20 February 2024
Horsepower Meets Horse Trailers: Ensure your Vehicle, Horse Trailer and Towbar are Road-Trip Ready
Planning to hit the road with your horse trailer? Whether you’re off to a show, Pony Club, livery yard, or taking in a ride in the country or on the beach, there’s a bit you need to sort out first.
Towing a horse trailer comes with its own set of challenges, much more so than towing a regular trailer or caravan, because you're not just looking out for your safety, but also for the well-being of the animal you're transporting.
Get your car and towbar all set for a smooth and safe journey with your horse.
Selecting the Right Vehicle and Towbar
Not all vehicles are suited to towing a horse trailer, so it’s really important that you check your vehicle's manual or manufacturer to confirm its towing capacity. Just because you have a 'big' vehicle, never assume that you can tow without checking first.
Go for a high-quality towbar that is robust enough for the task at hand. Our team here at Towbar Express can help you with both checking your vehicle's towing capacity and also recommend a towbar suitable to your needs. What's more, we can fit a suitable towbar for you on your own driveway!
Weight Considerations for Horse Trailers
The total weight of a horse trailer varies with its size and the size of your horse. Typically, a single-horse trailer weighs about 720kg, while a double-horse trailer can weigh close to 950kg. It's crucial to keep this in mind when selecting your trailer, or vehicle, as you need to ensure your towing vehicle can handle the total weight of the trailer, horse(s), and your equipment.
Take, for instance, a double-horse trailer with an unladen weight of 900kg. If you add two horses, each weighing approximately 650kg, plus an additional 100kg for your tack and gear, the total towing requirement for your vehicle jumps to a minimum of 2,300kg.
Legal Requirements and Safety Checks
Before you set off, make sure you're up to date with the legal requirements for towing. This includes making sure your vehicle and trailer are roadworthy, with all lights and indicators working properly. Towing speed limits can differ from standard driving limits, so make sure you're familiar with those. And it goes without saying that regular safety checks on your towbar, trailer brakes, and tyres are not just recommended; they're essential.
Weight Distribution
Even weight distribution in your horse trailer is critical. Load your horse and any additional tack or equipment so that the weight is evenly distributed, avoiding too much load on either the towbar or the trailer's axle. Uneven weight distribution can lead to poor handling which can be dangerous at speed.
Towing Mirrors
If your horse trailer obstructs the view from your vehicle's standard wing mirrors, you should fit additional towing mirrors. These mirrors give you a wider field of vision helping you to stay safe when towing.Braking and Handling
Remember, towing a horse trailer changes how your vehicle handles. Braking distances will increase, and handling will feel different, especially in tricky weather conditions or on uneven road surfaces. Always allow extra space between you and the car in front, and take corners slowly and smoothly to keep control and stability so not as to unsettle your horse.
Be Prepared
Always carry a basic toolkit, and a spare tyre, not only for your vehicle but your horse trailer too. Make sure your horse has access to water, especially on longer journeys. It's also sensible to have a plan in case of a breakdown, including membership with a roadside assistance service that will also recover trailers.
Before you and your horse hit the road, double-check your gear and setup. Need help with your towbar? Speak to our team or drop your reg into the box at the top of the page.
