Buying a horse trailer is a large investment and is something you should do your homework on! Have you considered what size trailer you want, what manufacturer and what model? Many will vouch for the “best” option, but our best advice is that you find out what is the most ideal fit for your traveling and for your horse We want to make the process easy, so we have created this Horse Trailer Buying Guide to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Horse Trailer Buying Guide: What Do You Need in Your Horse Trailer?
Consider the size of the horse trailer that you want. First, think about the size of your horse, the number of horses you are bringing, the size of your vehicle and how wide you need it to be. Bumper pull trailers attach with a hitch to your vehicle. They can haul several horses at the same time but not quite as safe as other options with in climate weather.
What Type of Horse Trailer Is Best For Me?
You can also look at gooseneck horse trailers which are heavier, easy to handle, and great for more than 2 or 3 horses. Living quarter trailers are a great option if you plan to travel with your horses a long distance, and need a bed to sleep in at night. This is definitely the most convenient way to travel with animals. Straight load trailers are popular; this is where the horse’s heads are faced forward and tails towards the back. This allows the horse to be more comfortable when traveling. Slant load trailers are all about that extra room! If you are traveling far distances, this could be a smart decision, so the horses do not excerpt as much energy during brakes and accelerations, during the trip.
Horse Trailer Material
Consider the material that the trailer is made out of. The two most common types are made from steel or aluminum. Steel is the heavier of the two. It seems to be more reliable in the case of an accident. Aluminum trailers typically require less maintenance. They have fewer rust and corrosion issues… And are very durable over time. Both can be good options depending on the number of animals you have and your travel plans.
All in the Details
Details are everything when you are purchasing your horse trailer. Besides identifying what brand, you want to buy, you have so many other aspects to consider. Some additional details to think about are, the specific style, your budget, and where you are traveling to. Styles consist of a manger, a walk-through and a slant-load. All have their pros and cons regarding space, convenience, and practicality. If you need a trailer that is more open, allows the horse to brace himself and gives you more access to the horse, consider the walk-through. If you need something for several smaller horses, consider getting a slant-load.
At the end of the day, you can purchase what you can afford. Consider your budget when buying this trailer. Although you may not want to finance, you have to understand that this is a long-term, important purchase that will essentially be the home on wheels for your horses. Look over different options, different dealerships, and learn about different manufacturers and their materials.
You also should consider your surroundings. Where do you and your 4-legged friends plan to travel to this summer? Keep in mind that different climates are going to affect your type of trailer. Keep them covered, keep them clean, and continual maintenance will definitely help with the durability and longevity of your trailer.
We hope this is a great start to you finding your first horse trailer. It can be very overwhelming to buy a trailer, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what you are looking for. As long as it fits the needs of your horses, your budget, and your traveling plans, you will be good to go! Happy and safe travels!
