Trailer Buying Guide: FAQ's
(harborequipment.com)
Check out some frequently asked questions that I had and others may have. Good luck trailer shopping and enjoy the blog post!
Should I get a new trailer?
Buying a new trailer is a doable option for many, especially with the many finance plans that are available nowadays. Along with the warranty and āI wouldnāt sell anything I wouldnāt put my own horse inā phrase, a new trailer guarantees that there will be nothing wrong with it. Well, 99.9% unless there is a recall on the trailers. When you buy new, you have new tires and know that it has not been in an accident or had a horse kick up the inside. And finally, who could resist the new trailer smell?
(aubreytrailersales.com)
Should I get a used trailer?
Used trailers are advertised all over the internet and horse magazines. Yes, you could get a $500 trailer, but youād have to replace the tires, the lights, the hitch, the windows, and probably the frame itself. If you play your cards right, you could find a good deal, especially if you find someone who wants to get rid of the trailer quick (due to moving, a divorce, etc.). Buying used may be the right option because it is cheaper than buying new, but know that you may need to put some work into the trailer. Be sure to take someone who is experienced with horse trailers and check every single inch of it, including lifting the mats to see the floors, checking the tread on the tires, and looking at the interior and exterior for paint chips or dents. Also, ask about the inspection and make sure it has one!
(pinterest.com)
Whatās the difference between a bumper pull and gooseneck trailer?
There are two different styles of trailers: bumper pull or gooseneck. A bumper pull can be pulled by smaller pick-up trucks and SUVās, but PLEASE check ahead of time what your vehicle can handle. A gooseneck must be pulled by a pick-up. Bumper pulls may be good options for some because they are relatively easy to drive, but can be difficult to back up. They are usually found in smaller styles, from 2- to 4-horse sizes. Goosenecks give you a lot of space in the neck, which can be used for a mattress or horse stuff. They can take out the back window of your pick-up if you donāt back up correctly and generally come in bigger styles, from 2- to 6-horse sizes. Goosenecks are slightly more expensive than bumper pulls.
(rideordrive.net)
What size horse trailer should I get?
Donāt ask how many horses you have; ask how many horses you want to trailer!
If you will be trailing one or two horses, consider a two-horse or a stock trailer. If you will be trailering two to three horses, consider a two-horse, 2+1, three-horse slant, or stock trailer. If you will be trailering four or more horses, consider a four-horse head-to-head or slant load. If you will be trailering six or more horses and want to do it in style, marry someone rich and get a semi with the biggest trailer within a hundred-mile radius of your farm.
The best market is for two-horse trailers, any style. They are the most popular size. Interestingly enough, while I was searching for trailers, I found that three horse slant loads can be similar in price as a two-horse straight load trailer.
One-horse trailers are sometimes called solo trailers. I can bet my money that you are going to wish you went with the two-horse instead of the one-horse trailer.
(fthr.com)
Should I get a straight load, slant load, stock, or inline trailer?
Straight load trailers are the most popular and people love them. They come in ramp or step-up styles and horses load and ship well in them.
Some people argue that horses can balance themselves better in a slant load, but think about this: you have a three-horse slant load, have three horses, and are at a show by yourself, but you are riding the horse that is in the first slot. How will you handle this issue? Itās not easy to get to the innermost horses because they are blocked in by the last horse, which may cause an issue in an emergency.
Stock trailers have their pros and cons. Theyāre great for the casual weekend rider. But Iāve also seen some pretty decked out stock trailers at the shows.
Iāve only seen one or two used inline trailers (never in person, only online) and know of only one trailer company that makes them anymore. I donāt know anything about them, but it seems like they were popular at one point, but other styles have taken over the market.Ā
(horsetrailerworld.com)
What brand of trailer should I get?
There are lots of personal recommendations on what brand of horse trailer to buy. They all advertise that they are safe and comfortable for your horse, but what company can you really trust? When you do go shopping for a trailer, keep the brand in mind, but also ask for friendsā opinions. Just keep an open mind and donāt take everyoneās word as gold!
Should I get a tack room?
Horse people know that things just collect. We have way too many hoof picks, tons of hay bale string, and pieces of tack that we canāt even remember buying. Having a tack room is great to throw in tack, hay, or other stuff. If the working student or hubby makes you mad, throw āem in too!Ā You won't regret having a tack room. It's a must-have.
(horseforum.com)
Should I get living quarters?
Hotels can be very pricey so frequent overnight travelers due to show schedules or because you want to hit the trails for more than a single day may look into buying a horse trailer with living quarters. And let me tell you, there some super nice trailers out there! But youāll pay the price of course. Expect to pay way more money for horse trailers with living quarters. As an alternative, many people throw a mattress on the āneckā part of a gooseneck trailer, install an air conditioner, and put in a car battery.
(sundownerlivingquarters.com)
And finally, what kind of trailer did I buy?
I decided that I needed a two-horse trailer with a tack room. I wanted to get a gooseneck and liked the idea of a side ramp. I searched and searched online for any deals and went on Craigslist every single day, but was bummed after I didnāt find anything that fit what I was looking for. After months of going through advertisements, I eventually decided to buy a new Shadow Two-Horse Gooseneck Straight Load with an extra large tack room. Itās an aluminum trailer and I traveled from VA to MD to check it out. I looked online, talked to the owner, and found a day that was good for me to look at the trailers in person. The best part about buying new is that it was completely customizable. I decided what extra features I wanted and have a warranty. I feel good about my purchase because I am going to be using the trailer for the rest of my life and have no regrets at all! I canāt wait until I pick it up in August!
(countryagtrailersales.com)











