Find Horse Trailers for Sale Near You (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest horse trailer to pull? ›

Gooseneck Horse Trailers

Goosenecks, like fifth wheel travel trailers, are more stable than bumper towed trailers, safer to drive, and easier to maneuver. Gooseneck trailers will have room for horses in the back and most will include an area for tack in the front, and in some cases, saddle racks.

If you plan to tow more than 2-3 horses, a gooseneck horse trailer is probably the trailer for you. Gooseneck trailers are also known to be easier to tow because you have more control when accelerating, turning, and stopping. It is a common opinion that towing a bumper pull trailer is more difficult to maneuver.

Why are horse trailers so expensive? Expense reflects features, quality, safety attributes, materials, and custom options. Trailer class, type, and layout also influence pricing. A basic 2-horse bumper pull differs vastly from a customized 4-horse living quarters gooseneck model.

With proper maintenance, an enclosed trailer can last 20 years or more. Stock trailers are designed for transporting livestock, such as cattle, horses, and sheep. These trailers come in various sizes and configurations, including gooseneck and bumper-pull models.

Engine Power

The minimum requirement is 125 horsepower. We recommend a vehicle with a V-6 engine, which provides sufficient power to accelerate into traffic, to move easily in and out of traffic and sustain your speed on hilly terrain.

It's recommended to have a minimum of a ½ ton truck in order to safely pull a horse trailer.

Our top recommendation for horse trailer floors is 2” pressure treated lumber with rubber mats. It's important that the lumber is properly installed with the boards running length-ways down the trailer (not side to side). There should be a 1/4” gap between the boards to allow for airflow.

The size and temperament of your horses can influence your trailer choice. Larger horses require more space, so a livestock trailer or bumper pull trailer may not be suitable. Certain designs may be more appropriate for horses that prefer more or less open space, like straight-load trailers with built-in stalls.

If you have a straight-load trailer, you always want to load the heavier horse on the driver's side. If you're only hauling one horse, he should likewise go on the driver's side. The reason behind this has to do with the pitch, or slant, of the road.

Over time, your horse will likely try to get off the trailer earlier and earlier, until he's eventually trying to turn around inside the trailer, which becomes a safety hazard for both the horse and the horseman. So, you want to make sure that he backs all the way off, and maybe even an additional 10 feet or so.

What size horse trailer do I need? ›

Add 2" to the roof (7'6"), and the horse can be up to 16-3 hands. From 16-3 hands up to 17 hands, you should add another 2" (7'8") to the height, and 6" to the length from butt to breast and 6" to head area (11' total stall), or just add 1' to the head area depending on the "butt to breast" size of your horse.

The inside of a horse trailer can easily become 20 degrees warmer than the air temperature outside. Horses working to keep their balance in such conditions can quickly become stressed, fatigued and dangerously overheated. As you travel this summer, take precautions to ensure your horses stay cool on the road.

Brad added, “Horse trailers are equipped with trailer tires that carry a "ST" designation which stands for "special trailer". Most of those are rated at a maximum speed of 65 MPH. Keep speeds at 55 MPH on two lane roads and no more than 65 MPH on interstate travel.”

Horses are fine for up to 9 hours in a trailer as long as they have food and water, and unloading during the trip just adds to your end time considerably.

The main disadvantage is their cost. Aluminum trailers are typically more expensive than trailers made from steel or other materials. This can be a major barrier for some people, especially if they are working with a limited budget.

Ultra-light or ultralite travel trailers weigh less than other options. Their light weight makes them great for towing with a vehicle you already own, like an SUV. Designed specifically to be light and aerodynamic, ultra-lite travel trailers are a wonderful option for easy towing and conserving gas.

It's over-simplifying to say a half-ton truck (like the Ford F-150, Ram/Chevrolet/GMC 1500, and others) is always fine for a two-horse trailer. That's because the same model and year truck can have a different engine size, transmission, rear axle ratio and wheelbase.

Loaded horse trailers are heavy. The extra weight puts more strain on the tow vehicle and stopping distances are longer. You will also not be able to accelerate as quickly. These problems will be emphasized if you are close to your maximum towing capacity.

Yes, the Ford F-150 can tow a horse trailer in most cases. The towing capacity of the new 2024 Ford F-150 trucks ranges from 5,000 pounds to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped.