Trailer Load
Trailer Load How To Pick A Horse Trailer Buying a trailer the first time can be overwhelming if you don't know anything about rigs. It's best to take a friend with you who hauls their own horses. ...
Trailer Load
How To Pick A Horse TrailerBuying a trailer the first time can be overwhelming if you don't know anything about rigs. It's best to take a friend with you who hauls their own horses. Even then, you'll still have to provide information on your horse and truck to make sure you get the right trailer. Where to Find a Trailer Most people would rather not pay full price for a trailer if they don't have to. Look in the classifieds of your local newspaper; go to your local tack store. Both will have ads for trailers; the tack shop might have a photograph of the trailer which is always helpful. You can also ask the staff if they know the person selling the trailer, about the type of trailer, etc. You can also post an ad at the tack shop for a trailer which might quicken the process. It will take a while to find the right one, so be patient. Used trailers can be found on websites, but you're always taking a chance if you buy off the web. It's better to buy the trailer off a lot -- new or used -- because you can check out the overall condition of the trailer; see if there are rust spots or other damage the seller hasn't fully disclosed. Make sure you get a warranty if one is available. The necessary details You'll need to know the length, width, height and weight of your horse to make sure you get the right size rig. They come in a few standard heights: 7 feet, 7 feet 4 inches, and 7 feet 6 inches. Most 15 to 16 hand horses will easily fit in a 7 foot tall rig, but the added height is an advantage if plan to get another horse in the future or want to haul someone else's horse. If your horse is over 16 hands, you'd want to get the 7 foot 6 inch rig. You need to know the weight capacity of your hitch and the towing capacity of your truck. And finally, you'll also need the gross trailer weight, which is determined by adding the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo you'll carry inside it. Don't forget to include all the other horse gear -- saddle, show clothes, tack, water buckets, hay, and anything else you'll be carrying. Make sure you don't exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle or the weight capacity of your hitch. All trucks have labels and paperwork saying what their towing capacity is. Make sure you have this information when looking for trailers. Slant Load or Straight Load Trailer Most slant loads come with a dressing room which is great for horse shows or trail rides. Make sure to measure slant loads and well as straight loads since the dressing room may take up space for your horse and may then be too short and narrow. Some manufacturers think slant loads are less stressful for a horse because they can lean on the dividers to rest if needed. You can also turn your horse around in a slant load and don't need to worry about backing them out if it's an issue for your horse. The Material Choice The majority of rigs are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger, heavier and will hold up in an accident or crash. A steel trailer will cost less, but you may need to spend more on upkeep later if the trailer rusts. Since the steel trailer is heavier, it will affect the towing capacity of your vehicle, so keep the weight difference in mind. An aluminum trailer weighs less then a steel trailer and will be more expensive. However, an aluminum trailer will hold its value better and want to trade up for a new or larger model. Aluminum trailers tend to dent easier, which could be a problem if your horse is restless when being moved and tends to kick. Before you start looking for a rig, do some research. Go to a horse expo, check out a truck dealership. Consider sharing your rig with a friend who also goes to horse shows. He/she can help with the gas costs and you'll have someone to go to shows when other people at your barn may be busy. Be safe, stay within your budget and have fun wherever you go! About the Author Philippe Wiskell is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale Iowa, horses for sale Kansas, horses for sale Kentucky and other states. Philippe is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com |
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What Types of Horse Trailers Are Out There?
If you are considering buying a horse trailer, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the wide selection available on the market. From front facing to slant load to stock trailers, everyone claims that their trailer is the best and will be perfect for your needs.
Before buying a trailer, you need to consider what you need it for. Will you be showing a lot? Are you traveling long distances? Do you need a space to keep your tack? Then you need to consider what types of horses you will be shipping. Are they large? Small? Will you be shipping many horses, or only one or two? Are the horses good buddies, or are they likely to be strangers? All of these things and more will make a difference as you select your trailer.
Horse trailers come in many loading styles. The traditional two-horse trailer is a rear-loading trailer where both horses stand facing forward with a partition of some sort between them. These trailers are practical for many horse owners, and are easy to find.
Another common style is the head to head trailer. This usually has a side loading ramp, and the horses are set up so that half are facing forward while the other half face backward. Sometimes there is room to fit a small horse or pony in the middle. Generally these are two to six-horse trailers.
Slant loads tend to need more length for less horses, but offer a position that makes traveling easier on the horses. The partitions can be rather snug, giving the horses less wiggle room. Generally the waste space at the front of the trailer is made into storage rooms, suitable for keeping your tack on the trip. The average slant load trailer for three horses is about the same size as a straight load trailer for four horses.
Stock trailers do not have any dividers between the horses, but are often split into two large box stalls. They allow the horses room to choose their own position as they travel. One disadvantage is that there is no protection keeping horses from hurting one another while in transit.
A more recent innovation is the two + one style of trailer. This type of trailer combines a two-horse straight load with a one horse box stall in front. This box stall is small, and can be used for tack and equipment if you do not want to load a horse in it.
Each style of trailer can be found in step up or ramp load. Steps ups can be useful for difficult loaders as there is not hollow-sounding ramp to travel on. Ramps are generally safer though, although steep ramps need to have side panels to keep horses from stepping off the side by accident.
Some trailers come with built in tack rooms, and even changing rooms. While they add length, these can be very useful if you show a lot, or don't have extra room in your towing vehicle.
Finally, there are two primary types of hitch to consider. Bumper pull hitches are the most common, and can be used with a wide range of vehicles. They are great for smaller trailers, but not as secure for the bigger ones. Horse trailers should never be actually hooked onto a bumper - the hitch must be properly installed onto the frame of the towing vehicle.
Gooseneck hitches are more secure and are perfect for larger trailers. They also offer storage space in the neck, which can be useful if your trailer does not have a tack room. The problem with goosenecks is that you need a pick-up truck to pull them, and the hitch must be installed in the bed of your truck.
While you can find fifth-wheel hitches on horse trailers, they are uncommon.
About the Author
Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of
horses
,
trailers
,
saddles
, and she is a featured author at
www.ArticleKing.com