Last Updated on March 17, 2022
When trying to figure out how much does a 4 horse trailer weigh, you can’t put them all at the same weight, as different brands and models mean a variation. However, you can expect most will fall within a close weight range. When deciding what trailer is suitable, you need to also know what your towing vehicle is capable of.
Weight Of Horse Trailer
Let’s first get an understanding of the full range of trailer weights from the smallest two horse to a large five horse. You will also find differences between bumper pulls and goosenecks. Most modern trailers use the construction of mostly aluminum.
This makes the weight of the horse trailer lighter and avoids problems with rust. To get an idea of weights, we will use the popular, reputable brand, Featherlite. Two horse Featherlite trailers weigh between 2,700 and 3.900 pounds.
As you can see, this is where knowing your vehicle’s capabilities are so important when picking a trailer. While you might love the Featherlite 9551 two-horse, its weight will mean you need a substantially powerful truck to safely pull it.
A gooseneck generally weighs more than a bumper pull trailer. The smallest Featherlite 2 horse gooseneck weighs from 3,300 to 3,900 pounds. While another 2 horses in the company’s range weigh between 4,250 and 5,000 pounds.
A six-horse gooseneck will come in at well over 7,000 pounds empty, with many weighing over 8,000 pounds.
4 Horse Trailer Weight
Obviously, how much does a 4 horse trailer weight is more than a two-horse. A four-horse Featherlite gooseneck weighs 5,000 to 6,500 pounds. You will find that a four-horse bumper pull horse trailer weighs less.
Most 4 horse bumper pulls weigh between 4,600 to 4,700 pounds. The features of the four-horse, or any horse trailer for that matter, will influence the weight. For example, if you want the trailer to contain living quarters, this will significantly add to how much the trailer weighs.
Some sources say that a 4 horse trailer can weigh as much as 8,000 pounds, empty! This is certainly a fully kitted out model, with a living that can comfortably keep you on the road.
Also, it is important to consider the finish you get on your trailer. If you buy a trailer with an unfinished space because it suits your budget at the time, your future plans can affect the weight. For example, converting the space to living quarters will significantly add to the weight.
It can affect the weight so much that it might make the trailer too heavy for the axel. So while saving money initially, it can actually cost you a lot more down the line.
Lightweight Horse Trailer
The lightest horse trailers are aluminum. It is very common for modern trailers to use this material, as it avoids rust and makes everything lighter than steel. However, aluminum has its faults.
Firstly, aluminum is much weaker than steel. It suffers from corrosion and weakening. Since is it weaker than steel, it is not as safe and performs badly in crash tests. It bends much more easily than steel, and it also hotter for your horse.
Another alternative for a lightweight horse trailer is one made with a type of composite material. This material is just as light as aluminum, but it doesn’t have the risk of corrosion. One type of horse trailer using composite material is manufactured by Doubled Trailers.
We are talking about their Z Frame technology. The trademarked technology is more durable and stronger than steel, but it is just as light as aluminum.
Understand How Much Your Towing Vehicle Can Take
Whether it is how much does a 4 horse trailer weighs or a six-horse gooseneck weight, you must know the limits of your rig. To know this, you need to look at your truck’s tow rating. Also, don’t forget that the empty weight of the horse trailer is not enough to go by.
You must take into account the total weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded. That is how much each horse weighs, and the weight of your tack and gear. It is also good to have a little bit of leeway and not match the tow ratings max.
If you overload your vehicle, it will cause unnecessary wear and tear, potentially causing expensive damage. More importantly, overloading puts your horses and your lives at risk.
The configuration of the trailer also affects what your rig can tow. Some configurations increase the tongue weight. So the lesson here is to know if your truck can handle the job regardless of how you load your horses in the trailer, whether they are in the front or back.
Horse Trailer Weighing Tips
In addition to the weight provided by the manufacturer, it is a good idea to know the fully loaded weight of your horse trailer. To do this, you can go to a weigh station. Make sure you have put the maxim weight you will potentially tow in your trailer.
The first step is to weigh the trailer only while it is still hitched to your truck. Then unhitch the trailer and weigh your truck on its own. Doing this will help you find the tongue weight.
Simply subtract the truck’s weight from the hitched-up weight. The figure you get must not be higher than the limits of your hitch or ball mount. Next, find the total weight of both the truck and loaded trailer combined. This will give you the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW).
Once you have that figure, look at what your truck’s Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) is. The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight needs to be lower than the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating.
American horse trailer manufacturer Lakota Trailers talk about weighing their horse trailers and the pre-sale tests they carry out.
Conclusion
To answer the question of how much does a 4 horse trailer weigh is impossible to pinpoint, but you can get an idea of the range, as we pointed out here. Don’t assume that if you see your truck has a towing capacity of 9,000 pounds, that it can actually pull a 5,000-pound four-horse trailer.
You must take other factors into consideration, such as the hitch and tongue weight. If you are any bit unsure, always seek the advice of an expert. Your horses are too precious to risk their safety, and a trailer is an expensive investment.
Find more information Top 6 Most Expensive Horse Trailers
How heavy is a horse trailer with living quarters?
A living quarters trailers are amongst the heaviest types of trailers. Bumper-pull trailers that can accomodate 2 horses range in weight from 2,150 to 3,000 pounds. This is the weight without your horses and equipment. For the full weight you need to include the weight of your horses and everything else you put inside the trailer. Gooseneck trailers tipically weigh more. A two horse gooseneck trailer that includes living quarters can weigh as much as 10,580 pounds empty. When towing a gooseneck trailer, a driver must follow certain safety precautions.
The first thing you should do when towing is make sure that the trailer hitch is in good working order. If you have a hitch that has a shank and pin design, check the shank for wear. Make sure that it fits properly and that there are no problems with the pins. You also want to make sure that the tongue is properly attached to the trailer. If the tongue has any kind of problem, it will affect how your trailer performs when towing.
What size truck do I need to pull a 4 horse trailer?
It’s recommend to use at least a three-quarter-ton pickup with a gooseneck hitch if pulling four horses trailer. However, a gooseneck trailer requires much more payload capability from a truck.
The amount of weight you can tow in a trailer will depend on the type and condition of your truck. Most trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that indicates how much cargo the truck is rated to haul. The GVWR and towing capacity work together to help you figure out what you can tow with your truck. Trucks are rated according to their gross vehicle weight, or GVWR. The GVWR is the weight of the vehicle, including passengers and cargo.
What’s better fifth wheel or gooseneck?
A fifth wheel hitch is the most common type of trailer hitch used for recreational tows. It’s a type of trailer hitch with an angled support that is mounted on top of the rear bumper. A gooseneck hitch is also commonly used but has a different design. They both are considered the most popular hitch designs. Gooseneck hitches are preferred for their minimally invasive designs and better handling on farm tractors and other heavy equipment. A fifth wheel hitch is not recommended for heavy duty hauling or towing because it will be too heavy and make the hitch unstable.
How much does a Featherlite 4 horse trailer weigh?
Featherlite Horse Trailers are about as heavy as a regular car, according to the manufacturer. An empty Featherlite 4 horse trailer weighs about 4,500 pounds, according to its product page on the website of the manufacturer.
Featherlite Horse Trailers are the perfect way to transport horses. They are durable, light weight and very easy to load and unload. They are extremely versatile trailers and are great for transportation of animals to horse shows, horse auctions, horse fairs and many other events.
The Featherlite Horse Trailers are designed with the horse in mind. The front of the trailer has a ramp that can be used for loading or unloading. The rear door of the Featherlite Horse Trailer is hinged and can be opened from either side. These features make loading and unloading the trailer much easier. The Featherlite Horse Trailers are also very easy to tow. They have a low center of gravity and a wide stance that makes them very stable when pulling through curves.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
