| After years of waiting for commercial haulers, borrowing rigs, and owing friends favors for lifts in their trailer, you may be dreaming of a new trailer of your own. Choosing a new trailer is an exciting adventure, but before you set out to buy the first one that catches your eye, take some time to research what manufacturers have to offer and what options best suit your needs.
There are many options available in new trailers. As technology continues to evolve, the choices have grown more complex and sometimes more expensive. New research has shed much light on tips for trailer design that allow for the greatest comfort, health, and safety of the equine cargo. It's important to know how your design choices will affect your horse. Investing in a safe trailer is money well spent. Horses are large and strong, the equipment you haul with them is heavy, and the trailer design must be able to hold up to kicks, rough loading, and even a fallen horse. Your trailer will become your horse's stall and home away from home; give as much attention to its design as you would to a stall in your barn.
Materials and Construction
There are only a few main materials used in the construction of trailer frames and walls: aluminum and steel for the frame, and aluminum, steel, fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRP), or a combination thereof for the sides. Let's look closer at these materials. Aluminum has become very popular for use in both the frame and body of horse trailers in recent years. Its advantages include its light weight and rust-resistance. Aluminum trailers tend to cost more up front but generally hold their value better over time than steel trailers.
There are two main types of aluminum sheeting used in the body of trailers: smooth and extruded (which appears ribbed). Extruded aluminum is forced through rollers or dies and pressed into shape. This changes the makeup of the metal, making it stronger, stiffer, and more rigid.
Gone are the days when every trailer on the market was made of steel, but it still forms the basis for many trailers on the road today. Much progress has been made in reducing the tendency of steel trailers to oxidize, or rust, mainly through the use of galvanized steel. Steel is strong and rigid, providing a solid base for the construction of both frame and body. It is also somewhat more affordable than some all-aluminum models.
Fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRP) is used mainly in the construction of walls, roofs, and trailer partitions. The fiberglass is durable and easy to clean. It also helps to prolong the trailer's longevity by protecting both the metal and wood from the caustic effects of manure and ammonia.
Most modern trailers have a metal frame, and the strength and integrity of either an aluminum or steel frame are unbeatable. The horse must feel like the footing beneath him is solid and secure, both while the trailer is still and when in motion, and the sturdiness of a metal frame contributes to this.
Floors in new trailers are either made of wood or metal. If the flooring is wood, it should be constructed of treated boards to help keep rotting at bay. Untreated boards will quickly decay from soaking up urine, feces, and other moisture. A treated wood floor will last much longer, but even that may need to be replaced eventually. Fortunately, replacing a wooden floor is a fairly easy task.
Metal floors in trailers tend to be made from extruded aluminum in most cases. It is laid down in an interlocking tongue-and-groove pattern, like planks. These floors are durable and lightweight. However, they also conduct heat and can get quite toasty on a summer day if not properly insulated. Rubber mats, therefore, are a must with an aluminum floor in order to insulate against the heat. Aluminum floors also benefit from having an acid wash at least once a year. The life of any floor will be extended greatly if cleaned regularly á‹á ammonia is corrosive.
A trailer's floor should be supported by the cross members of its frame. Make sure there is no bow or sag to the floor. Also, it is best if the floor is a separate unit from the frame because in the event of an accident in which the frame gets bent, it is possible for the floor to remain intact.
The body of the trailer is often made of a combination of the aforementioned materials. Walls can be single or double in thickness; double walls generally are also insulated. Single wall trailers are less expensive, but double walls (usually comprised of an inner wall, some type of insulation, and then an outer wall) are less likely to dent and don't flex from impact. They can also help keep the trailer climate more moderate as well as block some of the noise from the road.
A trailer's roof may not be your top priority, but it is important to think about, especially if your trailer will live outside. Talk to your trailer dealer about which materials work best for your climate to prevent leaks and ward off corrosion while maintaining strength and durability.
Stall dividers are also a consideration, depending on the style of trailer. They often come in several lengths, usually full, three quarter, or half partitions. Some trailers feature removable partitions, which are helpful when hauling a mare and foal, a large horse, or a claustrophobic animal. Full dividers confine the horse more than partial dividers, a feature that some horses never learn to be comfortable with. Full partitions do have the advantage of completely separating the horse from either a companion or any gear that needs to be hauled in an empty stall.
The exterior shape of the trailer can play a role in how it handles on the road. Flat or rounded fronts tend to push against the air, making them more resistant while hauling. V shaped fronts are designed to reduce drag and contribute to a smoother ride.
Practical Options
Materials and construction style are only two of the many options you have to consider when purchasing a new trailer. Other factors include such basic design features as gooseneck versus bumper pull, ramp versus step up, slant versus straight, and the number of stalls. First, consider how many horses you wish to be able to haul. For most amateur riders, a two-horse trailer is ample, but only you can decide what number is right for your needs. One limiting factor here may be your tow vehicle. In an ideal world, you would choose your trailer first and then select an appropriate vehicle to haul it, but the reality is that most people shop the other way around. The more horses you haul, the heavier your trailer and the bigger truck you need. If you don't have a big tow vehicle, you cannot safely haul a big trailer.
If you're tired of relying on friends for a ride to shows, a moderate sized two-horse bumper-pull trailer such as this will give you the freedom you've been dreaming of.
The answer to the gooseneck versus bumper pull debate is one that ultimately rests with your pocketbook and the number of horses you wish to haul. Gooseneck trailers are loved for their stability on the road and smooth ride. But they haul differently than bumper pulls do (drivers must turn wider, for example), and it can take some time to adjust to hauling this type of rig. Bumper pull trailers follow more directly behind the wheels of the tow vehicle. They are also lighter and can be hauled with smaller vehicles. Owning a gooseneck means you must drive a pick-up, usually a three-quarter ton or greater. |
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Another option to consider is whether you want a ramp or a step-up on your trailer. To some extent, this choice is influenced by the region you live in or the discipline you ride. A sloping ramp makes the load more gradual for your horse, although some horses dislike the sensation of a ramp, which usually yields slightly with the horse's weight. If you opt for a ramp, bear in mind that those with long and low angles are the easiest for horses to load onto. Spring-loaded ramps are easiest for humans to lift, especially important if you will be loading by yourself. Make sure the springs are not in the way on the side of the ramp, where they can hurt horse or handler. Ramps should have a rubber mat or be textured for grip. Step-ups offer a quick and easy way on and off the trailer. Some horses find the step-up more inviting than a bouncy ramp, especially since the styles of trailers it is most common on tend to also have wide open interiors. While some horseowners believe that step-ups are dangerous because they present the risk of the horse sliding beneath the trailer if he misjudges the step, others maintain that ramps are far more dangerous because a horse could get caught on them or spooked by them. This has been a long-running debate in the horse industry; the best thing to do is research as much as possible prior to making your decision. Talk to your trailer dealer and to other horsey friends to learn what advantages and disadvantages they have found with each style.
Straight or Slant?
Another hotly-debated topic is whether horses travel better in a straight or slant load trailer. This has been the focus of much research lately, and the honest answer is that it depends.
Straight load trailers have been around forever it seems and are still very common today(most bumper pull trailers are straight loads). Horses are led onto the straight load trailer and tied facing forwards, which is also the direction in which they will travel. Escape doors at the front allow the handler to exit the trailer once the horse is loaded. These trailers come with one or two escape doors in front and usually a ramp in the back. In an emergency, some front doors are large enough that a horse could potentially be unloaded in this direction. In a straight load trailer, the wheel wells are outside the stalls.
Slant load trailers are most practical in trailers for three or more horses. Two-horse slants make for a long trailer without really gaining any of the benefits of a slant. If you want to haul three horses, the slant load provides an economical solution. Since trailer axles can be a maximum of 102 inches, or 8 1/2 feet, from tire to tire, there are two options for wheel well location in a slant. The trailer either has a really wide interior with wheel wells in the stalls or unobstructed stalls that are about seven feet wide.
Some research has indicated that horses prefer to ride on a slant rather than straight, and if left untied in an open trailer they will most often choose to ride on a slant. It is also possible to give some horses more room in a slant. But slants also have their drawbacks. They don't necessarily give larger horses enough room. Seven feet is not much space for a 16.3-hand warmblood. To alleviate this problem, some manufacturers are now offering stalls that are ten feet long. This is achieved by slanting the horse at a more forward angle. By the time you have given some of these larger horses enough room, you could more easily have put them on a straight load trailer.
Many slant loads feature a small tack area in the corner, which is provided by the angle of the last stall. But having this tack area means that the last horse must back off, and sometimes the second to last horse as well, because there is no room to turn around. This is a consideration for stiff horses or a trailer with a step down design. Finally, the only way to load most slants is to put the first horse on, shut the divider, then the second horse, etc. This means that once loaded, it is very difficult to reach the first horse without unloading the rest of the horses. If your first horse had a medical emergency on the road, this could delay treatment. Auxiliary side doors can be installed, but they are expensive and not found as a standard feature on most slant trailers.
Creature Comforts
Once you get through the major design choices of your new trailer, you can move on to the 'fun' options, most of which are designed to make the human's life easier on the road and the horse's more comfortable.
The seriour competitor may want to
consider a trailer with living quarters.
Living quarters are a luxury that the serious competitor may wish to consider. Obviously, adding this option increases both the size of the trailer and the bottom line, but for the equine enthusiast who spends most of her life on the road with her horses, it can save money down the road in lodging expenses. Plus, living out of your trailer keeps you close to where your horses are stabled.
Dressing rooms are a more affordable option for most. In gooseneck trailers, dressing rooms are very common, and the space over the hitch can double as equipment storage or a place for a sleeping bag while overnight at a show. Bumper pull trailers are also available with a dressing room, offering easy access to equipment, storage, and of course a place to change. When hauling multiple horses, the dressing room allows room for the extra gear, especially if the truck's cab is full of people.
Allowing your horse adequate height and width is important. For those hauling larger animals, most manufacturers offer extra-tall, extra-wide, or extra-long features in their trailers, offering the passenger more head and body room. These features can sometimes help a nervous or claustrophobic traveler become a seasoned road veteran.
Ventilation in the trailer is critical to equine comfort and health. Trailer manufacturers now offer roof vents, side vents, and windows. Windows may be slide or drop down in style; either type should have bars to prevent the horse from actually hanging its head outside the trailer. Plexiglass windows may be tinted to help deflect the sun. Some trailers allow you to install windows in the back door. These can combine with windows in the front to create a vacuum effect, keeping air circulating in the trailer. The cooler you can keep the interior the better (insulated walls will also help keep trailer temperatures under control). While seeking optimum ventilation, it is important to ensure that the vent design will never cause air to directly blow on the horses or cause hay and dust to blow into their eyes.
Other options include spare tires, dual tail lights, interior lights, and extra padding on the interior. Color and trim are also options on new trailers. Consider that light interiors are more inviting to horse, and dark colored exteriors will attract sunlight and cause the trailer to heat up more quickly.
The Final Choice
Once you have considered all the options, visit dealers and ask lots of questions. Ask to see the specifications on the models you are considering. Research the company's reputation. Ask dealers and other trailer owners what they know about that brand and any experiences they've had with it. Companies that have consistently been producing quality trailers carry with them a legacy of workmanship that can help guarantee a good trailer.
When it comes down to it, you and your horses are going to define what you need in a new trailer more than any other factor. Take the time to consider your needs and you are likely to find the perfect match. |
