Posted 2011-10-04 7:56 AM (#138036) Subject: Picking a trailer
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Yukon, OK
New to this forum and fairly new to horses, trailers, etc... Wondering if anyone would like to weigh in on a few questions.
First, a little background. We have some livestock and will need to haul a few head from time to time. We also have 3 horses and will need to haul more often than the livestock. I'm torn between the stock/combo trailers with a sliding rear gate or a 3 horse and struggle with getting the livestock in and out of the trailer. I've also considered seeing if I could replace the gate with a slider if I did go with a 3 horse slant.
Next question: Hauling 3 horses would I be better off with a gooseneck or bumper pull. My truck could do either, however, I would have to have a gooseneck hitch installed.
Please feel free to give your opinions. They would be greatly appreciated!
Posted 2011-10-04 8:42 AM (#138039 - in reply to #138036) Subject: RE: Picking a trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
We had a 3H BP slant load, stock/horse combo for many years. It had a one piece tailgate with an integral sliding man door. When the stall dividers were opened and against the wall, the entire interior body of the trailer was accessable for anything we wanted to transport. This included farm equipment, moving furniture, building materials, anything that would fit into its 18' length. It had no rear tack storage, and the front slant wall could be opened or removed.
We ordered the optional upgrade axles and tires, and never encountered an overloaded condition. The axles were centrally located, and any loads could be balanced, reducing any tongue weights. It was a very versatile trailer, only sold because we wanted a smaller LQ model.
We did switch to a GN trailer, but only because of the LQ. Without its benefits, the BP would continue to suffice.
Posted 2011-10-04 11:27 AM (#138042 - in reply to #138036) Subject: RE: Picking a trailer
Veteran
Posts: 229
my 3jsons, I see that you are in Oklahoma, so you can be hot in the summer. My choice, in your situation would be a gooseneck stock combo, which is sort of the happy medium. Then you will have a nice back box, with a full back door with slider for your livestock, and also either a full center gate, or horse dividers. You will have slat sides on the butt side and also probably head side, which will provide good airflow in your hot summer weather. A four foot short wall in the nose/tack area will give you plenty of room for tack and stuff and a place to sleep if you need one. Check 'em out!
Posted 2011-10-04 9:22 PM (#138056 - in reply to #138036) Subject: RE: Picking a trailer
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
A Kiefer built "advantage" has a full rear gate, with half slide and horse slants. Slat side with small dressing room, I use it to haul most of the stuff I need to haul, just can't divide them, I think that's what you're looking for???? P.S Kiefer is bankrupt as far as I know, just wanted to give you an example so you can look at pictures.