Complete Guide to Trailers: Hauling Horses & Livestock

For those who transport horses and livestock, having the right trailer is key to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Leading manufacturers, such as Cimarron and Logan Coach, have perfected the art of creating trailers, sometimes called haulers, that are easy to maneuver, offer superior hauling capabilities, and are comfortable for the animals in transport.

Trailers, sometimes referred to as haulers, are not to be confused with custom hauler trucks, which are powerful trucks that can pull large loads like horse and livestock trailers or recreational vehicles. Transwest has a wide selection of custom haulers available for purchase. 

With the variety of options available on the market, choosing a trailer that pairs well with your specific needs is important. In this complete guide to haulers, we’ll take a look at all of the following:

• Common types of horse and livestock trailers and their benefits
• Tips for choosing a trailer
• How to find the right location to purchase a new or used trailer

Common Types of Horse and Livestock Trailers

When comparing horse and livestock trailers, the design and features of the trailers will help you determine which one will match your needs. The following are the most common types of haulers on the market, covering a wide array of designs and styles.

Bumper Pull

A bumper pull trailer is a lightweight and compact option. These haulers are ideal for towing behind a truck, SUV, or even motorhome. They are easy to attach to a ball hitch and do not require any specialty towing equipment. Its small size makes them ideal for transporting a single animal. Their simplicity in hooking and unhooking from the back of your vehicle works easily—even for a novice.

Gooseneck

A gooseneck trailer offers an extremely stable towing experience due to the way it attaches to the tow vehicle. Rather than being attached to a ball hitch, this hauler style features a tongue that attaches to a ball located in the bed of the towing truck. These haulers can be designed in a vast array of styles and sizes and are ideal when transporting multiple horses or large livestock. In addition to being more stable, these trailers handle better in high winds and adverse weather.

Living Quarters

Another option when choosing a trailer is to pick a trailer that features added living quarters. Essentially, these trailers are designed with the benefits of a motorhome located in the front of the trailer over the bed of the towing truck. You can find living quarters that feature everything from a place to sleep to a full kitchen.

Trailer Size

Another differentiating factor between livestock and horse haulers is the number of animal pens. These trailers are typically broken down into the following categories:

• 1-2 Horse
• 3-4 Horse
• 5-8 Horse

You can choose between gooseneck or bumper pulls for small, one to two-horse trailers. But if you look at larger options, most will feature gooseneck trailers due to the required stability. Additionally, these trailers can be designed with or without living quarters.

Additional Pen Systems, Tack Rooms, & Add-Ons

Along with the overall design of a livestock or horse hauler, many of these trailers feature convenient add-ons.

The following are other items to compare when looking at haulers for sale.

• Pen Systems
• Tack Rooms
• Hay Rooms
• Kick Mats
• Roof Vents
• Interior Lights
• Walk-Thru Doors
• Water Tank
• Full Dividers

Four Tips for Picking a Trailer

When choosing a new or used trailer, be sure to take your time and compare options. Use the following tips to pick a hauler you’ll be satisfied with for years to come.

1. Determine which towing style is right for you. One of the biggest differentiators between haulers is how the trailer will be towed. If you have the right setup or are willing to invest in it, a gooseneck will provide you with the ultimate stability. This is also a good choice if you will be hauling more than one animal at a time. Conversely, if you need a simple, economical trailer that can be easily pulled behind almost any SUV or truck, a bumper pull works well. Narrowing down your towing style will help you focus on the right hauler inventory.
2. Consider the animals you’ll be hauling. For transporting a single horse to the trails, your needs will be vastly different than hauling multiple sheep to ag shows. Determine the type and amount of animals you need to transport to focus on the ideal size hauler for your needs.
3. Consider living quarters. The addition of living quarters can be extremely beneficial if you plan to attend events or wish to camp at trailheads. Modern haulers feature outstanding living quarters, including comfortable beds, multiple bunk options, seating spaces, built-in entertainment systems, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
4. Compare manufacturers. Different manufacturers are well known for specific features. For example, Cimarron focuses on strength in its design as well as innovation. Logan Coach is well known for its luxury living quarters. Be sure to compare manufacturers and check with your dealer about specific warranty options.

Where Should I Purchase a Horse or Livestock Trailer?

When choosing a horse or livestock hauler trailer, one of the most important considerations will be which dealership you purchase from. Make sure that the dealership you work with checks all of the following boxes:

• Easy to reach: Communication is critical during the purchase of a hauler. Make sure to work with a team that can be easily contacted and responds to your questions in a timely manner.
• Features a quality inventory: With the vast number of hauler options available, work with a team that provides you with options. This will help ensure that you leave with the right hauler for your specific needs.
• Has a long-standing positive reputation: Working with an established hauler dealer will offer you the best customer service and ideal financing options.

Need to purchase a horse or livestock hauler? Find a Transwest location near you. We pride ourselves on quality customer service and a large inventory of the best trailers on the market paired with premium inventory options.