2 horse slant gooseneck?

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

Does anyone have experience with one? I am going to trade in the 3 horse slant gooseneck we currently have.

Our issue is that our new farm has a tricky driveway to back into. Additionally, our new truck is a 2016 model and NOT compatible with the 2013 trailer. Ideally, we would get a 2 horse straight gooseneck instead… but the trailer guy advised it will be the same length as the 3 horse slant, and not help with the challenge of a tight driveway at home on a curve that we will be backing into…

So we want to lose some length and make backing up easier. The question is, 2 horse slant gooseneck, or 2 horse bumper pull? We live in a very traffic dense area of Northern Virginia… I’m not wild about the idea of hauling a bumper pull on some of the faster highways or the beltway around here … ugh!

just curious if anyone has a 2 horse slant gooseneck and how easy it is to maneuver or turn in tight spaces.

[enjoytheride]

My friend’s 2 horse slant gooseneck is 2 feet shorter behind her than her 2 horse slant bumper pull. Dressing room and stalls exact same size. It is much shorter than 2 horse straight but be aware if you have large horses. Also, you have a smaller turning radius since you can jackknife it over the bed.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

Thanks for that feedback! So next question… ordering a new trailer… maybe going with extra tall and extra wide, and an escape door on a 2 horse slant gooseneck would make it manageable for a 16.2 Warmblood?

[My_Two_Cents]

I’m just curious as to what 2016 model truck you have that won’t work with a 2013 trailer? Is it motor size? Weight? Other?

[enjoytheride]

@My Two Cents

I’m just curious as to what 2016 model truck you have that won’t work with a 2013 trailer? Is it motor size? Weight? Other?

I imagine it’s the height of the truck itself. Today’s trucks sit up so much higher that many trailers have almost no clearance over the bed rails. You need to block or flip your axles or even add bigger tires to get clearance while remaining level and then the step up can be too high for your horse.

[enjoytheride]

@Virginia Horse Mom

Thanks for that feedback! So next question… ordering a new trailer… maybe going with extra tall and extra wide, and an escape door on a 2 horse slant gooseneck would make it manageable for a 16.2 Warmblood?

This will probably work but look at a comparable straight load. You might find by the time you add in the extra height and width you’re better off buying a straight load if length is your concern.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

Thanks everyone. The issue with the truck is clearance - what a nightmare!

I have been looking at 2 h straight loads vs 2 horse slants. Would need to fit a 16.3 horse in it, so Warmblood size it is. I don’t mind a tiny dressing room. It seems like I am seeing some online at 15 feet long - make sense? Maybe the person I spoke with didn’t consider a straight loads with a tiny dressing room?

Im thinking if we went from 18 feet long to 15, and didn’t have clearance fears about the truck bed, it would be more manageable in a tight space, and worth staying with a gooseneck?

[hosspuller]

For the additional cost of a new trailer, get a flatbed for the truck instead. The clearance issues go away.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

My husband is absolutely in love with the truck. So the trailer has to change. We went out and measured the 3 horse slant gooseneck we have now from Shadow. 17 feet long, 6’9" wide, 7’6" tall, with 42" stalls. So it’s already a Warmblood size 3 horse… I think. If we did the same trailer, but a two horse… I’m hoping it will be about 3 feet shorter. Losing 1 stall. That would be AWESOME. And a new one would solve the clearance issues. A two horse straight might get us 2 feet, but I think I would rather have 3 feet and stay with a slant.

Looks like the nearest Shadow dealer is in Maryland. Another option would be to go with a different brand from a different dealer… It seems like there is a Sundowner and an Adam’s dealer within a reasonable distance where I could trade in the 3 horse.

[Texarkana]

@Virginia Horse Mom

We went out and measured the 3 horse slant gooseneck we have now from Shadow. 17 feet long, 6’9" wide, 7’6" tall, with 42" stalls. So it’s already a Warmblood size 3 horse… I think. If we did the same trailer, but a two horse… I’m hoping it will be about 3 feet shorter. Losing 1 stall. That would be AWESOME.

Not to change the subject, but your 16.3h warmblood fits in the slant stalls on a 6’9" trailer comfortably? That’s surprising to me, as I have never had good luck with situations like that, even with 42" width stalls. I would not assume your horse will fit in the stalls of all 6’9" slant loads. Usually I’ve had to go with at least a 7’ wide trailer for those horses well over 16h. Just saying that as an FYI in case you decide to go with a different brand of trailer. It’s also good to know a 6’9" Shadow slant will work for big guys!

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

She’s 16.1 now… But 4. I expect her to add two more inches over the next two years. She fits, but only for shorter hauling. It’s not suitable for long hauls, but works for shorter distances.

I found a 2017 2 horse straight by Homesteader… They are advertising it as 14 feet long. 7’ wide as opposed to 6’9". Tiny tack, gooseneck, and even a small rear ramp (that would be nice!). But it’s 7’ high as opposed to 7’6". So what do folks think of losing 6" in height, but getting something over two feet shorter in length, with a little wider stalls, and overall more comfortable ride for a Warmblood mare?

The trailer is actually on-site now at a dealer closer than the shadow place (according to the website inventory). And it’s over $1000 less than a 2017 Shadow. I’m thinking it’s a good way to go, and I should just put a head bumper on the mare. She’ll quite possibly be happier with more width, and a straight load with a ramp anyway (seems like people really favor the straight loads…).

Thanks for the feedback!

[OTTBs]

I would go taller than 7’ for sure. I really don’t like that my stock trailer is 7’ tall, and I know horses hit their head in my 7’4" Brenderup when learning to load in it. I’ve never had a gooseneck, but that 6" has to come out of the height you have in the neck (only an issue if you’re going to sleep in it I suppose.) I wonder if that would affect your bed rail clearance also?

[stb]

I wouldn’t buy a trailer that is only 7’ tall. I had one and sold it when I got my 16 hand guy. 7’6" is a much more comfortable height.
Also, why in the world are they making trucks so tall these days? It’s getting ridiculous.