Posted 2026-01-27 7:32 AM (#186029) Subject: Living quarters trailer search
New User
Posts: 1
Looking for a 3 horse LQ horse trailer that isn’t to much for a 3/4 ton truck. I thought I could go 14k gvw but I’m hearing pin weights on LQ trailers are closer to 25-30% and not the typical 15-20 of most goosenecks. If that’s the case I probably should stay closer to 12000 gvw or even less. On top of this we have one horse that has been nicknamed “the orca” who doesn’t comfortably fit in 7 ft wide standard stalls. He’s not crazy tall maybe 16-2 or 16-3 but he’s wide and long. Seems like most warm blood trailers people advertise are taller but no wider. What should I look for?
Posted 2026-01-29 9:18 AM (#186030 - in reply to #186029) Subject: RE: Living quarters trailer search
Elite Veteran
Posts: 818 Location: Tenn/Ala.
There are a host of assumptions here that can cause you problems. Let me toss a couple of bits out for consideration.- A) GN are set to run 25% tongue weight, or more. BPs are 10-15%. And yes, LQs will run higher, often 30-35% or so. Bigger the LQ, higher the tongue weight as the axle placement will require them to be under the horses. B) Assume you mean GVWR. Don't really worry about that. There are a number of different ways manufacturers calculate GVWR. And that doesn't tell you what the trailer will actually weigh. Many new trailers have the weight available, and a couple of mfg can tell you tongue weight- but that number will change with loading as you'll generally have more weight added to the rear (horses & tack) than you will to the front with personal gear. That's why a LQ generally seems to pull better with horses in it than empty. C) Orca- on a typical 3H SL 8'W with mangers, the first and third stalls are the largest. If he can fit there, great. Remember, he doesn't need room to move around, just not be squished tight. IMHO. And- you can have a trailer built for you with a larger stall. We do it regularly if the budget and time allows. D) I can share just a little history of many hundreds of LQ customers, a typical 3/4T truck with a 8'W 3H in the 10-11'ish LQ works great. Different makes will vary their ratings widely from the same truck of another make, and widely from year to year with the same truck. ?? I'm just sharing what we see in and out of the yard on a daily basis for going on 40 years. Sure- drive a dually, you'll never go back. :) Again, my opinion. But they're not for everyone. - Just a lot of opinions formed from years of careful observation. Take them for whatever value they may be.
Living quarters trailer search
