Posted 2010-10-06 9:47 AM (#125521) Subject: Estimating LQ weight
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Rockford, MN
Mfg says my towing capacity is 10,200 so I need to be concerned about trailer weight. I'm shopping for a 2H w/ LQ, but there are a zillion more 3H trailers available. Dealers all say I can pull a 3H no problem, but if I add weight of all stuff, water, hay and animals, I really come close. In searching for a used trailer, I think the weight being given me by many of the people is probably what the trailer weighed empty before the LQ. I am thinking about purchasing a shell and adding an LQ. My main question is, on average, does an LQ add to a trailer? Is there a std average weight for 4ft, 6ft, 8ft, etc? If the trailer was purchased with a finished LQ, does it say somewhere on the trailer the weight including the LQ?
Posted 2010-10-06 10:28 AM (#125522 - in reply to #125521) Subject: RE: Estimating LQ weight
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Most three horse trailers only weigh a couple hundred pounds more than a comparable two horse of the same brand and model. They are much more versatile, easier to purchase and sell, and pull with little difference over the two horse.
There are many variables in the weights of LQs. The most obvious would be the the longer the lengths, the more they would weigh. A second consideration is how the LQs are equipped. Solid counter tops, flooring, and cabinets all weigh more than manufactured items. Every additional accessory adds aditional weight.
We have two 3 horse LQ trailers. The one we use the most has a 4' LQ and weighs ~5500# empty. The LQ added about 700# to the bare trailer's weight. Our other trailer has a 13" LQ with a mid tack. It weighs ~9500# empty and I don't know what an empty shell would weigh. The weights posted on both data plates are fairly accurate, and inclusive of the LQ weights. Both trailers haul three horses and are comfortable for a weekend or so.
You can figure on about 700# for a modest but complete 4' LQ, 900#-1K# for a 6' LQ and an 8' would be somewhere around 1500#-2K#. Again the quality of the interior appointments will effect some of the differences in weights. Also with the longer LQ's, the refigerators will usually more than double in size, along with increases in water and holding tank sizes.
Depending on the length of the LQ you are considering, you can be within your posted weight limit. If you are only hauling two horses like we normally do, the extra weight of a three horse trailer will be nominal, and the additional storage space is welcomed.
Posted 2010-10-06 3:10 PM (#125533 - in reply to #125521) Subject: RE: Estimating LQ weight
Regular
Posts: 74
Location: Dublin Ga
I Have a 4 horse sundowner 727 sunlite stock combo that had a 4 foot short wall dressing room I had in converted to a 3 horse with a 7 foot short wall living quarter with seperate toilet and shower the only thing I did not add was a cook top as i cook outside, also had the horse area closed in with drop down windows on the head side and sliding windows on the tail, my trailer gained 1600 lbs.
Posted 2010-10-06 3:53 PM (#125537 - in reply to #125521) Subject: RE: Estimating LQ weight
Member
Posts: 16
Location: Phelan, CA
I just purchased a used but in great shape, 2005 Xpress with 12’ LQ 3 horse.
I emailed the manufacturer for the weight specs.....
Here is thier response:The trailer you bought has a 27' floor length and is 35' overall. It weighs 9400 lbs--the tongue weight is generally considered to be 15% and that would translate to about 1400 lbs