Towing A Horse Trailer Can Be Tricky
Towing a horse trailer is unlike towing any other type of cargo.
You have live animals depending on you for safe transport. These animals have minds of their own, and move at will within the trailer stalls. How can you prepare your tow vehicle and hitch for a shifting, heavy cargo load?
Know What Each Measurement Means
First, you need to know basic towing terms. Understanding these abbreviations can help you find a vehicle and horse trailer that meet your needs.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): This is the total weight of the tow vehicle when fully loaded with cargo, gas and passengers, but it doesn’t factor in an attached trailer. You can find this weight in the owner’s manual.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum either a tow vehicle or trailer can weigh once it is fully loaded. Manufacturers set these limits and list them in the owner’s manual. Going over the GVWR can make it difficult to control the vehicle or trailer and may result in premature engine or brake damage.
Towing Capacity: This is the maximum allowable weight a truck or SUV can safely pull.
Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR): This is the most a tow vehicle and trailer can weigh combined, including all loaded cargo and passengers.
Curb Weight: This is the weight of the tow vehicle or trailer by itself, with nothing loaded. This measurement is not included in the owner’s manual — you have to weigh it yourself to figure it out.
Now that you know the terms, it’s time to make sure your vehicle meets manufacturer standards. If you’re shopping for a new one, make sure you keep these figures in mind.
Pick the Right Tow Vehicle
In general, most experts suggest making sure the curb weight is a minimum of 4,800 pounds so it can stabilize the shifting weight of your horses while in transit. The best way to make sure your tow vehicle is up to the job is to first weigh the cargo it will be pulling.
Find out the total GVWR of your horse trailer. Make sure that once the horses, tack and other supplies are inside, that they are not overloading the trailer.
Next, find the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. It is smart to choose a vehicle that has the capability of towing at least 10 percent more than the trailer’s GVWR. You can verify that you’ve made the right decision by checking the GCVWR when the fully loaded trailer is attached to the fully loaded tow vehicle.
Make Safety Your First Priority
Towing a horse trailer isn’t a job to be taken lightly. If you are a novice when it comes to towing, be sure to ask someone with experience towing a horse trailer to take a look at your setup. Your horses are valuable, beloved creatures, and you can help keep them safe by attending to the details.
Call Stauffer’s Towing if you ever break down while towing a horse trailer — you’ll get a professional on the scene right away to tow your horses to your desired destination fast.
