially during longer trips. Items like shipping boots, leg wraps, sheets and blankets can make traveling more comfortable.

Feed your horse during transport.

Feeding hay serves as a distraction and can make traveling a more pleasant experience for your horse. Be sure hay bags are hung high enough so that your horse cannot get their feet caught in the bag.

Don’t forget the water.

Stop every 3-4 hours and off er your horse water.

Open windows and vents in your trailer.

Proper ventilation is key to your horse’s health. Open enough windows and vents to encourage airfl ow without chilling your horse during travel.

Keep your horse’s lungs healthy.

Ensure the trailer bedding is clean and free from dust. Dusty bedding and/or feed in a small area can lead to respiratory problems such as “traveling sickness/shipping disease”. When possible, leave your horse’s head untied. This allows for a more natural angle to keep nasal passages clear.

Balance the load in your trailer.

If you’re hauling one horse in a two-horse, straight-load trailer, always put him on the left side to help balance the trailer on crowned roads.

Keep a fi rst-aid kit handy.

A small toolbox makes a great equestrian fi rst-aid kit at home and on the road. Consider items such as vet wrap, gauze, scissors, saline solution, Banimine, etc. Other handy items to have in case of an emergency include extra halters and lead ropes, a supply of water for your horse and extra hay/feed.

Ensure your hitch ball is the proper size.

Hitch balls are selected by gross trailer weight rating and must match the socket size of the trailer coupler. The ball attachment must be compatible with the hole size and thickness of the mounting area on the hitch, and a lock washer or equivalent locking device must always be used.

Ensure proper hitch alignment.

If you’re hitching up alone, consider using the handy Hitch & Trailer Alignment Tool from Tow Ready, which helps align ball to hitch and makes hitching easier.

Never overload your trailer.

Most towing equipment is rated by its capacity to handle gross trailer weight, trailer tongue weight, or both. Gross trailer weight and tongue weight are two of the most important items to consider. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus all cargo in it. Measure gross trailer weight by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch.

Ensure secure connections.

Check hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, retaining pins and clips, and all other connections every time you tow. Don’t proceed until you’re sure everything is secure, and that trailer lights and brakes are working properly. Re-check your equipment and connections at fuel and rest stops.

Conduct a walk-around.

Before getting in your truck, check for loose items and ensure all doors are shut. Check for loose items such as brushes, halters, lead ropes, etc. Count the latches as you check them ensuring all doors are shut.

Unload your horse fi rst.

Be sure to unload your horse before unhooking your trailer from the truck.

Keep your trailer clean.

Always clean out your trailer after each use to increase its life span and keep your horse’s environment sanitary.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TRAILER SAFE AND RELIABLE

Smooth, consistent braking gives your horse a break.

Proportional brake controls such as the Tekonsha Prodigy® P2 or P3®, provide smooth, consistent braking in direct proportion to your tow vehicle. This is less strenuous on your horse, making his ride more comfortable and potentially safer. These electric trailer brake controls also have a monitoring system that lets you know that your trailer is still connected to your vehicle and the brakes are capable of being engaged.

Consider self-adjusting brakes.

Did you know that your brakes wear down over time and that you should manually adjust them to maintain their effi ciency and eff ectiveness? Tekonsha off ers a self-adjusting brake assembly that provides consistent braking without the need to manually adjust the brakes.

Check the battery level.

In the event your trailer becomes detached from your tow vehicle, the level of battery charge in your breakaway kit is critical in supplying voltage to the brakes to stop the trailer as quickly as possible. The Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit allows you to check the battery level before you hit the road and know if the charge is available in case of emergency.

Keep your trailer tuned up.

Have a qualifi ed mechanic service your trailer at least once a year – checking lights, brakes, suspension, tires, wheel bearings and fl oor.

Keep a safe distance.

Allow plenty of distance between you and the cars in front of you. Remember it takes longer to stop when towing a trailer.

Never unload on the side of the road.

Unless there is an emergency, fi nd an area where your horse and others will be safe.

PRODUCTS

Page 5: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

Tekonsha Self Adjusting Brakes

Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit

Tekonsha P3®

TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE

Train your horse to safely load and unload from a trailer.

It’s important to train your horse how to properly load and unload from a trailer. In case of an emergency, you want your horse to load or unload as safely and as easily as possible. Enlist the help of a professional trainer to help teach you and your horse proper loading and unloading techniques.

Consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Riding in a trailer takes energy. Did you know your horse exerts the same amount of energy riding in a trailer as he does walking? In other words, 4 hours riding in a trailer is equal to a 4-hour walk. It’s important to consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Consider protective gear for your horse to improve safety comfort.

Consider protective gear for your horse, especially during longer trips. Items like shipping boots, leg wraps, sheets and blankets can make traveling more comfortable.

Feed your horse during transport.

Feeding hay serves as a distraction and can make traveling a more pleasant experience for your horse. Be sure hay bags are hung high enough so that your horse cannot get their feet caught in the bag.

Don’t forget the water.

Stop every 3-4 hours and off er your horse water.

Open windows and vents in your trailer.

Proper ventilation is key to your horse’s health. Open enough windows and vents to encourage airfl ow without chilling your horse during travel.

Keep your horse’s lungs healthy.

Ensure the trailer bedding is clean and free from dust. Dusty bedding and/or feed in a small area can lead to respiratory problems such as “traveling sickness/shipping disease”. When possible, leave your horse’s head untied. This allows for a more natural angle to keep nasal passages clear.

Balance the load in your trailer.

If you’re hauling one horse in a two-horse, straight-load trailer, always put him on the left side to help balance the trailer on crowned roads.

Keep a fi rst-aid kit handy.

A small toolbox makes a great equestrian fi rst-aid kit at home and on the road. Consider items such as vet wrap, gauze, scissors, saline solution, Banimine, etc. Other handy items to have in case of an emergency include extra halters and lead ropes, a supply of water for your horse and extra hay/feed.

Ensure your hitch ball is the proper size.

Hitch balls are selected by gross trailer weight rating and must match the socket size of the trailer coupler. The ball attachment must be compatible with the hole size and thickness of the mounting area on the hitch, and a lock washer or equivalent locking device must always be used.

Ensure proper hitch alignment.

If you’re hitching up alone, consider using the handy Hitch & Trailer Alignment Tool from Tow Ready, which helps align ball to hitch and makes hitching easier.

Never overload your trailer.

Most towing equipment is rated by its capacity to handle gross trailer weight, trailer tongue weight, or both. Gross trailer weight and tongue weight are two of the most important items to consider. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus all cargo in it. Measure gross trailer weight by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch.

Ensure secure connections.

Check hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, retaining pins and clips, and all other connections every time you tow. Don’t proceed until you’re sure everything is secure, and that trailer lights and brakes are working properly. Re-check your equipment and connections at fuel and rest stops.

Conduct a walk-around.

Before getting in your truck, check for loose items and ensure all doors are shut. Check for loose items such as brushes, halters, lead ropes, etc. Count the latches as you check them ensuring all doors are shut.

Unload your horse fi rst.

Be sure to unload your horse before unhooking your trailer from the truck.

Keep your trailer clean.

Always clean out your trailer after each use to increase its life span and keep your horse’s environment sanitary.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TRAILER SAFE AND RELIABLE

Smooth, consistent braking gives your horse a break.

Proportional brake controls such as the Tekonsha Prodigy® P2 or P3®, provide smooth, consistent braking in direct proportion to your tow vehicle. This is less strenuous on your horse, making his ride more comfortable and potentially safer. These electric trailer brake controls also have a monitoring system that lets you know that your trailer is still connected to your vehicle and the brakes are capable of being engaged.

Consider self-adjusting brakes.

Did you know that your brakes wear down over time and that you should manually adjust them to maintain their effi ciency and eff ectiveness? Tekonsha off ers a self-adjusting brake assembly that provides consistent braking without the need to manually adjust the brakes.

Check the battery level.

In the event your trailer becomes detached from your tow vehicle, the level of battery charge in your breakaway kit is critical in supplying voltage to the brakes to stop the trailer as quickly as possible. The Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit allows you to check the battery level before you hit the road and know if the charge is available in case of emergency.

Keep your trailer tuned up.

Have a qualifi ed mechanic service your trailer at least once a year – checking lights, brakes, suspension, tires, wheel bearings and fl oor.

Keep a safe distance.

Allow plenty of distance between you and the cars in front of you. Remember it takes longer to stop when towing a trailer.

Never unload on the side of the road.

Unless there is an emergency, fi nd an area where your horse and others will be safe.

PRODUCTS

Page 6: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

Tekonsha Self Adjusting Brakes

Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit

Tekonsha P3®

TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE

Train your horse to safely load and unload from a trailer.

It’s important to train your horse how to properly load and unload from a trailer. In case of an emergency, you want your horse to load or unload as safely and as easily as possible. Enlist the help of a professional trainer to help teach you and your horse proper loading and unloading techniques.

Consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Riding in a trailer takes energy. Did you know your horse exerts the same amount of energy riding in a trailer as he does walking? In other words, 4 hours riding in a trailer is equal to a 4-hour walk. It’s important to consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Consider protective gear for your horse to improve safety comfort.

Consider protective gear for your horse, especially during longer trips. Items like shipping boots, leg wraps, sheets and blankets can make traveling more comfortable.

Feed your horse during transport.

Feeding hay serves as a distraction and can make traveling a more pleasant experience for your horse. Be sure hay bags are hung high enough so that your horse cannot get their feet caught in the bag.

Don’t forget the water.

Stop every 3-4 hours and off er your horse water.

Open windows and vents in your trailer.

Proper ventilation is key to your horse’s health. Open enough windows and vents to encourage airfl ow without chilling your horse during travel.

Keep your horse’s lungs healthy.

Ensure the trailer bedding is clean and free from dust. Dusty bedding and/or feed in a small area can lead to respiratory problems such as “traveling sickness/shipping disease”. When possible, leave your horse’s head untied. This allows for a more natural angle to keep nasal passages clear.

Balance the load in your trailer.

If you’re hauling one horse in a two-horse, straight-load trailer, always put him on the left side to help balance the trailer on crowned roads.

Keep a fi rst-aid kit handy.

A small toolbox makes a great equestrian fi rst-aid kit at home and on the road. Consider items such as vet wrap, gauze, scissors, saline solution, Banimine, etc. Other handy items to have in case of an emergency include extra halters and lead ropes, a supply of water for your horse and extra hay/feed.

Ensure your hitch ball is the proper size.

Hitch balls are selected by gross trailer weight rating and must match the socket size of the trailer coupler. The ball attachment must be compatible with the hole size and thickness of the mounting area on the hitch, and a lock washer or equivalent locking device must always be used.

Ensure proper hitch alignment.

If you’re hitching up alone, consider using the handy Hitch & Trailer Alignment Tool from Tow Ready, which helps align ball to hitch and makes hitching easier.

Never overload your trailer.

Most towing equipment is rated by its capacity to handle gross trailer weight, trailer tongue weight, or both. Gross trailer weight and tongue weight are two of the most important items to consider. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus all cargo in it. Measure gross trailer weight by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch.

Ensure secure connections.

Check hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, retaining pins and clips, and all other connections every time you tow. Don’t proceed until you’re sure everything is secure, and that trailer lights and brakes are working properly. Re-check your equipment and connections at fuel and rest stops.

Conduct a walk-around.

Before getting in your truck, check for loose items and ensure all doors are shut. Check for loose items such as brushes, halters, lead ropes, etc. Count the latches as you check them ensuring all doors are shut.

Unload your horse fi rst.

Be sure to unload your horse before unhooking your trailer from the truck.

Keep your trailer clean.

Always clean out your trailer after each use to increase its life span and keep your horse’s environment sanitary.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TRAILER SAFE AND RELIABLE

Smooth, consistent braking gives your horse a break.

Proportional brake controls such as the Tekonsha Prodigy® P2 or P3®, provide smooth, consistent braking in direct proportion to your tow vehicle. This is less strenuous on your horse, making his ride more comfortable and potentially safer. These electric trailer brake controls also have a monitoring system that lets you know that your trailer is still connected to your vehicle and the brakes are capable of being engaged.

Consider self-adjusting brakes.

Did you know that your brakes wear down over time and that you should manually adjust them to maintain their effi ciency and eff ectiveness? Tekonsha off ers a self-adjusting brake assembly that provides consistent braking without the need to manually adjust the brakes.

Check the battery level.

In the event your trailer becomes detached from your tow vehicle, the level of battery charge in your breakaway kit is critical in supplying voltage to the brakes to stop the trailer as quickly as possible. The Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit allows you to check the battery level before you hit the road and know if the charge is available in case of emergency.

Keep your trailer tuned up.

Have a qualifi ed mechanic service your trailer at least once a year – checking lights, brakes, suspension, tires, wheel bearings and fl oor.

Keep a safe distance.

Allow plenty of distance between you and the cars in front of you. Remember it takes longer to stop when towing a trailer.

Never unload on the side of the road.

Unless there is an emergency, fi nd an area where your horse and others will be safe.

PRODUCTS

Page 7: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

Tekonsha Self Adjusting Brakes

Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit

Tekonsha P3®

TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR HORSE

Train your horse to safely load and unload from a trailer.

It’s important to train your horse how to properly load and unload from a trailer. In case of an emergency, you want your horse to load or unload as safely and as easily as possible. Enlist the help of a professional trainer to help teach you and your horse proper loading and unloading techniques.

Consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Riding in a trailer takes energy. Did you know your horse exerts the same amount of energy riding in a trailer as he does walking? In other words, 4 hours riding in a trailer is equal to a 4-hour walk. It’s important to consider your horse’s fi tness level before long trips.

Consider protective gear for your horse to improve safety comfort.

Consider protective gear for your horse, especially during longer trips. Items like shipping boots, leg wraps, sheets and blankets can make traveling more comfortable.

Feed your horse during transport.

Feeding hay serves as a distraction and can make traveling a more pleasant experience for your horse. Be sure hay bags are hung high enough so that your horse cannot get their feet caught in the bag.

Don’t forget the water.

Stop every 3-4 hours and off er your horse water.

Open windows and vents in your trailer.

Proper ventilation is key to your horse’s health. Open enough windows and vents to encourage airfl ow without chilling your horse during travel.

Keep your horse’s lungs healthy.

Ensure the trailer bedding is clean and free from dust. Dusty bedding and/or feed in a small area can lead to respiratory problems such as “traveling sickness/shipping disease”. When possible, leave your horse’s head untied. This allows for a more natural angle to keep nasal passages clear.

Balance the load in your trailer.

If you’re hauling one horse in a two-horse, straight-load trailer, always put him on the left side to help balance the trailer on crowned roads.

Keep a fi rst-aid kit handy.

A small toolbox makes a great equestrian fi rst-aid kit at home and on the road. Consider items such as vet wrap, gauze, scissors, saline solution, Banimine, etc. Other handy items to have in case of an emergency include extra halters and lead ropes, a supply of water for your horse and extra hay/feed.

Ensure your hitch ball is the proper size.

Hitch balls are selected by gross trailer weight rating and must match the socket size of the trailer coupler. The ball attachment must be compatible with the hole size and thickness of the mounting area on the hitch, and a lock washer or equivalent locking device must always be used.

Ensure proper hitch alignment.

If you’re hitching up alone, consider using the handy Hitch & Trailer Alignment Tool from Tow Ready, which helps align ball to hitch and makes hitching easier.

Never overload your trailer.

Most towing equipment is rated by its capacity to handle gross trailer weight, trailer tongue weight, or both. Gross trailer weight and tongue weight are two of the most important items to consider. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus all cargo in it. Measure gross trailer weight by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The total weight of your trailer when loaded must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch.

Ensure secure connections.

Check hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, retaining pins and clips, and all other connections every time you tow. Don’t proceed until you’re sure everything is secure, and that trailer lights and brakes are working properly. Re-check your equipment and connections at fuel and rest stops.

Conduct a walk-around.

Before getting in your truck, check for loose items and ensure all doors are shut. Check for loose items such as brushes, halters, lead ropes, etc. Count the latches as you check them ensuring all doors are shut.

Unload your horse fi rst.

Be sure to unload your horse before unhooking your trailer from the truck.

Keep your trailer clean.

Always clean out your trailer after each use to increase its life span and keep your horse’s environment sanitary.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TRAILER SAFE AND RELIABLE

Smooth, consistent braking gives your horse a break.

Proportional brake controls such as the Tekonsha Prodigy® P2 or P3®, provide smooth, consistent braking in direct proportion to your tow vehicle. This is less strenuous on your horse, making his ride more comfortable and potentially safer. These electric trailer brake controls also have a monitoring system that lets you know that your trailer is still connected to your vehicle and the brakes are capable of being engaged.

Consider self-adjusting brakes.

Did you know that your brakes wear down over time and that you should manually adjust them to maintain their effi ciency and eff ectiveness? Tekonsha off ers a self-adjusting brake assembly that provides consistent braking without the need to manually adjust the brakes.

Check the battery level.

In the event your trailer becomes detached from your tow vehicle, the level of battery charge in your breakaway kit is critical in supplying voltage to the brakes to stop the trailer as quickly as possible. The Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit allows you to check the battery level before you hit the road and know if the charge is available in case of emergency.

Keep your trailer tuned up.

Have a qualifi ed mechanic service your trailer at least once a year – checking lights, brakes, suspension, tires, wheel bearings and fl oor.

Keep a safe distance.

Allow plenty of distance between you and the cars in front of you. Remember it takes longer to stop when towing a trailer.

Never unload on the side of the road.

Unless there is an emergency, fi nd an area where your horse and others will be safe.

PRODUCTS

Page 8: Tekonsha Stacy Westfall Trailering Tips

CHAMPIONS FOR SAFETY

For decades the Tekonsha® brand has championed safe braking. The combination of “smart” brake controls with properly maintained trailer brake systems ensures smooth predictable stopping, every time. And because safe braking is paramount when it comes to transporting your horses, we’ve teamed up with expert trainer and rider Stacy Westfall, to help get that message out.

Stacy displays her passion for horses through competitions, seminars and videos on handling techniques that demonstrate safe practices for the care and well being of the animal.

The Tekonsha/Westfall relationship focuses on the need for stable and predictable transportation, the reduction of equine stress while trailering, and tips to ensure that your trailer performs fl awlessly during every trip.

ABOUT CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is the industry’s largest manufacturer of towing and trailer aftermarket products. Each product is engineered and tested to meet and often exceed the industry’s highest standards. Product focuses include vehicle specifi c trailer hitches, electric trailer brake controls, fi fth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution systems, cargo management, custom designed and standard electrical harnesses, trailer jacks, couplers and much, much more. Brand names include: Bargman®, Bulldog®, Draw-Tite®, Fulton®, Hidden Hitch®, Pro Series™, Reese®, ROLA®, Tekonsha®, Tow Ready® and Wesbar®. Cequent Performance Products, Inc. is a subsidiary of TriMas Corporation. For additional information, please visit www.CequentGroup.com.

ABOUT TRIMAS

Headquartered in Bloomfi eld Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into six reportable segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacifi c and Cequent North America. TriMas has approximately 4,000 employees at more than 60 diff erent facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.TriMasCorp.com.

LIFESAJOURNEYSTOPOFTEN.COM

TRAILER SAFETY TIPS

Cequent Performance Products, Inc., 101 Spires Parkway Tekonsha, MI 49092 lifesajourneystopoften.comMKG0723 REV A 3/26/12