Safety is the number one factor when looking for the right trailer for transporting horses or other animals. Top manufacturers of trailers or haulers are designed with animal comfort, superb hauling capabilities, and maneuverability in mind.
Here are a few tips when it comes to picking the right trailer for your needs:
Consider the Animals and How Many There Are
Determine how the truck driver will tow the trailer to get an idea of which trailer is the right one to go for. If you intend to haul more than one animal at a time, the gooseneck is a great choice because it offers unmatched stability. As the name suggests, a gooseneck trailer has a long neck that attaches to the hauling truck and seemingly “becomes” part of it.
If you want something that can go with any SUV or truck, a bumper pull is the one to go for. They are simple and offer more flexibility. However, only a few animals can go in the bumper pull as it offers less room. This disadvantage is due to the limited weight the hitch of the hauling vehicle can handle.
Additionally, your hauling needs vary depending on which animal(s) you are transporting and their number. For instance, a single horse requires a different towing style than multiple sheep. Once you determine your needs and expectations, you will easily arrive at the right trailer type.
Horse trailers are designed for transporting horses and are more expensive. Most of them have partitions, a tack area, and additional storage spaces. Some horse trailers offer luxurious amenities like air conditioning, living quarters, and dressing rooms. Some of these might have higher roofs to accommodate taller horses.
Meanwhile, stock trailers are more affordable and can be used for any livestock. They are also more durable and dependable.
Consider Comfort
Some trailers have dividers to separate the animals, but some trailers don’t. Animals are let loose and can move around freely, an advantage of stock trailers that don’t have dividers. However, these animals might lose their footing if they have no dividers to lean on. The poor animals might fall or hurt each other while traveling. Ensure they are treated well and comfortable during the hauling process.
When attending events and trailheads camping, consider haulers with amazing living quarters. Most trailers feature built-in entertainment systems, bathrooms, comfortable beds, kitchens, multiple bunk options, seating spaces, and other elegant amenities.
Consider Hauling Style
Stock trailers come with two entry styles: step up or ramp. Animals are comfortable with either, you just have to determine the entry style that the animals you are hauling are more used to. Make it as stress-free for them as possible.
Step-style trailers are great for healthy animals as they can easily recognize steps and can go up on them without too much of a struggle. Steps are more stable to walk on, less slippery, and natural for some animals.
Some animals find ramps uncomfortable and unstable, making them resist loading on the trailers. Step-style entry is more convenient since it is lighter and requires less deployment than ramps.
Ramp-style trailers seem to benefit younger, smaller, and older animals more. For smaller and younger animals, there is less risk of falling from a ramp than from steps that might be too high for them to reach. Since they are also less trained, they might find it harder to go up the steps than on ramps.
There is also a higher chance of getting themselves hurt on the steps, which applies to older animals as well. Older or sickly animals have a better chance with ramps than on steps.
Ultimately, the choice of trailer entry style depends on what the animals you are hauling are more comfortable with. To determine the best type, try both options during the hauling process and see what works for the animals. What matters the most is that loading and unloading the animals is stress-free for them, making it stress-free for you as well.
Consider your Location
Depending on your geographic location, you can choose either open-top or closed. A roof is necessary if your location mainly has wet or snowy climates. For areas with dry climates, you can do away with no roof at all. You may also go for a roof with a tarp. Whether with a roof or not, go with the option that makes the animals feel comfortable.
If your semi-truck breaks down while carrying these precious animals, count on a top-notch towing service to get you and the animals out of the road wherever your location may be.
Consider the Manufacturer
Manufacturers of trailers or haulers offer unique features, so pick the one that suits your needs. Logan Coach is known for its luxurious living quarters. Cimarron excels in innovation and strength in its hauler designs. Take your time comparing benefits and prices before purchasing a specific trailer brand.
Jeremy Keller leads the Content Marketing team for Elite Towing, a locally-owned, family-run business in Casa Grande, AZ that provides high-quality towing services to both residential and commercial customers. He enjoys photography and making drone videos in his spare time.
