I’m casually looking to upgrade from my 2 horse featherlite stock/slant trailer that I regularly haul 3 horses in (the back spot is huge and there is no back tack) to something that could haul 4-5 (maybe 6?). My current one is a tall trailer (I think over 7 feet but would have to measure) and I would love to get another with the added height.
Looking at pricing and styles I’m thinking a stock might be the way to go but have no idea on what length I should be looking at. Most of the horses I haul are in the shorter range 14-15.1hh but there are two around 16-16.1hh (although they share the back spot on my current trailer with room to spare, they are more tall than wide or long). Any ideas?
I would need it to be big enough to have a least one divider so we can separate any that don’t like each other but for the most part they pair up fine.
I would be hauling with a 2012 F350 longbed with gas engine. Also, I don’t go very far, no more than 2 hours one way and mostly less than an hour.
If there is already another thread on this that I missed if you could point it out to me that would be great!
Here, for 4 horses, that could be a “cowboy trailer” with a full top.
That is 16’ x 5’, most gn, but some bumper pulls also.
No tack compartment and you can slant them if you wish by tying them all to the same side, or use the middle gate to put two in front and two behind.
Most any shop here makes them.
The better, most common brands are Easley, Reyes and Hughes.
Most those run about $11,000 now.
[QUOTE=Bluey;8777796]
Here, for 4 horses, that could be a “cowboy trailer” with a full top.
That is 16’ x 5’, most gn, but some bumper pulls also.
No tack compartment and you can slant them if you wish by tying them all to the same side, or use the middle gate to put two in front and two behind.
Most any shop here makes them.
The better, most common brands are Easley, Reyes and Hughes.
Most those run about $11,000 now.[/QUOTE]
Totally fine with it being a “cowboy trailer.”
Would be planning on slant loading them the way you described by tying them all to the same side. Mainly planning on hauling 4 regularly but would like to be able to toss a 5th in every now and again.
I would be looking for a gooseneck with hopefully a small tack area in the front, just big enough for saddles and bridles.
So 16’ would comfortably hold 4? So if I wanted to make room for 5-6 I would need a 20’? or would I have to go up to a 22’ or 24’?
My 16’ x 6’ bumper pull stock trailer would haul 4 small-average size QH-types, either loaded on a slant or facing forward 2x2, but honestly, I’d probably be happier with a few more feet if I was going to routinely haul 4.
In mine, you could not use the center divider and still put 4 horses in it. There isn’t room for 2 full-sized horses in the back compartment - at least not within my comfort zone.
A 5’ wide trailer is REALLY REALLY REALLY tight for two 1000lb horses to stand side-by-side and almost impossible to comfortably slant them.
6’ wide is better, 7’ wide or wider is best if you plan to comfortably slant any horses. The narrower the trailer, the smaller the angle of the slant, and the more “floor space” you have to dedicate to each slant. In other words, a comfortable slant stall in a 5’ wide trailer will be infinitely longer than a comfortable slant stall in a 7’ (or 6’9") or wider trailer.
You may want to go to a trailer dealer, take the horses too, see how they fit in these various sizes and widths.
We have an 18ft on the floor, gooseneck, actually 24ft in length. It is only 6ft wide, and I would not dream of trying to slant in 4 of my LONG bodied. long necked horses. We are talking 84" blankets, plus another 3ft of neck and a foot of head. They just don’t fit that slanted way. They are tall, but 7ft high works fine, it is body length that is the problem in trying to slant them, just doesn’t work for those long bodies.
I CAN straight load them, 2 in front, 2 in the rear behind the door. Husband made mangers in the gooseneck so we have room for heads and necks. I would not want to take them FAR loaded this way, but it is manageable. I would PREFER having 22’ on the floor to haul them, so I had more length for the two rear horses who are shorter necked than the front two. No wheel wells inside the trailer and we do have the 7ft height. They are not upheaded horses, like Fresians or Hackney type neck sets, so not rubbing their ears on the top of trailer.
[QUOTE=moving to dc;8778368]
A 5’ wide trailer is REALLY REALLY REALLY tight for two 1000lb horses to stand side-by-side and almost impossible to comfortably slant them.
6’ wide is better, 7’ wide or wider is best if you plan to comfortably slant any horses. The narrower the trailer, the smaller the angle of the slant, and the more “floor space” you have to dedicate to each slant. In other words, a comfortable slant stall in a 5’ wide trailer will be infinitely longer than a comfortable slant stall in a 7’ (or 6’9") or wider trailer.[/QUOTE]
This!! Do they even make a 5’ wide trailer any more?? Our trailer …5H slant that we had customized to haul 2+ 1 with added slot for another is 7 wide, 8 high with a 3’ short wall dressing room! It is 24 feet plus GN. I LOVE this trailer!! If you are upgrading…get the best trailer you can afford.
[QUOTE=NoSuchPerson;8778009]
My 16’ x 6’ bumper pull stock trailer would haul 4 small-average size QH-types, either loaded on a slant or facing forward 2x2, but honestly, I’d probably be happier with a few more feet if I was going to routinely haul 4.
In mine, you could not use the center divider and still put 4 horses in it. There isn’t room for 2 full-sized horses in the back compartment - at least not within my comfort zone. :)[/QUOTE]
Sounds like I’ll need something bigger than 16’ if I want to get more than 4 in. Thanks!
[QUOTE=moving to dc;8778368]
A 5’ wide trailer is REALLY REALLY REALLY tight for two 1000lb horses to stand side-by-side and almost impossible to comfortably slant them.
6’ wide is better, 7’ wide or wider is best if you plan to comfortably slant any horses. The narrower the trailer, the smaller the angle of the slant, and the more “floor space” you have to dedicate to each slant. In other words, a comfortable slant stall in a 5’ wide trailer will be infinitely longer than a comfortable slant stall in a 7’ (or 6’9") or wider trailer.[/QUOTE]
Good to know! Wouldn’t have thought to check for different widths! Thanks!
[QUOTE=goodhors;8778481]
You may want to go to a trailer dealer, take the horses too, see how they fit in these various sizes and widths.
We have an 18ft on the floor, gooseneck, actually 24ft in length. It is only 6ft wide, and I would not dream of trying to slant in 4 of my LONG bodied. long necked horses. We are talking 84" blankets, plus another 3ft of neck and a foot of head. They just don’t fit that slanted way. They are tall, but 7ft high works fine, it is body length that is the problem in trying to slant them, just doesn’t work for those long bodies.
I CAN straight load them, 2 in front, 2 in the rear behind the door. Husband made mangers in the gooseneck so we have room for heads and necks. I would not want to take them FAR loaded this way, but it is manageable. I would PREFER having 22’ on the floor to haul them, so I had more length for the two rear horses who are shorter necked than the front two. No wheel wells inside the trailer and we do have the 7ft height. They are not upheaded horses, like Fresians or Hackney type neck sets, so not rubbing their ears on the top of trailer.[/QUOTE]
None of the ones I haul are very long so at least that’s a plus for me! The two taller ones wear a 76" and the other is maybe a 78" depending on style. The smaller ones wear between a 68" and 74".
Sounds like I really need to take measurements off of my current trailer to see how wide it is. It seems narrow compared to others at my barn but the height could be making it look tall and narrow.
The reason cowboy rigs are 5’ is because that tracks right behind a pickup’s tires.
When you are going down dirt roads and pastures, that helps how smooth the trailer rides and some times keep you from getting stuck.
Also you have unobstructed sight behind you without extra wide mirrors.
In the narrow roads and gates, you can make it if the pickup can make it thru.
The OP stated she was not hauling but at most 2 hours, not like the horses will be in there in long trips.
I have a 6’ wide stock trailer. From the horses’ standpoint, I sure would prefer an extra foot of width. But when I’m driving on narrow country roads, I’m really thankful my trailer isn’t any wider! I’m not sure what folks do with wider trailers on narrow country roads!
In my limited experience, not all stock trailer manufactures place their cut gates in the same position in the trailer. Some always place them in the true center, others have a smaller stall and a larger stall. Just something to keep in mind, because sometimes the stall sizes are awkward for horses even if the total trailer length is generous.
[QUOTE=Bluey;8779701]
The reason cowboy rigs are 5’ is because that tracks right behind a pickup’s tires.
When you are going down dirt roads and pastures, that helps how smooth the trailer rides and some times keep you from getting stuck.
Also you have unobstructed sight behind you without extra wide mirrors.
In the narrow roads and gates, you can make it if the pickup can make it thru.
The OP stated she was not hauling but at most 2 hours, not like the horses will be in there in long trips.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Texarkana;8779801]I have a 6’ wide stock trailer. From the horses’ standpoint, I sure would prefer an extra foot of width. But when I’m driving on narrow country roads, I’m really thankful my trailer isn’t any wider! I’m not sure what folks do with wider trailers on narrow country roads!
In my limited experience, not all stock trailer manufactures place their cut gates in the same position in the trailer. Some always place them in the true center, others have a smaller stall and a larger stall. Just something to keep in mind, because sometimes the stall sizes are awkward for horses even if the total trailer length is generous.[/QUOTE]
That makes total sense! Luckily I don’t have to drive down many back roads but there is one stretch of highway that gets a little narrow so I’ll have to keep that in mind.
I’ll be measuring my trailer tomorrow to see how wide it is and that should give me a better idea of what I need to look for. Thanks!
I’ve seen polo players smash them in so tight the last horse had to hold his tail out of the way until the door was shut
A big slant load horse trailer usually has 42" stalls and is 8’ wide. So if you figure down from there, to 36" per horse, and could get by with 7’ wide, you have a ballpark.
If you buy a true stock trailer, make sure there are rubber mats up the sides above where anybody can kick. I had a mare years ago who destroyed a steel trailer by kicking the snot out of the sides when we were stuck in traffic on the highway. Dented the sides completely up, knocked the paint off, to the point where it immediately began to ruse (good thing it wasn’t aluminum, she might have put her foot through it).
I’ve seen polo players smash them in so tight the last horse had to hold his tail out of the way until the door was shut
A big slant load horse trailer usually has 42" stalls and is 8’ wide. So if you figure down from there, to 36" per horse, and could get by with 7’ wide, you have a ballpark.
If you buy a true stock trailer, make sure there are rubber mats up the sides above where anybody can kick. I had a mare years ago who destroyed a steel trailer by kicking the snot out of the sides when we were stuck in traffic on the highway. Dented the sides completely up, knocked the paint off, to the point where it immediately began to ruse (good thing it wasn’t aluminum, she might have put her foot through it).
You can buy a 3 horse stock combo (minimalist steel trailer) with front corner dressing room at 16’ x 6’8". Most straight loads are at least 6’ wide for comparison. A 2 horse stock combo is 14’. My observation is at a minimum you add two feet of length per horse for slant loading. 3’ would be more comfortable, but they definitely sell them as 2’ per additional horse in length. I think width makes a huge difference. I would want at least a 7’ wide slant for my warmbloods and TB, or I would purchase extra length. Although my TB was upset unloading out of a friend’s fancy 8’ slant the other day because the wheel well was inside and they had a big rear tack and she couldn’t figure out where to put her hind feet. Not a fan of the fixed rear tack.
A 16’ will hold four. For years I hauled with a 20’ stock trailer that was 7’6" or maybe it was 8’ wide. I could haul 8 or 9 in that trailer; I loaded them in sideways. I could easily fit four in the front and four in the back sideways. I currently have a 16’ stock trailer that is just 6’ wide, and can straight load 4 reasonably sized horses.
[QUOTE=Lexie55;8793023]
I’ve seen polo players smash them in so tight the last horse had to hold his tail out of the way until the door was shut
A big slant load horse trailer usually has 42" stalls and is 8’ wide. So if you figure down from there, to 36" per horse, and could get by with 7’ wide, you have a ballpark.
If you buy a true stock trailer, make sure there are rubber mats up the sides above where anybody can kick. I had a mare years ago who destroyed a steel trailer by kicking the snot out of the sides when we were stuck in traffic on the highway. Dented the sides completely up, knocked the paint off, to the point where it immediately began to ruse (good thing it wasn’t aluminum, she might have put her foot through it).[/QUOTE]
So it sounds like if I’m wanting to fit 4 with the occasional 5-6 I’m going to need around a 20’ depending on the setup.
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;8793987]You can buy a 3 horse stock combo (minimalist steel trailer) with front corner dressing room at 16’ x 6’8". Most straight loads are at least 6’ wide for comparison. A 2 horse stock combo is 14’. My observation is at a minimum you add two feet of length per horse for slant loading. 3’ would be more comfortable, but they definitely sell them as 2’ per additional horse in length. I think width makes a huge difference. I would want at least a 7’ wide slant for my warmbloods and TB, or I would purchase extra length. Although my TB was upset unloading out of a friend’s fancy 8’ slant the other day because the wheel well was inside and they had a big rear tack and she couldn’t figure out where to put her hind feet. Not a fan of the fixed rear tack.
Do you want a tack room?[/QUOTE]
All of these comments about the width of the trailer are great! I really had no idea there were different widths aside from slant vs. straight load.
I would love just a tiny tack room in the front, just enough to toss the saddles in. Big enough to change in would be a bonus but not necessary.
It looks like I’ll be looking for a 20’ from the sounds of these comments.
If you’re going to “straight load” horses you’ll want a 24’ x 7’ (deck measurement) to allow for average sized horses. I’d want two cut gates. If you’re going to “slant load” then I think the standard stall size is 42". That puts the short wall at 252" or 21’. But you also have to account for the slant. A narrow width trailer (5’ or 6’) will mean a more acute angle than a 7’ or 8’ width. That means more length. So there’s going to be some trade off in the design. But, when it’s all done, you’re still likely looking at 24’ deck length, more or less.
In a 24’ box you can haul more than six horses, slant tied. How many more? Depends on the horses and how much risk of injury you’re willing to accept.
Cost? Depends on what you want to spend. An AL trailer will be more than a steel to buy but will hold it’s value MUCH better. Go someplace like Horsetrailers.com and search for AL stock trailers. You’ll be unpleasantly surprised, as a buyer, by how well these things hold their value. IMO they hold value well enough that it makes economic sense to buy new, even if you have to finance it, than buy used.
You’ll want at least a 3/4 ton with a big engine (gas or diesel) to pull one of these trailers.
