In last week’s post we discussed the different trailer types that are available. This week I wanted to delve into some more horse trailer options that are available. We will be looking at trailer material, hitch types, and entry methods, as well as some safety precautions and extra things to consider when buying or using a trailer.
Trailer Material
Aluminum
This material type provides the lightest trailer (better gas mileage) but is also the most expensive. These trailers do not rust but are easily pitted by road salt and dented by horse kicks. Aluminum trailers also hold their value better than steel trailers.
Steel
Steel trailers are the cheapest material option as well as the strongest. However, they are typically worse on gas mileage and often require a stronger tow vehicle due to the weight. Many owners often paint their steel trailers to match their trucks or advertise their business.
Hybrid Aluminum and Steel
This hybrid material allows for increased strength, lower costs, and lighter-weight options. These trailers (with proper maintenance) can have a longer lifespan than steel trailers.
Hitch Types
Gooseneck
In this hitch type, the pivot point of the trailer is at a point toward the middle of the towing vehicle allowing for a greater turning radius. The front of the trailer clears the truck bed during a turn allowing for tighter turns when compared to bumper pull.
If you choose a longer trailer (for example, one containing an extra dressing room or living quarters), these trailers are safer as they distribute the weight better. However, since the trailer attaches to the bed of the truck, you must travel with an open bed.
Finally, due to the hitch’s pivot point being slightly in front of the truck’s rear tires, 14 foot or longer rigs will track slightly to the inside of the truck during turns. If you don’t compensate correctly, this can cause your trailer to hit curbs or other vehicles.
Tag-Along (Bumper Pull)
These trailers are attached to a hitch on the frame of the vehicle. Tag-alongs follow in the track of your towing vehicle which limits maneuverability. They are less expensive than goosenecks, but almost all the weight is on the back axle of the towing vehicle.
Some trucks’ suspensions may need to be upgraded to deal with the added weight of the trailer. These trailers are also more prone to fishtailing, especially if unevenly loaded (single horses should always be placed in front of the wheels of the trailer) or in high winds.
Entry Methods
Ramps
Trailers that have ramps are extremely helpful when loading geriatric or injured horses since they don’t have to take one big step to get in. There are two ramp height options available – half-door or full-door. The longer the ramp, the heavier it will be.
Most ramps have easy lift springs, but these can lock up or wear out over time. Some ramps may also not completely touch the ground, causing a springiness that some horses will hate.
Step-Up
These trailers do not have any additional moving parts that you need to worry about. However, some horses tend to throw their heads in the air while loading and unloading, which can lead to head injuries. Horses are also at risk of knocking their legs against the edge of the trailer, stripping the skin from them.
Finally, since some horses can be difficult loaders, this type of trailer does not allow you to coax them in little by little like you can with a trailer with a ramp.
Safety Precautions and Extra Things to Consider
Now that we have run through quite a few of the horse trailer options, let’s discuss some safety precautions.
- Make sure horses are in as good health as possible before trailering.
- Ensure insides of the trailer (floor, walls, and ceiling) are smooth and without sharp points to prevent lacerations.
- Replace floor boards if they are soft or rotten.
- Always choose plexiglass instead of real glass – if an accident occurs, you don’t want your horse thrashing or stepping on real broken glass.
- Ensure trailer has adequate ventilation.
- Be sure to check tire pressure before hauling.
- A minium of 1/2″ thick rubber mats should be placed on the floor to reduce road jar.
- Make sure the lights on the trailer work before hauling.
- Consider hauling water from home – horses are more likely to drink from familiar water sources which can help prevent colic.
- If you provide hay nets, make sure they are tied high enough to prevent hooves from becoming stuck.
- Never feed grain to horses while the trailer is moving as they have an increased risk of choking.
Thank you so much for reading about the different horse trailer options that are available! Please let me know if you learned anything new and if any questions you may have about the content! I’d love to hear from you!
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