How heavy is a 4 horse trailer?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 27/09/2023 | Next review date: 27/09/2025
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Elaine Knight
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In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: How heavy is a 4 horse trailer? We will review the specs of a 4 horse trailer and discuss important weight factors. 

How heavy is a 4 horse trailer?

A 4 horse trailer can weigh between 4,100 to 6,100 lbs depending on the type of horse trailer (Whether it is a bumper pull or a gooseneck trailer) and on the main material it is made from (steel or aluminium trailer). 

In the table below we review the average weight of aluminium 4 horse trailers:

Bumper Pull Horse Trailer without Living Quarters (LQ)4,400 lbs
Bumper Pull Horse Trailer with LQ4,400 lbs
Gooseneck Horse Trailer without LQ6,500 lbs
Gooseneck Horse Trailer with LQ5,400 lbs

And here is the average weight of a steel 4 horse trailer:

Bumper Pull Horse Trailer without Living Quarters (LQ)4,200 lbs
Bumper Pull Horse Trailer with LQ4,400 lbs
Gooseneck Horse Trailer without LQ6,300 lbs
Gooseneck Horse Trailer with LQ5,500 lbs

As you can see, the heaviest 4 horse trailers are made from steel and have Living Quarters. These are two criteria to check when considering buying or renting a horse trailer!

What factors influence the weight of a 4 horse trailer?

The following factors can influence the weight of a 4 horse trailer:

  • The amount of  equipment you have onboard;
  • Whether you care one or more spare wheels;
  • Whether the trailer has skylights or a manger;
  • Whether the trailer has an anti-theft device installed;
  • The weight of the trailer hitch;
  • The condition of the trailer and whether it was involved in an accident before, thus if it has any modified parts;
  • Whether you are towing another boat or car trailers. 

Important weights when it comes to horse trailer towing

Perhaps the most important weight when it comes to trailer towing is the MAM. The Maximum Authorized Mass (or MAM for experts) is the maximum weight that the vehicle as a whole could weigh. 

We are talking about MAM. for any vehicle (horse trailers, van, trucks). The MAM. is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and determines how much weight the vehicle can be loaded to keep it safe to drive. A driving license B authorizes drivers to drive a vehicle whose MAM can go up to 3.5 tons.

We are talking about GVWR when the car is towing a van since we are then dealing with the gross vehicle weight rating (or the maximum authorized mass of the train). This mass is calculated by the manufacturer and indicated in the papers which are mostly in the glove box.

To calculate the MAM and the  GVWR we take into account:

  • The weight of the vehicle and the empty horse trailer;
  • The weight of the occupants of the vehicle;
  • The weight of the horses;
  • The maximum weight of a full tank of fuel that the car’s tank can hold;
  • The weight of equipment, baggage, fuel, etc.

The loaded mass is the actual weight that the loaded vehicle weights. Indeed, it is the weight that a vehicle weighs when it is put on a scale. This is not a maximum weight to be observed. 

Included in the calculation:

  • The weight of the vehicle and the empty horse trailer;
  • The weight of the occupants of the vehicle;
  • The weight of the horses;
  • The weight of equipment, baggage, fuel, etc.

Some useful data to find the weight you may be towing:

The average weight of a horse is 1100 lbs;

The average weight of a pony is 770 lbs;

The average weight of an empty horse trailer is between 1100 and 1650 lbs;

How much towing capacity do I need to tow a horse trailer?

To be able to tow the average one/two-horse trailer, you will need a car with a towing capacity of at least 8.000 lbs. A horse trailer typically weighs between 2,300 and 3,900 lbs, to which you have to add the weight of the horse(s), the weight of the cargo – so the number goes up quickly. 

Having clarified what are the elements at stake, you can make your evaluations, we have substantially extrapolated these three rules :

  1. The weight of the empty car must be at least 20% greater than the weight of the horse trailer.
  2. A 2000 CC turbo diesel engine is better for towing a horse trailer.
  3. A all-wheel drive car is better for rough roads.

Safety and regulations when towing a 4 horse trailer

When towing a 4 horse trailer trailer, you must be aware that:

– fuel consumption increases even if you drive at moderate speed

– there is a significant reduction in the acceleration (pickup) capacity of the vehicle, especially if the trailer is loaded;

– on roads with steep climbs the temperature of the engine coolant

increases – the braking distance increases

– on steep descents, the thrust force exerted by the trailer on the tractor must be taken into account

– when driving straight ahead, during braking, the transported load it tends to move forward, while during a sudden acceleration it tends to move backwards;

– increases the overturning force exerted by the wind

– the movements of the liquid that occur inside a tank attached to a trailer (tank, bonza, etc.) during changes in direction, when braking and accelerating, are the major causes of instability in-vehicle complexes;

– when turning, the “clearance band” (i.e. the space needed to turn) of the vehicle complex is greater and the trailer tends to “tighten” the curve (because it travels a circular path with a radius smaller than the tractor). For example, when turning right, be careful not to step onto the pavement with the rear wheel.

The bottom line

Towing a horse trailer is not as easy as it seems, but you will get the hang of it with lots of practice. As long as you respect the towing capacity of your car, you will be able to transport your horses without any issues!

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments on the content. 

FAQ on How heavy is a 4 horse trailer?

How much towing capacity do I need to tow a horse trailer?

To be able to tow the average one/two-horse trailer, you will need a car with a towing capacity of at least 8.000 lbs. A horse trailer typically weighs between 2,300 and 3,900 lbs, to which you have to add the weight of the horse(s), the weight of the cargo – so the number goes up quickly. 

How big of a truck do I need to pull a horse trailer?

To pull a horse trailer, you will need a truck that can tow at least 5000 lbs (2270 kg). A horse trailer can weigh around 4000 lbs, but you will also have horse equipment, food and water onboard. 

How tall is a draft horse trailer?

A draft horse trailer should be at least 8’ tall. A draft horse weighs on average 1,400 to 2,000 lb and has a height of 16 to 19 hands (64 to 76 inches)  As these are heavy horses, you will need a spacious trailer to transport the horse in safety and comfort. 

How heavy is a horsebox?

Depending on the number of horses, a horsebox can weigh 8,000 lbs on average. You have to take into account the unloaded weight of the horse trailer, the weight of each horse, and the weight of feed, water, saddle, etc. 

How big is a 2 horse trailer?

A standard 2 horse trailer is 6’ width, 7’ tall and has a stall length of 10’. Of course, depending on the horse trailer brand and model, it can vary in size and the weight is capable of holding. 

How many horses can fit in a trailer?

Up to six horses can fit in a trailer, depending on the size and model of the trailer. When transporting more than one horse, the minimum height inside the compartments must exceed the height at the withers of the tallest animal by at least 30 inches (almost 75 cm).

References

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