|
By: Shannon Margolis
 The information below is designed to help you
choose the right horse trailer for your needs. Regardless of what you're looking
for, these tips will help you find it more quickly and feel more confident that
you're making a smart purchase.
New or Used?
Assuming that you can find exactly what you need
in the used horse trailer market, there's really no reason to buy a new one. If
you do decide to purchase a used trailer, make sure it's been well-maintained
and that all necessary repairs are taken care of (or knocked off the purchase
price).
The main reason a person might consider buying a
new trailer is out of fear of an unseen problem with a used unit. Avoid this by
educating yourself as much as possible about horse trailers before you begin to
shop.
Types of Horse Trailers
Horse trailers come in three main types:
 Stock horse trailers
are open as opposed to enclosed, and usually have
slatted sides. Some horses prefer stock trailers because they don't feel closed
up and they have a little more freedom of movement and position. A major benefit
of a stock trailer is the fact that it can be used to haul other things aside
from horses. It is a basic all-purpose trailer- although during rain or snow the
lack of cover can be a problem.
 Slant-load horse trailers
allow the horses inside to ride at an angle,
which can often make them more comfortable, particularly during sharp stops or
accelerations. Slant load trailers, however, can be uncomfortable for larger
horses; the typical slant-load stall only has about eight feet of useable space.
Also, because the horses will be using opposite sides of their bodies to brace
themselves depending on whether the trailer is speeding up or slowing down, a
slant-load trailer can be very tiring for them and could possibly even result in
unevenness of gait.
 Straight-load horse trailers
are the most commonly used. Straight-load
trailers allow the horses to hold their weight evenly on all four legs and the
spine; they can, however, cause problems when it comes to loading and unloading.
Some horses are reluctant to walk into straight-load trailers, and getting them
to back out can be a problem as well.
The debate over what type of horse trailer is
better is a hot issue among trailer owners. In order to decide which one works
best for you, you'll have to carefully consider your personal preferences and
the needs of your horses. There is no one "right answer" in the debate between
stock, slant or straight load trailers.
Horse Trailer Construction
The construction of a horse trailer is extremely
important when it comes to how well it will perform and how long it will last.
Consider the factors below before making a purchase.
1. Material
Steel horse trailers have been around for the
longest time, and are extremely common. They can, however, can be somewhat
heavy, and they do require some maintenance in the form of washing and waxing to
prevent corrosion, especially if you live in a salty climate. Because of the
tendency of the steel to break down if not maintained properly, steel horse
trailers are not always the best option. With proper care, of course, they can
last for years.
Steel-framed horse trailers are a good choice if
corrosion is a problem in your climate, or if you're not happy about the idea of
maintaining the exterior of the trailer. Steel-framed trailers are usually made
with an aluminum skin, which resists corrosion. Only the skeleton of the unit is
made from steel. Make sure the trailer you're considering is properly designed
with some type of barrier between the steel and aluminum, as these two metals
can cause electric shocks if they are touching.
Aluminum horse trailers are usually the most expensive, as
they are lightweight yet extremely durable. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion,
although the exterior may eventually oxidize over time if exposed to the
elements. Aluminum trailers are typically about 15% lighter than comparable
steel ones; they also cost about 15% more. Aluminum is generally considered the
best choice.
2. Suspension
Good suspension is essential in a horse trailer.
It provides a smooth ride for the horses and prevents unnecessary wear and tear
on the trailer caused by excessive jolting and bouncing. There are two main
types of suspension systems:
Rubber torsion suspensions work independently, so
that if one wheel hits a bump the motion is not transferred to the others. This
system is the most expensive of the two but results in a much smoother and
quieter ride.
Leaf spring suspension uses several layers of
metal springs bracketed together into a single unit. While usually cheaper, leaf
spring suspensions don't last as long as rubber, and the inner-connectedness can
cause wear and tear as well as noise from the metal-on-metal connections.
3. Frame
The frame of a horse trailer is generally made
from tubular steel or aluminum. Check to see that the supports are placed the
correct distance apart (generally 16 or 24 inches) and that the entire frame is
strong enough to support what you're hauling. The heavier your load is, the
thicker the beams used in the frame should be in order to hold together
properly.
4. Walls and floor
Try to choose a trailer with a plywood floor,
because wood breathes more easily than aluminum and will provide a more
comfortable ride. The trailer's interior walls should have insulation that is at
least one inch thick. Check for wall studs and make sure they're also at least
one inch thick. The thicker the studs, the better flexibility the trailer will
have. Make sure all floor and wall pieces are fastened properly, ideally with
non-corroding aluminum fasteners and bolts.
Your Horse's Comfort
Don't forget to consider the size of your horse
or horses when looking for a trailer. Make sure that the horse has enough room
to spread all four legs in all directions to help brace himself if he needs to.
He should also be able to raise his head and extend his neck fully without
hitting the ceiling of the trailer. Have measurements of your horse available
when shopping for a trailer.
The horse trailer you purchase should also have
adequate ventilation for any length of trip. Most enclosed trailers have slats
or windows on the sides as well as vents in the roof. This is extremely
important, as the inside of a horse trailer is extremely susceptible to mold and
dust.
Make sure your trailer provides enough light for
the horse to feel comfortable inside. A dark trailer will cause the horse to
balk at entering, and may cause him to act out of fear during a long trip.
Finally, check for any other details that might
cause your horse injury. Windows should be recessed into the trailer's walls to
prevent sharp or protruding corners, and the walls and stalls should ideally be
covered with rubber to keep the horse comfortable if he bumps or leans against
it.
Horse Trailer Manufacturers
When purchasing a horse trailer, it's wise to
look for a brand name that has been around for several years and proved its
worth on the market. Spending a little extra for a horse trailer from a known
manufacturer can be worth the extra performance you'll get out of the unit over
the years. The following are a few well-known horse trailer manufacturers.
Horton has been producing general-purpose haulers
and vans for the last 30 years. They specialize in steel-framed, aluminum skin
horse trailers with rubber torsion suspension systems.
Exiss is the third-largest manufacturer of horse
trailers in the world, and produces quality trailers with extra details such as
theft-deterring latches and hinges, extra-wide loading doors, and super-thick
insulation and wall studs. Their trailers are made from all aluminum.
Sooner Trailers are known for producing standard
as well as custom-built horse trailers. They specialize in all-aluminum trailers
with patented folding troughs and tapered noses for efficient towing.
Kiefer Trailers make aluminum horse trailers in
straight load, slant load or box stall varieties. They build extra-large
standard and custom trailers with patented leak-proof roofs.
Hart Horse Trailers have been in business since
1968 and specialize in customized details such as insulated roofs, interlocking
floors and double-framed doors. Their trailers operate with TORFLEX rubber ride
torsion suspension systems.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a horse trailer doesn't
have to be intimidating. The key is to do plenty of research and to know exactly
what you need when you start shopping. The more you can educate yourself on the
various factors of horse trailers, the better equipped you'll be to deal with a
decision when it comes time to buy.
For a great place to start looking for a horse
trailer, try the classifieds at www.trailerme.com. This website offers high
quality used trailers at bargain prices, and it's a great place to find the
perfect horse trailer for your specific needs.
Back to Articles main page |
