There’s a Fautros and st George dealer in Georgia. Pm me if you want a phone number.
I don’t think anything in my post indicates that I was inferring a relationship. I simply thought the poster should know the manufacturer recommendations. As I stated, I don’t tow horses with either of my Rovers & frankly, wouldn’t because I don’t think it’s a suitable tow vehicle for what the poster is trying to accomplish. But, that is not my decision to make.
[QUOTE=Jim_in_PA;8630919]
I’m sorry, but WDH has nothing to do with “leveling” and the suspension of the RR cannot rebalance tongue weight. These are two completely different things. I’m really surprised that they would say WDH shouldn’t be used…it’s perfectly compatible with every other air suspension equipped SUV, including the one I drive. My vehicle also lowers slightly at 65+ MPH and still no issue with WDH. I agree with the OP that it’s likely RR is trying to limit liability or something in a strange way…there’s no functional reason that I can think of disallowing a WDH with an air suspension and every reason to be very concerned about things getting “interesting” when the load and the tongue weight get up toward the limits and the front axel is nearly bouncing off the ground. Air suspension cannot prevent that.
OP, it’s true that allowable cargo weigh includes tongue weight, so yes, it’s good to consider that as part of the plan.[/QUOTE]
My reply was not intended to imply a relationship. I simply was sharing what I knew to be the manufacturer recommendation.
[QUOTE=FEI1Day;8631755]
My reply was not intended to imply a relationship. I simply was sharing what I knew to be the manufacturer recommendation.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I understand that and didn’t mean to sound like I was putting in back on you. My apologies if that’s what happened.
OP… Even if you get 20% margins, I would be worried about doing that trip. Horses act up, drivers get sleepy, other drivers are completely insane, freak storms, etc.
Are you investigating the cost of shipping the horses, vs buying and insuring the trailer?
Have you looked at what happens to those light trailers in an accident? My impression is that in Europe they are used at lower speed on flatter ground for shorter distances.
Going slower on the interstate? Asking that rig to do mountains? Asking even good horses to stand squished in that box for hours?
It’s asking for trouble IMO.
I would use a straight load European trailer with a front ramp for the confines you have mentioned. Or skip the front unload and just do a straight load.
Slant in your weight/size constraints is going to be very difficult, because you need quite a bit of width for horses of any size to be comfortable and able to lower their head, especially for a long haul. I’m currently shopping for suitable 2 horse slants and will likely end up with a three horse, where I will remove a divider, or need to order an extra wide–both of which I think will be too heavy and unwieldy for your tow vehicle. My horse wears an 78"/80" blanket (depends on brand). So not huge by any means.
One of the worst experiences of my “horse life” was towing a little trailer with a suitable SUV with a tow package (and WD/anti sway hitch) when the only horse on it decided to try to reach an itch by heaving her body against the side of the trailer repeatedly. I technically had well over 2,000 lbs to go before I hit the weight limit. Never again!
I have a seed George trailer, their model Imara. I can’t say enough about the engineering of this wonderful trailer, and it’s plenty big for two large warm bloods. I pull it with a Buick enclave.
Fautros is certainly not out of business and there is an excellent dealer in North Carolina named Gina ram. Her phone number is 919-272-6051
That should be a St georges Imara! Made by Fautros…I hate auto correct
[QUOTE=Golden Pony;8640924]
http://www.cotnertrailers.com/ss_13_squire.htm[/QUOTE]
So not a slant, no front ramp, and not under the requested tongue weight. Good work. OP is hunting for a unicorn and you’ve spotted a donkey.
1 Like
Fautras is not out of business, we’ve been selling horse trailers in the USA consistently since 2010! I am the dealer for the USA and Canada. Although our company is based in NC, we ship all over North America!
Gena Ram
European Equestrian Trailers
919 272 6051
https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanEquestrianTrailers/
Just a thought here, @VHTA, but your 7000# towing capacity, even with a 20% buffer built in, is not going to be your rate limiting factor. Just looking at the specs you’ve included, and without knowing the others (GVWR etc.), your tongue weight is going to limit the size of your trailer before you get anywhere near the towing capacity. Assuming you’re budgeting for 12% of your load as tongue weight:
550/12% = 4,583 lbs. Your loaded trailer cannot exceed this in weight. Subtract the 2800# you’ve estimated for horses and gear, and you’re left with a maximum dry weight of 1,783# for your trailer.
It would likely also be prudent to take a look at the other specs on the tow vehicle, as some of those may limit you even further. I don’t know what model RR your friend has, but the wheelbase alone is likely going to provide for some unpleasant driving, especially when she hits the mountains.
Good luck!
This is a two year old zombie thread that has been reanimated. I’m sure the OP does not care.
