trailer advice

[nnzc]

I need to buy a trailer. I need a four horse trailer. Which companies make the best trailers for 17 plus hands warmbloods? Are head to heads better than slants? Any recommendations and suggestions?

[kittykeno]

I like EquiSpirit. They have a website.

[DiablosHalo]

Head to heads are much better than the slants for ease of use.

The horses travel better in a slant (shift weight side/side instead of front/back) but if you don't travel long distances, it doesn't much matter.

There are pros/cons to each of them, just depends what you want vs what you need!

[cherham]

I think there are two thoughts on this and both sides have their reasons for and against either straight loads or slants. I have owned both a 4 horse head to head straight load and now a 3 horse slant load.

I can honestly say I find it just as easy to load and unload with both. Once the horses get used to the trailer configuration I don't think they care either way. I think the slant load trailers are safer however if only one person is loading an unruly horse. Once you have them in the stall they are contained much more so then a straight load.

My slant trailer is 8 feet wide with extra width stall space and my 17.0 hh horse fits just fine. I would not want to try this with a 6 or even 7 foot wide trailer however (which I where you often hear the misconception that the bigger horses will not fit a slant which is definetly not the case).

Do some research, check out the various links on this subject and then make your best decision. :)

[Altamont Sport Horses]

My perception is that 4 horse head-to-heads have a lot of wasted space where all the heads come together with enough extra space between them so that they can't reach each other. Seems like those trailers are even longer or the horses are so close that they could bite at each other. I've loaded horses up in one of them and the setup required that you back two of the horses in. That is kinda unnatural especially in that situation and even my most easy going horse wasn't easy to load. Of course they have all matter of side ramps which if properly placed should make this much easier. The ramp in the middle does not make it easy if all the horses face in towards each other.

If the trailer is sufficiently wide so the slant sections are long enough then you should be able to fit a large horse. Do some measuring from nose to tail in a relaxed stance and then measure the slants. I've looked at the EquiSpirit and really like them. Their standard inside height is 7'6" if I remember correctly and you can buy them XXtall. Even though I really like them I have never purchased because they are too darn expensive. Super nice trailers though.

I can see how balancing would be easier for the horse when loaded in a slant.

[JB]

Definitely look into the Trail-et 4H head-to-head. I have not used one, but I did traipse around in one when buying my 2h gn from them. It looks wonderfully comfortable for the horses. The mid section where the heads come together is usually a good section for a side ramp, allowing the horses to be walked off forward.

[Trakehner]

4 Star makes a wonderful head-to-head...with modular stall dividers. A really functional and well made trailer.

I'm biased, I like Eby's and the 4 Star is real quality.

[NoDQhere]

We have a C&C, 5 horse head to head and would NEVER go back to a slant load. We haul long distances and with a slant load, if something happens to a horse, you can not get to them without unloading all of them. It is hard to feed and water as well. But, to me, the biggest problem with a slant is that many horses will get really sore in the hind end from "sitting" against the divider.

A head to head is longer but not that much. Ours is 30 feet on the floor and 6feet is a camper/sleeping area. It isn't hard to teach the front loaders to back into the stalls and the tack trunks, hay and assorted stuff goes in the center. We can get to every horse on the trailer to feed and water them. We can take off whatever horse needs to come off or do whatever needs doing.

If you are hauling big horses, a head to head works so much better than a slant. Especially if you are hauling long distances.

[nnzc]

What is your experience with 2 plus one trailers? It seems the 4 horse head to heads are a bit out of my price range.

[ChocoMare]

Ditto the EquiSpirit in XL or XXL for the bigguns. Here's the info on their 2 + 1: http://www.equispirit.com/products/3horse.htm

[Trakehner]

2+1 trailers are really for 2 horses and a pony or small horse. I always liked them for front storage with 2 horses.

Look for a nice used 4 horse head-to-head. I've seen really functional ones in good condition for $8,000. You'll do some looking to find one, but it's worth the time.

[2ndyrgal]

My next trailer is going to be a 4H head to head, that I can convert into two box stalls w/room for "stuff". I have searched high and low for a used one, but only seem to be able to find either a junk one from the 80's or a nearly new one for $$$$$$$$$$$$. Website or link please?

[NoDQhere]

We went through our local dealer and had our C&C made just the way we wanted it. That was 4 years ago and it was under $30,000. Head to Heads are hard to find used. I think it is because once a person has one they never sell them!

Many companys make them. Hawk, Eby, Jamco, C&C, Trailet, 4 Star.........

[Trakehner]

Here is a long list of horse trailer websites (used and new trailers):

http://www.horse-trailers-used.com/horse-trailers-resources.htm

Here's even one on Craigslist:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/grd/1018033278.html

They really are out there, just keep your eyes open...and offer less than they ask.

[DiablosHalo]

I'm thinking of selling my custom ordered 4H HtoH. It's been sitting for a few years without use. Do you think it's worth selling and getting a 2+1? It's only a little shorter, but I really don't need the extra box stalls, etc anyway now?

[horsetales]

What is your experience with 2 plus one trailers? It seems the 4 horse head to heads are a bit out of my price range.

I have the Adams WB 2+1 and love it!! My 17.1 Irish Draught mare fits with no problems. Shes much happier not feeling like a sardine anymore ;)

Heres the website http://www.adamtrailers.com/_mgxroot/page_10839.html

[Trakehner]

I'm thinking of selling my custom ordered 4H HtoH. It's been sitting for a few years without use. Do you think it's worth selling and getting a 2+1? It's only a little shorter, but I really don't need the extra box stalls, etc anyway now?

I've never heard anyone complain their trailer has too much room. Keep the big one, you never know what you'll need in the future.