Hi All, 2 horse straight loads come in both 6 foot wide and 7 foot wide. Which do you prefer, and why? Thank you!
I have had both. I much prefer having 7 feet ( actually 6’8" I believe). The extra width makes for more ventilation and it is easier to maneuver around in the trailer. It also looks more inviting when you are loading a horse. And then you have Fatgirl this is taking up her entire side in the wider trailer and might not fit in a 6 foot wide one.
Hi there! Thank you! I’m a cowardly trailer driver;). Do you notice the extra width on narrow roads or in construction zones? It’s comforting to know it probably isn’t really 7 feet. Thank you, again.
No. This second trailer was a lot bigger than my first and I admit I was a little freaked out when I first drove it. But it really tows about the same as the smaller trailer. The extra width does not make much difference on roads. I did have to get used to backing it up though. I don’t have a turnaround on my farm ( poor planning on my part) so I have to back the trailer down to the barn from the road through my gates and by my house in a “S” pattern. I did ding the fenders getting used to the extra width backing it down there. And I store it in a barn overhang which I had lots of room on both sides with the narrower trailer. It still fits but I have less leeway on both sides backing it in there. Now I have a flatbed trailer which I think is 8 feet wide and both trailers feel the same on the road as did the 6 foot wide trailer. I just have to be more careful backing through the gates.
You would not regret getting the 7’ wide straight load trailer. As SusanO said, they are really 6’8" wide which translates into a 3’ 4" wide stall for your horse.
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> Do you notice the extra width on narrow roads or in construction zones?
Most construction zones will be 12’ which is the standard highway width, there just won’t be any shoulder.
If the trailer is 7’ inside but has outside wheel wells, it’s likely max width for US roads which is 8’6" so you still have several feet of clearance.
Even narrow rural roads are usually 10’ so there’s room.
It’s those narrow bridges that get me! I just slow down, breathe, and look ahead. Like riding, you go where you look, so don’t stare at the railing.
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You must back really well! Thank you for your insight. You are one of the awesome people on this board😉.
Thank you very much. I appreciate everyone responding to this. You are all awesome.
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Thank you! You, too, are awesome. I have a physical problem in my neck which makes driving a bit of a challenge sometimes. It’s comforting to know others have empathy. Thanks, again!
What size horses are you hauling? Anything average to oversized, you and they will definitely appreciate the extra space.
Hi there! Mostly thoroughbreds from the track. I get nervous about the extra width on the road, but just realized my truck mirrors stick WAY out. 🤦”â™€ï¸ðŸ¤·ðŸ¼”â™€ï¸
