What is a trailer?
A horse trailer or horse van is used to transport horses.
A state-of-the-art semi-trailer used to haul horses. Large trailers are attached with a fifth wheel coupling. There are many different designs, ranging in size from small units capable of holding two or three horses, able to be pulled by a pickup truck or even a SUV; to gooseneck designs that carry six to eight horses, usually pulled by 1-ton dually-style pickups; to large semi-trailers that can haul a significant number of animals.
The least expensive type of trailer is the stock trailer, a trailer designed for cattle that is enclosed on the bottom, but has slits at approximately the eye level of the animals to allow ventilation. Trailers designed specifically for horses are more elaborate. Because horses are usually hauled for the purpose of competition or work, where they must arrive in peak physical condition, horse trailers are designed for the comfort and safety of the animals. They usually have adjustable vents and windows as well as suspension designed to provide a smooth ride and less stress on the animals.
A state-of-the-art semi-trailer used to haul horses. Large trailers are attached with a fifth wheel coupling. There are many different designs, ranging in size from small units capable of holding two or three horses, able to be pulled by a pickup truck or even a SUV; to gooseneck designs that carry six to eight horses, usually pulled by 1-ton dually-style pickups; to large semi-trailers that can haul a significant number of animals.
The least expensive type of trailer is the stock trailer, a trailer designed for cattle that is enclosed on the bottom, but has slits at approximately the eye level of the animals to allow ventilation. Trailers designed specifically for horses are more elaborate. Because horses are usually hauled for the purpose of competition or work, where they must arrive in peak physical condition, horse trailers are designed for the comfort and safety of the animals. They usually have adjustable vents and windows as well as suspension designed to provide a smooth ride and less stress on the animals.
Trailer Hitches
A trailer coupler is used to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle. The trailer coupler attaches to the trailer ball. This forms a ball and socket connection to allow for relative movement between the towing vehicle and trailer while towing over uneven road surfaces. The trailer ball is mounted to the draw bar, which is usually removable. The draw bar is secured to the trailer hitch by inserting it into the hitch receiver and pinning it. The three most common types of couplers are Straight Couplers, A-Frame Couplers, and Adjustable Couplers.
A gooseneck trailer attached to a pickup truck .
Another type of hitch is known as a "fifth" wheel. Fifth wheel coupling is when trailers attach to a "fifth wheel" mounted within the bed of the tow vehicle. Though a fifth wheel and a gooseneck trailer look the same, their method for coupling is different. A goosneck trailer couples to a trailer ball mounted in the tow vehicle, usually a pickup truck. This type of hitch is used for larger trailers and provides considerably more stability than does a traditional bumper-pull hitch.
A trailer hitch, fifth wheel coupling or other type of tow hitch is needed to draw a trailer with a car, truck or other traction engine.
A gooseneck trailer attached to a pickup truck .
Another type of hitch is known as a "fifth" wheel. Fifth wheel coupling is when trailers attach to a "fifth wheel" mounted within the bed of the tow vehicle. Though a fifth wheel and a gooseneck trailer look the same, their method for coupling is different. A goosneck trailer couples to a trailer ball mounted in the tow vehicle, usually a pickup truck. This type of hitch is used for larger trailers and provides considerably more stability than does a traditional bumper-pull hitch.
A trailer hitch, fifth wheel coupling or other type of tow hitch is needed to draw a trailer with a car, truck or other traction engine.
Bumper Pull
can usually fit no more then 3 horses and attaches the the bumper of the vehicle
Gooseneck or 5th Wheel
can be a variety of sizes and is pulled by a truck, because the trailer is attched to a hitch in the bed of the truck. The size of your trailer will depend on the power of the pulling vehicle
Straight load
Where the horses are up in straight
Slant load
The horses are put in side by side just as in the straight load but with a slight angle
Ramp
Slight ramp that leads into a trailer
Step up
There is no ramp and the horse steps straight up into the trailer
Stock Trailer
Mostly used to haul cattle. Open concept sometimes with a divider to separate the animals. Can hold varies number of animals depending on the size