20 Useful Horse Trailer Facts

The following 20 horse trailer facts provide some key pointers for anyone new to buying and using a horse trailer:

1. A slant-load trailer is considered better for your horses’ comfort, particularly during longer journeys. They also offer more room for customization, but take care driving a wider load!
   
   
2. When in transit, distribute the weight of the load evenly. This helps maintain the trailer's balance.
   
   
3. Check your vehicle insurance covers your horse trailer!
   
   
4. Your tow vehicle needs to be substantially heavier than your horse trailer for safe and controlled driving.
   
   
5. Make sure that the hitching system is compatible with your towing vehicle.
   
   
6. Always hook your trailer to your tow vehicle before loading your horse(s) to ensure the trailer’s stability.
   
   
7. Heavy duty rubber matting helps reduce slipping.
   
   
8. Check that breast bars are cushioned for comfort and quick releasing for safety.
   
   
9. You can never have enough tie-up rings so make sure there’s plenty on the exterior of the trailer.
   
   
10. Don’t leave home without a first aid kit and emergency breakdown kit.
    
    
11. Aluminium trailers are lighter and tend to be more fuel-efficient.
    
    
12. The weather and salty environments can cause corrosion over time. Aluminium does not corrode as quickly as steel.
    
    
13. Suspension is important and it pays to buy a trailer with the best suspension system that you can buy – especially for long-distance travel. The smoother the suspension, the better it will protect your trailer and provide greater travel comfort to your horse(s).
    
    
14. Larger trailer wheels (16”) provide a smoother ride than smaller wheels, riding over holes and uneven surfaces much better.
    
    
15. Radial tyres provide better traction and hold the road better in slippery conditions.
    
    
16. A tube-framed metal trailer tends to offer the strongest construction.
    
    
17. Choose a trailer that has aluminium wall studs as these tend to last longer. Steel studs tend to rust and corrode more quickly.
    
    
18. Make sure your trailer has tamper-resistant fasteners on door hinges.
    
    
19. Air spaces underneath floor mats provide better ventilation and allow urine to drain. This will provide a comfortable environment for your horse and help prevent rotting.
    
    
20. Brand reputation counts so always look for endorsements and gain feedback from others using the horse trailer that you intend to buy.