Horse Trailer Towing and Tires FAQs with Brad

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Towing a Horse Trailer Selecting the perfect vehicle for towing a horse trailer is not just about power; it's about compatibility. Brad emphasizes the need to consider the vehicle's towing capacity, size, and the type and size of the trailer, as well as the number of horses you plan to haul. The key is to ensure that your vehicle can safely and efficiently handle the load.

Selecting the Appropriate Hitch The hitch is a critical component of towing. Brad discusses various hitch classes and advises on choosing one that matches the weight of your trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle. The right hitch not only provides a secure connection but also ensures safety on the road.

Loading Your Horse Trailer Properly Loading a horse trailer requires more than just getting your horses on board. Brad offers tips on distributing weight evenly over the trailer’s axles and maintaining balance from side to side. This balance is crucial for safe towing and handling of the trailer.

Adjusting Your Driving for Safe Towing Towing a horse trailer demands a different driving approach. Brad suggests maintaining a greater distance from other vehicles, slowing down on corners, and being acutely aware of the trailer's sway. These precautions can significantly enhance safety while towing.

Understanding Licensing Requirements Do you need special training or a license to tow a horse trailer? Brad clarifies the legal requirements, which often depend on the trailer's weight. It's important to be informed and compliant to avoid any legal hassles.

Managing Trailer Sway Trailer sway can be a frightening experience. Brad provides strategies for handling these situations, including correct braking and steering techniques. Knowing how to react when your trailer sways is vital for every horse trailer owner.

Routine Maintenance of Horse Trailers Regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Brad stresses the importance of routine checks on tire pressure, brakes, lights, and the hitch. These checks can prevent accidents and extend the life of your trailer.

Choosing the Right Tires The debate between "LT" and "ST" tires is crucial. Brad explains why ST (Special Tires for Trailer Highway Service) tires are generally recommended for horse trailers, owing to their design and durability suited for trailer usage.

Best Practices for Tire Storage and Maintenance Protecting your trailer tires from the elements and storing them properly is key to prolonging their life. Brad shares tips on tire care, emphasizing the importance of appropriate storage conditions.

Knowing When to Replace Trailer Tires Finally, Brad discusses how to assess tire condition. Understanding the difference between tires that "age out" and those that "wear out" is critical for safety. Regular inspection can prevent accidents related to tire failure.

Brad's comprehensive insights provide horse trailer owners with the knowledge needed for safe and efficient towing. Remember, the right preparation and knowledge can make all the difference in ensuring a safe journey for you and your horses.

Listen to Brad's audio only exclusive episode below! 

Host: Hi everyone, welcome to the Horse Trailer Podcast! Today, we're diving into FAQs about horse trailer towing and tires. We've received numerous questions from our audience, and we want to answer a few of them today.

[00:01:00]
What Type of Vehicle is Best for Towing a Horse Trailer?
The answer depends on two key factors: (1) the weight of the trailer, including the horses and gear, and (2) the payload, which includes the weight of the driver, passengers, and trailer tongue weight. It's important to consider both the tow capacity of the vehicle and the payload capacity. For example, a Honda Ridgeline has a max tow capacity of 5,000 lbs, which can easily be exceeded with a loaded two-horse trailer, making it unsuitable for towing beyond its limits. Always check the vehicle specs, payload, and towing capacity to ensure a safe towing experience.

[00:05:00]
How to Choose the Right Hitch for Towing a Horse Trailer
For bumper pull trailers, it's critical that the hitch can handle the gross trailer weight and tongue weight. For gooseneck trailers, the hitch typically has higher capacity (25,000-30,000 lbs), but it is still essential to consider payload capacity, as goosenecks place 25-30% of the trailer weight on the vehicle.

[00:08:00]
How to Load a Horse Trailer Properly
The placement of the axles on Double D Trailers is designed to make them "idiot-proof," meaning you can haul horses in different stalls without negatively impacting stability. Always ensure horses are secured, with heavier loads placed toward the front of the trailer, and gates locked securely. Incorrect loading can lead to trailer sway, which is a significant safety risk.

[00:12:00]
How to Adjust Driving When Towing a Horse Trailer
Remember that you have significantly more weight when towing, which means longer braking distances and the need for slower speeds around curves. Avoid sudden maneuvers, take turns wider, and use a smooth, steady driving style. An interesting tip: drive as if you have a glass of water on the console, and avoid spilling it—that's how smoothly you should be driving when towing horses.

[00:15:00]
Do I Need Special Training or a License to Tow a Horse Trailer?
In most states, a regular driver's license is sufficient for towing a trailer up to a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. If the GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs, you may need a special license, like a Class A in North Carolina. Always check with your local motor vehicle department.

[00:17:00]
How to Handle Trailer Sway if it Occurs
If you experience trailer sway, the common instinct is to brake—but braking can make the sway worse. Instead, accelerate slightly to straighten the trailer, then begin to slow down carefully. This method may need to be repeated a couple of times to fully regain control.

[00:19:00]
Routine Maintenance for a Horse Trailer
It's recommended to have a professional trailer inspection annually to test lights, brakes, repack bearings, check the floor under the mats, and look for any sharp edges or detached parts. Lubricating moving parts like sliding windows and locks is also important—using WD-40 or dipping a key in Vaseline works wonders for door locks.

[00:22:00]
How to Choose the Right Tires for a Horse Trailer
Trailer tires should be matched to the load capacity, not over or under it. Overloading a trailer with heavy-duty tires results in rougher rides for your horse. Ensure that the tires match the load—too heavy-duty can be just as problematic as too weak. Proper inflation is crucial, as under- or over-inflated tires are a leading cause of blowouts.

[00:25:00]
Best Practices for Storing and Maintaining Tires
Trailer tires often need replacing due to age rather than tread wear. Trailer tires should be replaced every five years, as they degrade with exposure to sunlight and heat cycles, even if they appear to have sufficient tread. Proper inflation (to the pressure written on the sidewall) and replacing them every five years will greatly reduce the risk of blowouts.