Many New Horse Trailers For Sale

When it comes time to get transportation for your equine friends, it's important to know what your needs are to narrow the search. There is no shortage of new horse trailers for sale. Not only are there many manufacturers, there are many design features to complicate things for people planning to buy. It's also necessary to understand what makes horses safe and comfortable during loading and hauling.

Horses need a trailer that allows them enough room to keep their balance and shift their weight to equalize the strain on legs and muscles. They also need adequate head room so they can move their heads freely and turn enough to get a glimpse of what's happening around them as they travel. Light is important, since most animals don't like dark, confined spaces, and air should circulate freely to prevent over-heating during the excitement of traveling.

Safety is, of course, the main concern. For this reason, you'll need to choose the type of exterior and interior design and the sort of ramps used for loading and unloading. Materials used in trailer construction are another factor in making a final decision. There are many sources of information, but you are responsible for weeding out fact from myth or sales promotions.

Never proceed on assumptions. You may have heard that step-up trailers are safer than ones with ramps. However, although many horses load into step-ups readily, unloading can be hazardous. For this reason, some designs have no rear ramp but a front unloading ramp. An unloading ramp is nice, anyway, since it means the horse does not need to back out of the trailer.

The fact that aluminum doesn't rust and is lightweight makes some think it superior to steel. However, it's strength is not sufficient for all structural parts. Modern manufacturers have developed ways to make steel more durable; they use galvanized steel and also coat structural parts to make them rust-proof. Many trailers now incorporate both metallic alloys, providing the benefits of both.

Tag-along units attach to the rear of a truck or automobile. Those who do not want to convert a pick-up truck with a 'fifth wheel' (an attachment for a gooseneck) often prefer the rear hitch. Tag-alongs may sway and sometimes come unhitched, but only when not attached properly. Stabilizing bars can minimize swaying and make traveling safer.

Finally, the trailer should fit the horses being hauled. Quarterhorses are often shorter in length and height and lighter in weight than warmbloods, for instance, and can travel comfortably in trailers that would be actually unsafe for larger and heavier animals. You need to know your minimum requirements and then proceed from there.

Of course, initial cost will be a factor, but don't forget to compare warranties and safety records. There are many review sites online to help you make a choice. Remember that a warranty is only good while a manufacturer is in business, so make sure you buy from a solid company if the warranty is important to you. Customer reports of satisfaction when encountering problems under warranty are also helpful.