How to Buy a Trailer

You've fallen in love with a horse, but you're reluctant to ride him down the freeway to your house. Now what? Time to get a trailer. Get the lowdown on general trailer options, then on issues specific to horse trailers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hitch
• Calculator

Standard trailers

1. Research the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. This data is on the driver's doorpost or in the owner's manual.

2. Calculate the maximum load that will be hauled (for horse trailers, that's based simply on the number of horses you'll carry) and check the unloaded weight of any trailer you are considering. This should be stamped on the trailer. The unloaded weight plus maximum load is the total weight that you will tow. If that load surpasses your vehicle's maximum towing capacity, you need to either adjust your plans or get a larger vehicle.

3. Understand trailer design. The smallest trailers have a single axle. Many of these are capable of hauling only small loads such as most recreational boats, snowmobiles and personal watercraft, although large single-axle trailers exist. Double-axle trailers usually have a higher load capacity than single-axle trailers and always ride more smoothly. The additional wheels also add stability when the trailer is unhitched. They're used for large sailboats and car haulers. Triple-axle trailers haul very large loads such as tractors, and are difficult to maneuver due to their long wheelbase.

4. Find out what's the hitch. Trailers that connect to the back of a vehicle are tag-along trailers. These are also referred to as bumper hitch trailers, although only a tiny trailer can connect solely to a bumper. Most tag-alongs require a hitch that mounts to the vehicle frame. Larger trailers use a fifth-wheel or gooseneck mount that can be used only with a pickup truck that has a permanent hitch mount installed. These trailers ride more smoothly than tag-alongs.

5. Expect to pay about $1,000 for the smallest single-axle trailer. A medium-capacity, double-axle trailer costs about $3,000. Fully enclosed trailers are more expensive.

Horse trailers

6. Decide on the number of horses you will transport. Few singlehorse trailers exist anymore. A two-horse trailer is the smallest that is generally available.

7. Look for a double-axle trailer, which is preferred for horse transport because of the smoother ride. Hitch mechanisms are the same as for general trailers.

8. Decide between a stock trailer and a show trailer. Stock trailers contain few amenities and are designed to move horses and a small amount of feed or equipment. Show trailers are spiffier and incorporate storage room for clothes and tack, and some even have human living quarters.

9. Expect to pay $6,000 for a basic two-horse stock trailer. A large show trailer can cost $40,000 or more.

Tips & Warnings

• Check local laws regarding trailer specifications. Some states require auxiliary battery power on trailers to power the brakes and lights in case of problems with the tow vehicle.
• Electric brakes are fine for most light trailers. Heavyduty trailers should have air brakes.
• Take a driving course to learn how to safely drive, turn and back up a loaded trailer.
• See How to Buy a Thoroughbred Racehorse.
• Avoid used horse trailers with any signs of damage, even to the top or sides, which may compromise the necessary structural rigidity.

on 7/12/2006 When buying a used trailer, carefully inspect the floors as well. Depending on the material, it may be weakened, and the horse's weight could cause it to fall through. Should this happen while driving, your horse will most definitely sustain lethal injuries.

on 2/21/2006 When buying a used trailer, pay close attention to the tires. Trailer tires and car tires are entirely different and not interchangeable. Car tires on a trailer will quickly fail in a spectacular way, endangering you and your horses. Tires should also be of the proper weight rating. Read the sidewall, all the important info is there. Tires over five years old should be replaced no matter how good they look. UV exposure degrades the rubber over time. Also maintain proper air pressure. Under inflated tires waste fuel and overheat.

on 11/22/2005 Horse urine causes rust nearly as fast as being sunken in the ocean. If you are looking at a used (steel/galvanized) trailer, pay VERY careful attention to the frame and load gate hinges as well as their attach points. Urine ends up pooling there, especially when there is manure to hold it in place and keep the area wet. Frames on these trailers can be almost unbelievably rotten in a trailer that otherwise looks fine cosmetically. Check these areas out with a very jaundiced eye, particularly where they are welded together. It's a good idea to wash down the floor whenever it's convenient to help ward this rust off and keep these areas primed and painted as needed.

Here's a body shop tip. ANY rust is ALWAYS worse than it looks before you knock the paint off to repair it.