Buying A Horse Trailer: Which Type Should You Pull?
When choosing a horse trailer, there are many features to consider. One important feature is whether the horse trailer will have a gooseneck or bumper pull design. Each design has advantages and disadvantages to weigh. Let's compare these two features to see which will work best for your needs.
Bumper Pull Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Bumper pull trailers, also called tag-along trailers, are horse trailers that attach to a hitch on the hauling vehicle. These trailers "tag along" behind your truck without actually becoming part of it.
There are five major advantages of bumper pull horse trailers. First, they are typically more affordable than fifth-wheel trailers. Second, you won't necessarily need to have a full-size truck to pull one of these trailers. Third, you'll have a tighter turning radius with this type of trailer compared to a fifth-wheel. Four, you won't need as much storage space for the trailer as you would for a gooseneck trailer. Five, the trailer doesn't have to be classified as a "commercial" vehicle for licensing purposes because the weight of both the trailer and tow vehicle is usually less than 10,001 pounds.
That being said, there are some limitations to these trailers, as well. Bumper pull trailers do not offer as much room for the dressing/tack room. These trailers are rarely large enough to haul more than two horses at a time. Some are intended to carry only one horse. Also, bumper pull trailers tend to fishtail on curvy roads, which can be dangerous and scary.
Gooseneck Horse Trailers - Advantages and Disadvantages
Fifth-wheel trailers, sometimes called gooseneck trailers, are quite differtn than bumper pull trailers in the way they connect to the tow vehicle. These trailers connect to a special attachment mounted within the bed of a full-size truck. The gooseneck trailer offers several benefits. One, it doesn't sway or fishtail like a bumper trailer tends to do, and towing is more stable. Two, it provides more room for living quarters, which can be convenient for camping and long trips. Third, these trailers are much easier to align with as you're backing up to connect to them. You can see it clearly from the rear window. Four, the gooseneck design is more secure without worry of the load coming unhitched while traveling on the highway.
There are also a few disadvantages. Gooseneck trailers are more expensive and are usually bigger so they must be towed with a truck that is able to handle it. The hitching system is also more expensive for a gooseneck setup. While hitching the trailer, you must climb into the bed of the truck to complete the process. Of course, you won't b able to have a camper or topper on your truck when using this type of trailer, either.
Choose the Right Horse Trailer for You
Whether considering a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer, you should visit some horse websites to check out various designs of each. And don't overlook used horse trailers if you're on a tight budget.
Some horse people insist on bumper pull trailers while for others only a fifth-wheel will do. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each design before making a purchase.
Foundation Quarter Horse, Lady Van Belle, gving birth.
