When choosing a new trailer, there are various features to take into account. One significant aspect is whether the horse trailer will be bumper pull or gooseneck. There are numerous reasons why you might gain from either design. We’ll compare the two layouts to see which suits you best.
Bumper Pull Trailers – Good and Bad Points
Bumper pull trailers, also known as tag-along layouts, are horse trailers that connect to a hitch on the hauling vehicle. The trailer simply “tags along” at the back of the towing vehicle and is not a part of the overall vehicle.
Plus Points
There are a few plus points of bumper pull trailers. They generally cost far less than a gooseneck layout. It’s not essential to own a 4×4 pickup for hauling the trailer, because of this more people can haul this layout of trailer with their usual car. Turning is often more easily done because the horsebox will keep to the path of the pulling vehicle. The storage space required is less for the trailer as you would for a gooseneck trailer. And Finally, the trailer does not need to be classified as a “commercial” vehicle for licencing as the combined weight of both the trailer and pulling vehicle is commonly below 10,001 pounds.
Disadvantages
There are many bad points as well. Bumper pull trailers do not present as much room for clothing and tack. Some bumper pull trailers might not be enough for transporting any more than two horses due to the style of hitch required for the weight of the trailer. Also, bumper pull trailers tend to weave on wavy roads, which can be unsafe.
Gooseneck Layouts – Plus and Minus Points
Gooseneck trailers are different from bumper pull trailers in their style of hitch. The hitch is joined from within the hauling pickup’s load bed with a ball and coupler mating. This layout offers a number of benefits. It won’t wobble or snake like a bumper trailer often does, and pulling is therefore more stable. They provide more area for living space, which can be handy for camping and long trips. The gooseneck is also more easy to back up to and line up with the ball whilst joining it to your pulling vehicle, because you can see it without problem from the rear window. The gooseneck layout is more safe without the unease of the load coming unhitched while driving on the highway.
Negative Points
There are also a few bad points. Gooseneck trailers are more expensive and are as a rule larger so they have to be towed with a pickup that is able to handle it. The hitching system is also more pricey for a gooseneck layout. A further disadvantage is that while attaching the trailer, you must climb into the bed of the truck to finish the process. Also, you will need to detach your load cover from the truck to tow a gooseneck trailer.
The Right Design For You
Whether you’re considering a bumper pull or gooseneck design, you can check on the internet to look at a range of styles of each. If you’re cash is limited, you can search for used horseboxes for sale and horse trailers for sale to find a bargain. Reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of both designs prior to handing over any money. For more information and horses for sale, visit the Horse and Pony Directory