As I start to prepare for my trip to Portland next week I thought it would be useful to run through the things you need to bear in mind if transporting alpacas over any distance.
Basically the key is preparation.
Firstly the trailer needs to be in good working order. Tires at the correct pressure, lights working, hitch and safety chains in good condition. Then think about punctures, you may want to carry an instant tire repair aerosol and or a spare wheel. Don't forget you will need some means of getting your trailer off the ground to repair the puncture. So either a jack or if you have a double axle trailer you can buy a small ramp that you drive onto and this leaves one wheel dangling in the air. Make sure you have the correct size of wheel wrench. The wheel nuts on your trailer may be a different size to those on your truck.
Have a dress rehearsal one sunny spring day much better to learn where everything is and how everything works when you aren't cowering in driving rain one dark night at the side of the interstate.
Essentially you need a system which will allow you to change a wheel without offloading all the alpacas...obvious really but think about it......
In the case that you do need to off load then you will need head collars, lead ropes and if you are well organised a portable pen so you can coral them up once they are off the trailer.
You may want to carry drinking water and food for the alpacas either for during the journey or in case you become stuck for any reason. Mechanical breakdown, weather or a road accident.
Keep a small alpaca first aid kit on board to cope with cuts and grazes and of course a thermometer and of course a fire extinguisher.
Always useful to pack a copy of the farm and ranch guide..then if you do need help you will be able to find a friendly alpaca farm somewhere nearby to give you a helping hand.
My trailer has powered fans and interior/exterior lights so I will also be making sure the battery trailer is fully charges before I leave.
As I said at the begining Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Happy trailering
