Horse Hauler Size??

[DMK855 15]

Having sold my 8.5 x 18 open center car trailer yesterday, I am looking to by a smaller trailer. Undecided on size. Like everything, I know they are never big enough after you buy them. Would like something that can haul 2-3 tractors. Will a 6 X 12 fit that bill!! Just curious as to what size trailers everyone is "content" with!!

[wh500special 2,188]

I think 6x12 is a nice size since it can still be towed by a smaller vehicle like a small SUV or even a minivan or decent car. It's just wide enough that you can put the tractors on sideways...if you can get them on.

If you can, get one that lacks the perimeter rail around it so that it can be loaded from any side. Generally, the trailers with the rail around the sides are built a little less stout since they rely on that rail for stiffness...if you cut it off the entire trailer is compromised. Rail-less trailers seem to have heavier primary frames to provide adequate stiffness.

Last fall I bought a 82" x 12' (I think that's the dimensions) from a local shop. With the brakes, the trailer can handle nearly 2500 pounds of stuff. So with some planning I can get three tractors on it at a time as long as I keep them reasonably small. And my zero turn mower with a 72" cutting deck will fit as well.

With either my Ford minivan or Edge I can easily handle this thing. Both are rated to pull up to 3500 pounds, but I've not had more than about 2000 pounds behind either one yet. For a fully laden trailer (again, 3500lb) i use my full size pickup since it feels safer and I have it readily available. I am surprised at how easily it pulls given its width and capacity. I guess it doesn't catch much wind and the big 15" wheels roll easily.

Brakes are mandatory in my mind. And some states require them on anything over 1000lb anyway. Seems like the price adder to my trailer including the brakes and the breakaway kit with battery was less than $300 installed.

I nearly opted for a 5000 pound axle and an GVW upgrade, but figured that for heavier hauls I can economically rent a nice tandem from United Rentals in Lafayette for $70 for the entire weekend. And I've done it a few times for bigger horse retrieval trips. My local UR maintains their equipment very well and I can't economically justify owning my own for that price.

had I not needed to worry about a wider load deck for the zero turn, I think a 6'x12' would have been my pick too.

Steve

[rickv1957 72]

I have a Dolittle 6.5'x12 and works very nice,can get 2 or 3 tractors on and pulls nice with a s10 pickup,Rick

[jusjeepn 59]

I have 2 trailer's and one I borrow from my FIL. My 2 have the heavier frames and no sides just as Steve described. One is 6x8 and works great if just hauling one machine (I have hauled 2 on it). It can be loaded from either side or the end. The other is 8x12. It's the limit for pulling behind my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I can fit 4 tractors on it if loaded right.

The one I use almost daily is the FIL's 6x10. It has sides and an attached loading ramp, which is why I prefer it. They all have their intended uses, just a matter of what you want to do with it.

I would have to say if you want to haul 2 tractors get a 6'x12'. If you want to haul 3 get a 6.5'(or wider) x12' (or longer).

[Rideawaysenior 25]

I had a 7x14 box trailer that I just sold too. I could fit five machines in there on the floor. I built a special shelf to hold my Suburban 551. SO you could say with a little cheating, six. I pulled that trailer with a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport. It did quite well. I did put another tranny oil cooler and tranny temp garge and all the way to PA, it never went above factory recommended temp. I would say I was pulling close to 6,000 in weight too.

Those 12 footers are nice though too. I'm sure you could do real well with one of those.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,350]

My Big-Tex trailer is 6.5x12 and will hold 4 "C" series sized tractors. It has the rear gate/ramp which is a huge plus as your not driving up wooden ramps to load it.

Mike.........

[Roger from southern Iowa 1]

6 x 12 is a good easy to handle trailer for four or fewer machines of small to medium size. For my own use I have a 6'6" x 16' open car trailer. With careful loading I can take six at a time, without decks of course. It's a little overkill when moving 1 or 2 at a time.

Just depends on how many you expect to move at a time.

[DMK855 15]

Thanks for all of the input. It seems like I will be fine with the 6X12!! I just didn't need the car trailer anymore and with being 102" wide, it was a little overkill at times. When I lived in Pa., I had access to smaller trailers and have not used the car trailer much since I got out of drag racing!! I will more than likely buy one with out brakes and do that work my self as well as aluminum wheels!! I will be pulling it with my F150 so that part I am not concerned about.

Thanks again!! I will keep you posted on what I purchase!!!!

[whfan74 2,066]

I know you are pretty far away but I am looking to sell my 6x12 trailer. It is pretty heavy duty, even for a single axle. It has a very stout rear gate that weighs a ton. Not a thing wrong with the trailer and I can get pictures if you are interested.

Even comes in a desirable wheel horse red color! B)

[wheel horse 1045 2]

i have a 4x8 tilt and it holds 1 thats it but thats good enough for me.

[Rollerman 290]

I have a 6X12 tilt & the size of the trailer is ideal for hauling up to 4 tractors, but I'm going to recomend not buying a tilt.

Mine was a gift from my father inlaw so I don't mean to sound critical.

However the axle on my tilt sits right in the middle & I have to be carefull how I load.

To much weight to far back & it will sway.

I can put a pair of C's in front & a pair of short frames or round hoods in back & be okay as long as I get the hitch on my truck down....(I have differant heigth hitches for differant trailers)

You also have to carry ramps to load multiple tractors....ever load one tractor on a tilt deck then go to load the second & start scratching your head thinking.

Just my opinion though.....6X12 good size.

Tilt deck not so good for hauling mutiple tractors

[C-Series14 15]

I have a 7x14 landscape and a 7x14 enclosed. I hope to stuff a Senior along with a couple C's and attachments in the enclosed for the show this year. Always wished I went bigger on the enclosed but this one works fine. I love having an enclosed for camping and hauling the Harley...

[DMK855 15]

Looking at a 7X12 landscape trailer on Sunday. A little wider than what I wanted, but it also has a side ramp which may come in handy!! I looked at trailers all day today and it seems that all of the new utility/open trailers in the size range I am looking for are all about the same quality!?!?!

I did put a very small deposit on a 6X12 enclosed trailer, but just don't think it will fit my needs. And a 7X14 enclosed is a little more than I want to spend on a trailer that will more than likely sit most of its life!! Now I only hope the salesman will be as nice as he was today when I go get it back!!!

Thanks again for all of the input!!

[DMK855 15]

Seeing Ken B's thread reminded me that I never "finished" this thread!! Here is the trailer that I bought to haul my "toys"!! 7X12 with split rear ramp and a side ramp. I need to get it to the shop so I can weld some tie down rings to it. Other than that I am very happy with it so far!! I will be testing it out soon as I have 3 tractors in Pa. to pick up!!

[rickv1957 72]

Great choice,That side ramp will come in very handy!,Rick

[clintonnut 126]

ALWAYS check air pressure. At least it is not a tandem in some aspects. On tandems the front tire picks up the nail and the back tire receives it. It has happened to us about a dozen times.

Charlie