Posted 2011-02-24 6:27 PM (#130746) Subject: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
New User
Posts: 2
Location: California
Hi all,I am very impressed by all of the knowledgeable people on this site! I hope some of you will offer your advice to help me make a decision in purchasing a trailer. I have 3 horses, all between 15-16H. I need to haul 1-2 horses once or twice a week to the local trails. Once a month I haul all 3 horses. Once or twice a year we might take them camping overnight, which would be anywhere from 1-4 hours away. It doesn't snow here, and frankly it doesn't rain much, but it does get very hot in the summer! So ventilation is really important. I don't show, so I don't need living quarters. I do use the back of my truck, so I would prefer a BP. Most of the trails where I ride have small parking areas, so I really need the shortest in length (and easiest to maneuver) trailer that can fit 3 horses. I am thinking about a stock trailer, but I don't know how short (in length) I can go. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has an opinion on this!
Posted 2011-02-24 7:06 PM (#130751 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
If you get a 16' white gooseneck stock trailer, it will be cool and very very maneaverable, and you can tie your horse cowboy style on the side like a slant load by fastening your center patition back against the side, and you would have a nice little rig.
Posted 2011-02-25 11:23 AM (#130783 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Expert
Posts: 1871 Location: NY
like fyinghfarm said a stock trailer is great for two horses or one I have a stock trailer for my draft horse it can take the weight load hope this helps
Posted 2011-02-25 11:37 AM (#130787 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
We had a 3H BP stock/combo that was 18' long. The stall dividers and forward bulkhead could be swung out of the way or removed outright. This allowed almost any space configuration we needed. We carried tractors, furniture, windows and many other things not related to horses. The forward tack area was almost 4' long, and there was additional space behind the last horse. We hauled warm bloods, large paints and a Belgian
The same trailer was available in a 14' + length, by reducing the storage areas.
Posted 2011-02-25 3:46 PM (#130794 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
If you are looking at a standard 6'8" or so wide BP trailer, you could go as short as 14' and get along fine. I would go 16' as an earlier post said as that is way more common and then you could haul 4 or some hay, etc. Also, the 16' will have a lot more resale value than the 14' as 14' is an uncommon size and possibly have to special ordered. What do you plan on pulling it with?
Posted 2011-02-26 8:05 AM (#130815 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
New User
Posts: 2
Location: California
Hi everyone,Thanks so much for your responses. Spin Doctor, I need to buy a truck as well as a trailer so once I decide on the trailer, I will buy something that can safely pull it. I had someone tell me that I can fit 3 horses in a 12' stock trailer. Is that true? Thanks!
Posted 2011-02-27 2:38 AM (#130841 - in reply to #130815) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by vegangal on 2011-02-26 8:05 AM
Hi everyone,Thanks so much for your responses. Spin Doctor, I need to buy a truck as well as a trailer so once I decide on the trailer, I will buy something that can safely pull it. I had someone tell me that I can fit 3 horses in a 12' stock trailer. Is that true? Thanks!
Posted 2011-02-27 7:16 AM (#130845 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
A 16' stock or horse trailer is a great idea, but it is really nice to have a tack in the front that you can put saddles and a porta-pot in... just in case you want to camp and ride, or don't want to squat before you mount up...
Posted 2011-02-28 11:13 AM (#130881 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
I would think about a 3H stock/combo trailer. That way you have a place for your tack. Purchase a trailer that is 7' tall, or even 7'6" tall for your larger horses. You can also purchase a trailer with a swing slant wall. This fives you the option of having a tack room, or opening it up for useing the whole length of the trailer. I would definitely stay with a stock sided trailer for your climate. Also try and stay with a 7' wide or as near to 7' wide as possible.
Posted 2011-03-03 12:12 PM (#131082 - in reply to #130746) Subject: RE: Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Jarrell, Texas
I've been hauling to trails for years, and my all time favorite trailer to pull is a Aluminum Gooseneck horse/stock combo. You could buy a bumper pull too, with a forward tack. If you do go for a stock trailer, spend the extra money to get the slant load dividers instead of the stock gate. You'll be glad you did as it keeps your horses in position as you load two or three. These dividers are removable, so you can use the trailer for moving, or hauling other stuff too. Make sure you get at least 7' or 7'6 Tall and at least 7' wide. And if you go for a bumper pull, then make sure your axles are positioned where the weight of your horses is over the axlex, and not on the tongue. As for size, I would make sure that you measure your horse from nose to tail to make sure that the stall length will work.
Newbie asking for advice on which trailer to buy
