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