TRAILER OPTIONS
PART 1
Options are extras. At least they
should be. The general rule is
that options should be those items
that provide additional specific
conveniences that facilitate the
owner’s use of the trailer. In other
words, those features that one
horse owner finds essential, and
another does not, would be logical
options. In contrast, standard
features should include items
that are necessary for the trailer
to function correctly. Those items
that the trailer cannot function
without would be standard.
But not all manufacturers see it
that way. Many manufacturers
strip down their models to offer
low prices, then sell back those
stripped-out features as options.
What should or should not be an option is open to interpretation
STANDARD
FULL DOORS WITH RAMP
by each manufacturer. For instance, it seems that
if a trailer has a tack room, it should include the number of
saddle racks equal to the number of horses the trailer carries.
Logically, bridle hooks and carpet or vinyl on the floor
should also be standard. However, to keep prices low to attract
buyers, manufacturers may throw these features into
the options list. The point is when comparing prices of one
trailer to another, list all the features you require on a trailer,
then check if they are standard or optional and add up
the prices of both. While you are at it, compare the quality
of the standard equipment, such as axles and tires. Some
manufacturers offer an optional “tire upgrade,” which
poses the question, “What’s wrong with the standard tires
that they need upgrading?”
Buyers are often frustrated viewing website “laundry lists”
of options that offer no explanations of “why” you might
need them, or what it entails to add them. For instance, air
conditioning might sound like a good idea, not realizing
that it requires 30 AMPS to operate, which is not available
at most barns. Larger generators will operate AC, but it
is an additional expense and something that has to be
carted around in a tow vehicle, along with additional gas.
In this article and the next, I will explain in detail some of
the more popular items along with comments about the
quality of standard and optional equipment. Since optional
width, height, and length are the most popular and the
most confusing options to choose; I will begin with those
and follow up with others in the next issue.
OPTION – LENGTH. There are several reasons to add
footage to a trailer. It is usually available in six-inch increments.
If a trailer has a tack room, optional footage is
beneficial when carrying extra tack and equipment. If
considering an optional built-in tack trunk that takes up a
foot of needed floor space, consider adding footage to
compensate.
Optional length also adds space for larger horses. The
stall length of a straight load trailer is typically ten feet,
which easily accommodates horses from 15 to 16.3 hands.
Horses 16.3 to 18 hands need extra length. Adding six
inches to the stall and six inches to the head area will give
adequate room.
Optional length also adds space for larger horses. The
stall length of a straight load trailer is typically ten feet,
which easily accommodates horses from 15 to 16.3 hands.
Horses 16.3 to 18 hands need extra length. Adding six
inches to the stall and six inches to the head area will give
adequate room.
Since stalls run side to side on slant load trailers, adding
length to the horse area does not lengthen the stalls. However,
if the “length footage option” is used to widen the
stalls, it will give horses more stall length because it lengthens
the diagonal (corner to corner).
Adding an extra six inches to the head area in a straight
load trailer provides a safe area to carry hay bales. (see
photo above right)
OPTION – HEIGHT. The “rule of thumb” is to add height
with the length for larger horses. Standard interior heights
and optional height increments vary among horse trailer
manufacturers. Seven-foot four to seven-foot six inches are
common standard interior heights in straight loads. Interior
height on slant loads is often less. Horses approaching 17
hands and up require seven foot eight inches of interior
height. Many companies, such as ours, will offer a combination
length/height option for larger horses.
OPTION – WIDTH All trailers have a width limit set by
DOT (Department of Transportation) of 102” (outside tire
to outside tire). Trailer axles are either 102” or 96” wide.
Standard straight load trailers use the 96-inch axle width,
which allows for an interior width of six feet unencumbered
by wheel wells. Horses approaching eighteen hands
require extra width. Since extra width added to a 96-inch
wide trailer does not increase the interior width between
the wheel wells, manufacturers use the 102’ axle width. This
adds 8” to the interior width (80”) without wheel wells inside
the stall area.
Adding width to a slant load is a different matter. Since
slant stalls run side to side rather than front to back, adding
width for stall length gets complicated. Slant load trailer all
use 102” axle widths. Adding width to a 102” wide trailers
moves the walls out over the wheel wells, but the width between
the wheel wells remains at 80”. As stated previously,
adding length to a slant load trailer to widen the stalls will
give the stalls more length in the diagonal, allowing horses
to stand corner to corner. (see lower right photo)
TRAINING & Showing
68 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
OPTIONAL
RAMP OVER FULL DOORS
Story & Photo By
Tom Scheve
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com