2manyhorses
Posted : 7/9/2009 2:48:26 PM
There are many things to consider when trailer shopping and unfortunately, you won't know what the answers is until you do some hauling.
The first consideration is your tow vehicle if you already own one. If you will haul with a large SUV or a truck that has a shell, camper or large tool boxes, you will be limited to a bumper pull. The stopping ability is as important as the pulling capacity. Pulling more trailer than your vehicle can handle will cause expensive repairs (brakes expecially).
Aluminum vs Steel. There is a misconception that aluminum is lighter than steel. If the trailer is all aluminum, it will only weight a few 100 pounds lighter because the frame has to be beefed up to have the stuctural strenght of steel. More common is a steel frame with an aluminum skin. They will be lighter and less costly than the 100% aluminum. There is a huge variance in brands both steel and aluminum. There are lemons with some big name brands and there are some gems made by smaller local builders. Check the workmanship on the welds as a guage of quality. Extra bells and whistles don't make up for poor quality. Many newer steel trailers have rust issues very early. Check the roof seams.
Most important consideration aside from roadworthyness and safety has to be is it the right size for my horse? Stall size varies as does trailer height. 7 high by 7 wide should be a minimum for a slant load hauling a 15-16 hand horse.
Personal preferences would include step up vs ramp. Some horses load better with one or the other. If you will use the trailer for other applications, one style will work better than the other. Straight, slant, rear facing and stock all have their advantages. Most horses will load and ride better in slant loads and stock. Straight loads are typically less expensive and the stalls can be the largest. Stock are the most versitle (haul hay...) and least expensive. You want at least one spot per slot to tie the horse. 2 per is better. Drop down windows, bars and screens add quickly to the price. What size trailer to buy? The general concensus is to buy more than you think you need. If you will only haul one horse, buy a 2 horse. 2 horses, buy a 3 horse. 12-14 ft stock trailers are a handy size. You can squeeze 3 horses in them and they aren't much bigger than a 2 horse. Used 3 horse trailers are the highest in demand and will often go for a higher price than a used 4-5 horse.
Bumperpull vs gooseneck. Bumperpulls are cheaper, lighter and in the 2 horse version more plentiful used. If you can't afford a special tow vehicle, they can be safely pulled with larger SUVs or mid sized trucks. They are shorter in length and can fit into smaller trail heads. They take more practice to back smoothly, They can sway more and will offer a less stable ride for the horse. For short hauls they easily fit the bill. Goosenecks are heavier, more expensive, easier to back, harder to fit into gas stations, eat more curbs (they pivot inside the radius of the turn whereas BPs follow the same path of the tow vehicle). Goosenecks have the advantage of a build in place to sleep for overnight trips, offer a more stable ride in long hauls (doesn't tire out the horse)
New vs used. New trailers are expensive and I would stay away as an initial purchase until you have a good handle on everything you want and need in one. Used can be all over the place from unsafe to the deal of the century. I would not look past a 20 year old steel trailer. If it's still on the road with little to no rust, that's the best testament to it's constuction and care over the years. A 20 year old trailer that was only used for summer showing would be more attractive to me than a 3 year old that was used to haul cows weekly. Hitch up any trailer you are considering and get it up to highway speed before you seal the deal. Does it pull to one side, fishtail, sit on it's butt, make the tow vehicle squat.... Color is a consideration. Not to match the truck but a white or silver trailer will stay cooler in the summer. Interior color of white or silver will also be less "cave like" and easier to load into.
And I've only scratched to surface....