What Truck Dealerships Won’t Tell You: Horse Trailer Towing Tips

When it comes to towing horse trailers, there’s more to consider than just your vehicle’s towing capacity. In the latest episode of the Double D Trailers Podcast, Brad Heath dives deep into the complexities of towing safety. After speaking with various Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Dodge dealerships, Brad shares invaluable insights into the most common towing mistakes horse owners make and how to avoid them.

Tune in below!

More From the Episode

Three Types of Horse Trailer Buyers:

1. The Planner: This type of buyer specs out their horse trailer first before buying a tow vehicle. Brad emphasizes that this is the best way to ensure your tow vehicle can safely handle the trailer’s weight and dimensions. He advises that choosing the right trailer first ensures you get the appropriate tow vehicle with the correct ratings for safety.
2. The Backward Shopper: Many buyers purchase a tow vehicle first and then look for a trailer that fits. This approach often leads to safety compromises. For example, buyers might focus on lighter trailers to fit their vehicle’s capacity, which can result in under-built trailers that lack the necessary bracing and structural integrity. Brad advises against shopping for trailers solely based on weight, emphasizing that more weight equals better safety.
3. The Round Peg, Square Hole Buyer: This group tries to make their existing tow vehicle work with a trailer, even if it isn’t a good fit. Brad shares a cautionary tale of a customer wanting to haul a fully loaded two-horse trailer with a Chevy Tahoe, a vehicle not rated to handle the tongue weight or payload. This leads to dangerous scenarios, such as squatting vehicles and poor handling.

The Misconception of Lighter Trailers:

Brad debunks one of the most common myths in the horse trailer industry: “Lighter trailers are better.” While a lighter trailer might seem easier to tow, it often lacks the structural support needed in high-stress situations, such as accidents or unruly horses. He explains that heavier trailers with thicker materials and better bracing offer superior protection for both horses and drivers.

Talking to Dealerships:

Brad shares his experience of calling multiple dealerships to inquire about tow vehicles for horse trailers. While some salespeople are well-informed, others can give misleading advice, such as focusing solely on tow capacity without considering payload capacity or tongue weight. He stresses the importance of understanding these numbers when buying a tow vehicle and urges listeners to ask the right questions to ensure a safe and reliable towing experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Weight matters: Heavier trailers provide better protection and stability in accidents.
• Bracing is key: Look for trailers with solid construction and plenty of bracing to ensure safety.
• Know your numbers: Understand tow capacity, tongue weight, and payload to ensure your vehicle can safely handle the trailer and its load.
• Choose the trailer first: Spec out your trailer needs first, then match the tow vehicle to the trailer, not the other way around.