The weight of a horse trailer depends on its type, materials, and features. A trailer for two horses is the most common, and it can weigh from 2,150 to 2,900 lb. without loads.
You shouldn’t ignore the importance of knowing the trailer’s weight. This information is crucial to know if you have the appropriate towing vehicle. So, you can travel with your horse wherever you want without any problems.
Although a trailer for two horses is easy to find, there are other types of trailers. You can find a trailer appropriate for one horse and another to accommodate more horses.
Every horse owner has different preferences and demands when transporting horses. Know which trailer can cater to your needs by reading this article.
Common Horse Trailer Types
Know various trailer types and their capacity.
Bumper Pull Horse Trailer
A bumper pull horse trailer is great for horse owners transporting one or two horses at a time. Some cases will allow you to put three horses in this trailer. Due to its convenient design, you can use a truck or SUV to tow it.
This trailer has a standard turn radius, so it doesn’t need a hook system. It’s the perfect trailer for first-timers! The weight of bumper pull horse trailers varies based on the manufacturer and model.
An empty bumper pull trailer good for one horse is 2,700 to 2,780 lb. The one good for two horses ranges from 2,435 to 4,020 lb. Of course, the trailer for three horses is heavier as it weighs 2,850 to 3,960 lb.
Gooseneck Horse Trailer
A gooseneck horse trailer is more sizable than bumper pull trailers, so it can bear more weight. The best part about a gooseneck horse trailer is its stability. Hence, you’ll find it straightforward to control.
But you must be careful when turning as it can damage the bumper and things around it. The design of this trailer gives way to a truck tow bar attachment. Yet, it’s advisable to install a towing hook to match the truck’s standard equipment.
Gooseneck horse trailers can carry one to four horses and even the bigger breeds. Thus, you can find the smallest one weighing 2,850 lb and the biggest that weighs 6,650 lb.
Stock Trailers
Looking like a large box, most stock trailers don’t have an internal bulkhead. The space of a stock trailer is for the animals alone. But you may find a place for equipment storage.
I like the open sides of this trailer, as the air can get in. You can depend on its durability for transporting horses. Since its primary role is transporting cattle, this trailer is not for tall horses. The curb weight of a stock trailer is 2,200 to 5,300 lb.
Trailers With Living Quarters
A mobile home comes to mind when talking about this trailer. Its space is not only for horses but for their owners as well. You can find a kitchen, bathroom, bed, and living room. Thus, this is the ideal trailer for those who take their horses to shows.
It’s also convenient to use this trailer to bring a sick or injured horse to the vet. The space allotted for the horse has a wooden floor, lashing rail, and safety carriers.
How Much Does A Single Horse Trailer Weigh?
Older models, like single-horse trailers, have the body made of steel. They’re still more common than fiberglass and aluminum. Cowboys-for-hire uses steel horse trailers. This type of trailer is adequate for them as they go somewhere alone.
You may need more time to search for a single-horse trailer. Most horse enthusiasts have company when traveling with their horses. So, the space of this trailer is not enough for everyone.
A bump pull trailer is an example of a single-horse trailer. The fiberglass one with a ramp weighs 1,300 lb. A steel trailer with a step-up weighs 1,600 lb. An aluminum trailer with a ramp can weigh $2,700.
How Much Does A 2 Horse Trailer Weigh?
There are various types and styles of 2-horse trailers. Know that they’re the most appealing among horse lovers. You can find slant loads, stock trailers, and straight-load trailers. There are options to add a step-up entry or ramp.
Here’s a chart showing the different two-horse trailers you can get.
How Much Does A 3 Horse Trailer Weigh?
A three-horse trailer is for couples who want to take their kids, friends, and family members due to its space. A bumper pull trailer for three horses with a front tack compartment weighs around 2,920 lb. It’s made of steel and with a step-up.
A steel trailer with a step-up, dressing room and rear tack compartment weighs 4,140 lb. Check the 3-horse gooseneck with ramp, rear tack compartment, and aluminum living quarters. Since it offers more convenience, it’s massive, weighing 7,496 lb.
How Much Does A 4 Horse Trailer Weigh?
A 4-horse bumper pull trailer with a steel step-up weighs 2,861 lb. The weight of a 4-horse gooseneck with a steel step-up and tack room is 4,700 lb.
Moreover, some 4-horse goosenecks have more space. They’re more spacious for the ramp, rear tack compartment, and aluminum living quarters. So, they’re heavier with a 7,495-lb weight.
Common Horse Trailer Materials
Steel
Steel trailers are popular because steel is durable and doesn’t break right away. They can serve you for 20 years. Manufacturers made a solution to counter the possible rusting of steel. So, it’s not a problem anymore.
Steel is disadvantageous in some parts. It’s a heavy material that can pass this trait to the trailer linked to a vehicle for towing.
Aluminum
Aluminum replaced steel in some productions due to the latter’s rusting and heaviness. But there are drawbacks that you have to know.
It’s unexpected that aluminum is not as tough as steel as it’s more expensive. This material can’t promise durability as well since it’s brittle and hard to weld. Also, it’s a heat conductor, so it’s not serviceable when traveling on cold and hot days.
How to Find the Right Horse Trailer?
You must find the right horse trailer if you intend to often hit the road with your horse for a show or competition. Here are the factors that you have to be mindful of.
Comfort and Safety
You’ll need to measure the weight of your horse for this concern. Also, you must include the weight of the items you take on your trip. The right horse trailer has enough space for your animal and stuff. Hence, you have a comfortable and safe journey.
Usage
When choosing a horse trailer, consider the frequency and distance of your trips. If your usual destination is close to home, there’s no need to be extravagant.
Be mindful of the amount of space when traveling for a long distance. Not only for horses but for changing areas and living quarters that can make a trip convenient.
Budget
A budget for a horse trailer is more than a matter of affordability. You have to see to it that you don’t waste money. Get one that is suitable to your needs and activities.
You can make a mistake buying an extravagant one as you don’t get to use most of the features. In the end, you regret buying it and realize you could have saved some money by buying a simpler trailer.
FAQs
What Does GVWR Mean On A Horse Trailer?
GVWR means Gross Vehicle Weight Recommendation. Horse trailer manufacturers put this information as the greatest weight of a trailer.
It doesn’t refer to the curb weight. GVWR includes the horse’s weight, tack, water, and other necessary supplies and items.
For instance, a 32-ft Gooseneck stock trailer has a GVWR of 21,000 lb. To know the amount of weight it can accommodate, know its curb weight and subtract it from GVWR. This trailer weighs 7,421 lb, so it has room for loads that weigh 13,759 lb.
You have to calculate the weight of your horse or horses, saddles, and supplies. It’s a process to ensure that you don’t overload your trailer.
How Much Does A Horse Trailer Cost?
A horse trailer can cost from $2,000 to $30,000. Don’t wonder about the big gap in the price range. Horse trailers have different sizes, weights, hauling capacities, and construction. You can expect a high price from a trailer with living quarters.
How To Load A Stubborn Horse Into A Trailer?
Without a proper introduction, a horse becomes stubborn when you let it into a trailer. Be aware that you have a scared horse, so it takes patience to solve this issue before you can travel.
The first thing that you have to do is to get the animal’s attention. Make it stay next to you without giving it a choice to disobey.
You can use a whipping aid to lead your horse to the trailer. Use it to tap your horse’s hindquarters so it keeps moving forward. If the horse doesn’t follow you, place your body parallel to it to halt the movements and steps.
Push the whip’s handle on its chest so you can return to the same position. Again, be patient and don’t use force on your horse, as it can make things worse.
If it doesn’t want to move forward to the trailer, you can ask it to make turns. Walk forward, step back, turn, and walk forward. It’s like a cycle but makes your horse do something.
You can tap its hindquarter again if you get your horse’s full attention. Timing is crucial when doing this step. Do it when the horse is thinking about whether to step or not.
It may take time for some horses to learn. You don’t have to show your horse that it’s about entering the trailer. Instead, you train it to follow your cue. You can repeat and practice until your horse gets used to getting into the trailer.
How To Clean An Aluminum Horse Trailer?
You’ll need a power washer or garden hose to remove the muck. After washing, you can apply gentle car soap. Then, scrub using a brush with a long handle. To finish, rinse the trailer to remove the suds.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Horse Trailer?
The daily rent for a horse trailer is $60 to $180. Renting a two-horse trailer will charge you $60 to $100. A three-horse trailer with a living quarter may cost $150 to $180.
How Long Can A Horse Stand On A Trailer?
A horse can stand on a trailer for up to 9 hours with water and food beside it.
How To Hook Up A Gooseneck Horse Trailer?
The first step is the installation of ball and safety chains. Next, you have to plug in the wiring of the trailer. Then, you can lower the tailgate by pressing the button on the truck bed.
Back up the truck so you can begin connecting the trailer to it. A backup camera can help you put the trailer in the perfect spot.
Connect the safety chains to keep the trailer from clashing with the towing vehicle. They’re essential when the trailer disconnects from the ball.
Conclusion
If you wish to have a hassle-free trip with your horse, you must know about the trailer’s weight. Once you know it, you can deduct it from the GVWR from the manufacturer. So, you’ll find the amount of load you can put inside the trailer.
There are different kinds of horse trailers. You can pick one based on the number of horses that you transport. Also, you have to consider some features if you travel long distances. For example, a living quarter provides space for you to rest. A simple trailer will do if you only go to nearby places.