Horse Trailers: What I Need to Know

Buying a horse trailer is a big decision. With so many models and styles of trailers, how do you choose the best one? One trailer doesn't fit all. Your decision will be made based on economic reasons, as well as what suits your horse(s). What dealer truly has the experience to help?

 

Horse Trailer Hitch Type Consideration:

Before heading to the dealer, one of the first places to start your horse trailer search should actually start with your hitch type Gooseneck or and bumper pull. Each has advantages and disadvantages for which Belore can be of assistance in regards to the nuances of each. The basics could be narrowed down to something as simple as the number of horses you need/want to transport.  If you're hauling more than four horses, a gooseneck trailer is the better way to go but will necessitate a different hitch type & placement as well as require a truck with a specific towing setup. There can be noticeable increase in costs with this hitch type but if a gooseneck horse trailer is ideally what you need, there are several benefits.  A bumper pull works great for towing fewer than four horses and can be pulled with almost any truck that meets towing capacity requirements - which adds to the simplicity of purchasing a horse trailer.

   

Horse Trailer Construction:

Keep in mind that you need to look at the entire trailer, especially the least noticeable areas. Lie down underneath the trailer; see what's holding up the floor. Hop on a ladder, and glance over the roof. There should be adhesive over seams, and a system, like Featherlite's pierce and roll, that doesn't create holes in your roof preventing water leakage. Step inside the trailer and imagine it in use with your horse in it. Will your horse be safe and comfortable?  How much flexibility does the layout have?  How well do the hinges/gates work?  Attention to detail in these areas tells you a lot about a manufacturer's practice.

For serious structural support, make sure your trailer has walls that are 2 inches thick. Trailers should be slightly flexible, but the walls shouldn't move when bumped by your horses. Thicker walls provide a dramatically safer environment for your horses by minimizing possible wall movement. Unless you have a pony an inch thick wall won't be adequate.  Walls should also include rubber.  It doesn't need to be as thick as flooring rubber, but a layer of wall rubber can reduce the impact of a horse being bumped around on rough terrain. 

When it comes to construction, if you choose to purchase an aluminum trailer, make sure that's what you get. Many companies claim to produce 'aluminum' trailers but that is not necessarily what's beneath the sheeting - make sure you ask your salesperson for specifics on the frame material.

Horse Safety:

Horse trailer construction plays a major role in keeping your horse(s) safe during transport.  Make sure to keep your horse comfortable & safe with rubber flooring, it's the first thing horses noticed when they board the trailer. Make sure it's a quality rubber that is thick - the differences in rubber flooring affect your horse. Three-quarter inch rubber will allow horses the greatest amount of cushion while keeping them stable. 

No matter what it looks like on the outside or how fancy it is on the inside if it's not safe for your animals, it's not the trailer for you. The wrong trailer is not a good buy no matter the price.

Fuel Economy/Towability:

The right horse trailer primarily focuses on the comfort and safety of the horse but your pocketbook, in the form of cost-of-ownership, should also play a role in selecting the right trailer.  Fuel economy, by way of trailer aerodynamics may play a prominent consideration in the buying process; especially with the ever-climbing gas prices.  Save fuel money by choosing from aerodynamic options. Each hauling job is unique; having the right type of trailer is therefore crucial but still only one element in the decision-making process to reflect on. 

Of course, the overall weight of the trailer will also play a role in the amount of fuel it takes to get from point A to point B.  The largest difference maker in the weight of the trailer is use of aluminum or steel.  Allow a savvy trailer dealer such as Belore Trailer Sales to help walk you through the differences in construction noting that in some cases a trailer may be ultra-light simply due to shortcuts in the engineering of some trailers.  Belore can help educate you on where to look for details in quality.

Additional Features to Look For:

Another significant aspect when considering a new trailer are the windows and vents. Large windows that are easy to operate with a centered handle, allow maximum light and air movement. One hot days overhead vents are essential, especially a row of centered or alternating roof vents.

LED lights are the way to go these days, they're small, use less energy, are more powerful and last considerably longer than conventional lighting. LED marker lights, wraparound brake illumination and atmospheric lighting inside is a bonus on any trailer.

Maybe you require a slant-load style or maybe not?  Again, Belore can help walk you through how you want/need to use your horse trailer and assist you in making the right decision.

 

Belore Trailer Sales & the Horse Industry:

The name Belore has been part of the Ontario Horse industry for a LONG time.  Each of the last 3 generations has had varying degrees of impact on this industry.  The late Arnold Belore had an absolute passion for the horse industry so it was a logical step to become one of Ontario's leading horse trailer dealers from our location in Mount Elgin, justsouth of Ingersoll. 

Belore Trailer Sales is proud to offer top brands of horse and livestock trailers such as Featherlite and Corn-Pro and since we've been in business for over 40 years, you know that you are buying from a knowledgeable and trusted horse trailer dealer.