One of the most important factors to consider when buying a horse trailer is safety. If your horse trailer isn't road-worthy, you could be putting both yourself and your horses in danger, not to mention everyone else on the road. Blown tires have resulted in the deaths of many horses, so don't cut corners when deciding if your horse trailer is road-worthy or not.
Nature of Horses
Horses are creatures of the prairie that are designed for life in wide open spaces. Horses are claustrophobic by nature so the more room, light and ventilation in the trailer, the less stress on the horse and facts are that most horses are very sensitive to dust and noxious gasses. Horses are large and strong animals and the equipment you haul with them is heavy. Therefore the trailer design must be able to hold up to kicks, rough loading, and even a fallen horse. When loading horses make sure they are led onto the straight load trailer and tied facing forwards. This is the direction in which they will travel comfortably.
Using Aluminum Trailers
Aluminum has become very popular for use in both the frame and body of horse trailers in recent years. Aluminum trailers tend to cost more up front but generally hold their value better over time than steel trailers. The main disadvantage of steel is weight, but since less steel is needed for strength than aluminum, a steel trailer can compare very favorably to aluminum in respect to weight. The fact is that aluminum must be thicker than steel to be as strong, therefore, an all aluminum trailer is not always lighter than a trailer made of another material. Repairs to aluminum trailers can be more difficult because aluminum welding is more difficult that steel welding. So before selection a aluminum trailer consider all disadvantages.
Need a Gooseneck?
Goosenecks generally are larger trailers and can carry more weight. Goosenecks also are easier to maneuver and back up. Gooseneck trailers provide excellent towing stability and easy maneuverability when turning or parking and they come in models of 6'9" or 8' wide with short walls in 4', 6', 8', 10' or 12' lengths. Gooseneck trailers are loved for their stability on the road and smooth ride. For more than two horses, a gooseneck is the better option.
Need a Stronger Vehicle?
Not all trailers will fit with every vehicle, so it's best to check this out beforehand. The owners budget, use of the trailer, size of the trailer, type of trailer and the tow vehicle that will be used are all factors that need to be addressed, and not particularly in this order. Buying a trailer that holds more than two horses requires a heavy duty towing vehicle, so you will be spending more money not only for the trailer, but for the necessary truck to pull it. There are more vehicle choices for a tag-along trailer, which means there is also a better chance to pick the wrong one. If the tow vehicle is properly rated and equipped with the proper hitch, a tag-along two-horse trailer can be just as safe as a gooseneck.
Finding the right horse trailer can be a difficult task but if you need more information please check out our website below.
For everything your need to know about horse trailers be sure to check out our website.
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