Buying a horse trailer is a major investment so you want to make sure you select a quality product that fits your needs and provides security and comfort for your horses. Here are some basic questions to help you with the decision. Also, if you go to our trailer finder, a sequence of questions and helpful information will help you decide among the many trailer choices.
- How will you use the trailer? A stock trailer may be good for the farm
or ranch but not for traveling to horse shows across the country. For
horses you want a trailer with individual stalls for each animal.
- What is the capacity of your towing vehicle? Will you need to purchase
another tow vehicle? The manufacturer of the tow vehicle establishes the
towing capacity. For instance, if a SUV has a 500-pound towing capacity,
it should be able to tow a trailer up to a 500-pound GVWR. You can find
your vehicle’s tow rating online at www.campinglife.com
or download a listing of tow ratings at www.trailerlife.com.
However, the towing capacity of tow vehicles generally is based on the
ratings of the vehicle’s components, such as wheels, tires, suspension
and transmission. The vehicle manufacturer may not have factored in the
pulling power of the engine. Generally, look for more engine displacement.
A six-liter engine will give you more horsepower and torque than a five-liter
engine. And, larger engines are more compatible dealing with heavier loads.
- How many horses will you be hauling at a time? Also, what size horse
will you be hauling?
- What kind of amenities do you want? Tack room? Dressing room? Living
quarters?
- Should you choose a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer? Goosenecks generally
are larger trailers and can carry more weight. Goosenecks also are easier
to maneuver and back up. However, the gooseneck ball can take up more
space in the bed of the tow truck.
- What kind of material do you want your trailer made of? Steel or aluminum?
Steel trailers generally are less expensive than aluminum, but aluminum
trailers are not subject to corrosion and rust and last longer.
- Finally, what is your budget?