Purchasing a Horse Trailer, learn the lingo, Part 2

Purchasing a Horse Trailer

Learn the Lingo, Part 2

Last week’s newsletter, for those of you who missed it, talked about terms you’re likely to hear when Horse Trailer shopping.

If you’re a first-time buyer, being able to understand and speak the language will make your shopping experience and purchasing decision easier.

So, to increase your knowledge and expand your vocabulary even further, we’re giving you some more terms this week.

Chassis – the frame that supports the structure of a Horse Trailer.

Galvaneal – what Double D Horse Trailers are made of. Galvaneal is galvanized steel which, when painted, provides superior, long-lasting corrosion resistance. The auto industry uses Galvaneal to build pickup truck beds. It’s less expensive than aluminum yet far sturdier and more durable, so better able to withstand the flex and stress of the road. (To learn more about Galvaneal, click here.)

Receiver Hitch – type of hitch used for pulling a tag-along trailer. Receiver hitches mount to the frame of the towing vehicle either by bolts or welding. Mandatory for towing and the only hitch legal in all states, use a Class III or IV frame-mounted receiver hitch to safely haul your tag-along trailer.

Sway Bar – a bar (or bars) attached to the trailer hitch to help control trailer sway. Sway bars are often confused with weight distribution bars, but they aren’t the same. Weight distribution bars help distribute the weight of the trailer between the trailer and the tow vehicle, making towing safer and easier. (See Double D’s blog post dated February 27, 2008 for an in-depth discussion on weight distribution bars.) Chances are if you need sway bars, your trailer has suspension problems, uneven tire pressure, or it’s not level. Correcting these issues should eliminate the need for them.

Undercarriage – the supporting framework that runs underneath a Horse Trailer. The axles attach to this. Also, the undercarriage is part of the chassis.

Unladen Weight – the weight of the trailer including the mats, spare tire, and other trailer accessories, but exclusive of its load (i.e., horses and gear.) You’ll often find the unladen weight listed on the trailer’s Certificate of Origin or on the Title.

Okay, before you reach overload, let’s stop here.

We hope the focus of these last two newsletters has been helpful. Did they answer your questions or raise new ones? Send us an email or post a comment on our Trailer blog. We’d love to hear from you!