Trailer Length?

[BCGirl]

I have been looking to upgrade to a 4 horse trailer for a while now. I prefer the head to head style and would like to have a tack room. This means that a lot of trailers are on the longer side…and…we have some gnarly entrances in our hunt territory. What is the maximum length of trailer (nose included) that feels comfortable to maneuver around hunting? I have a feeling I am going to end up with a slant load if I want a tack room, but was curious to get input from the folks on this forum.

Also, what are your thoughts on slant vs head to head in general? I will mainly be doing local hauling to meets and local shows, events, etc. Thanks in advance!

[Foxglove]

Can’t address head to head v slant --however, our big OTTBs didn’t fit well into slants. The current smaller QH population does well in them. Our hunt club has a club house in the middle of its venues —1500 acres or so --so we usually park in parking lots —or a field. No one has problems with size. Personally, with one hunter and just me, I like my 17 foot, two horse with tack room bumper pull. And a shout-out to Merhow Trailers!

[OTTBs]

I have a BP 3H slant, 17’ or 18’ long, and I can tell you making a right turn into my driveway is a little dicey. I suppose gooseneck experience may be more relevant.

I was thinking the other day about the length of head to head trailers, and I was wondering if anyone makes a head to tail trailer anymore? I’d think that would be 3-6’ shorter. I’ve also heard of 2+2 trailers, but have never seen one.

I think head to head is a great setup. I think most horses find them inviting, and backing horses into stalls gives them no escape opportunity (for horses like my mare.)

[KateDB]

Our gooseneck is 23’ on the floor including 5’ tackroom and horses have the rest. We have a 2/3+1. Our horses ride backwards with bums to the tackroom. Since they aren’t over the wheel wells, it’s set up to be either 2 horses or 3 horses abreast. Then we can haul another 1 or 2 horses in the rear box, or it works as space for tacking up, or removing studs or whatever. I explain it as the first 2/3rds of a head to head. We have a rear ramp and passenger doors on both sides. Made by Shetron, based on old Colin Arndt design. I can get into all our fixtures.

[tangledweb]

I feel like you’d be better off seeking out the people with the longest trailers in your club and asking them how hard it is.

I do understand the question. I have a 25’ floor gooseneck and it’s a hassle to get into my own driveway. Fixtures here are generally less difficult and people get 4h head to heads in. I only needed a 3h so I probably should have bought a 2+1. I’d never buy a slant for big horses.

[jawa]

One issue a couple of folks in our area have that have a 4 horse head to head with tack room is they get bottomed out at some of our fixtures that have parking in hilly fields. We’ve had folks with 4 horse slats have the same issue.

I agree that talking with local members and masters would give you a better idea.

[fourfillies]

I have a GN 2+1 with tackroom with 19ft on the floor (total length 28ft). Even this will bottom out if I’m not careful. If at all possible try before you buy, or ask folks who hunt your country with like trailers. I love the trailer and the flexibility it offers but it’s limiting enough I’ve considered going back to a straight load 2H.

[gypsymare]

I don’t see too many slant loads used at hunts. I have a 2 horse slant and it is too tight for large horses but I haul 1 99% of the time so it’s perfect with the divider left open.