Horse Trailer Buying Guide
The five things to consider when researching a horse trailer that is tight for you are: horse trailer capacity, bumper pull or gooseneck hitching, slant or straight loading, step up or ramp exits, and steel or aluminum construction. Proper ventilation is also something to consider
Horse trailer capacity
Ensure the horse trailer you buy can haul the number of horses you need to transport. You can find two-horse trailers, three-horse trailers, four-horse trailers, six horse trailers, and larger stock trailers on the market. You can even get trailers that have walk-in room or separate side or rear storage area for your equestrian gear. Remember to check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer. Trailer makers use the GWR to indicate how much weight it can safely hold. Another important thing to consider is the capacity of your towing vehicle.
Horse trailer hitching methods
There are two types of hitching methods to choose between, a bumper-pull horse trailer and gooseneck horse trailer. Gooseneck horse trailers, with a front end that projects over your truck bed, are easier to maneuver and park, include storage space, and can have a living area. For a gooseneck hitch, you'll need an open truck bed and truck-bed hitching system. The hitching system is usually sold separately. The advantage of a bumper-pull horse trailers are they take up less space and do not require an open truck bed. A frame-hitch stabilizing system may need to be added to your tow vehicle.
Horse trailer loading
Choose between a slant-load horse trailer and straight-load horse trailer.
- Slant-load trailers: With slant-load horse trailers, horses stand on a diagonal during transport, allowing you to haul more horses in a shorter trailer. If the front horse has a problem, you'll need to unload other horses in the trailer to reach it. Because of limits on trailer width, smaller horses will typically find slant-load horse trailers more comfortable than larger horses.
- Straight-load trailers: Straight-load horse trailers are longer than slant-load horse trailers and usually have larger capacities. Because they allow each horse more space, larger horses typically find them more comfortable than slant-load trailers.
Both slant-load horse trailers and straight-load horse trailers can come with custom extra-wide and extra-tall stalls for larger horses. The additional space can also add room to living quarters.
Horse trailer entry and exit
Pick a trailer that uses the method of loading your horses prefer. Horses can either step up into a horse trailer or walk up using a ramp. Your horses will need to back out of the trailer using the step-up/ step-down method or jump down if facing forward. Ramps are generally easier to use for older and/or injured horses. Ramps may require more than one person to raise and lower it. Ramps can also make a hollow sound when walked upon, which might spook less experienced horses.
Horse trailer materials
Lightweight aluminum horse trailers do not rust and may weigh less than comparable steel horse trailers, requiring less fuel to haul. The sides of an aluminum trailer may be more susceptible to tearing when being kicked. Steel horse trailers are stronger, heavier and cost less up front than aluminum horse trailers. They will hold up better to kicking from your horse. They also cost less to repair. Rust is an issue to be aware of. Galvanized steel repels rust better than untreated steel. Another option is to paint the trailer or have it powdered coated to help repel rust.. You can also find combination horse trailers made with aluminum housing over a steel structure.
Horse trailer ventilation
The last important thing to consider is having adequate windows and roof vents. These allow air to circulate throughout the horse trailer. Screens should cove the windows to t prevent debris from the road and insects from entering the horse trailer during transport. You can even find some trailers that have oscillating fans that run off your battery. This is a useful feature if you get caught in traffic during hot weather.