Anyone tow a 16'+ trailer? More specifically a horse trailer?

[2003Can4runner]

My girlfriend is a huge horse girl and has a 16' horse trailer. She usually tows only one or two horses at a time, even though its a 4 horse trailer. Its actually called a "livestock" trailer and weighs about 3500lbs. Her horses weight maybe 800lbs each...anyone have experience towing this kind of weight with a 16' trailer?

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

never had the experience towing a trailer of hores...

 

[Maz]

never had the experience towing a trailer of hores...

I was just wondering how many hores you can get in a trailer? Any more than a paddywagon?? :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Sorry Can4Runner...couldn't resist.

 

[imfrogman]

I do tow horses. While the 4runner can handle the weight, it is not static weight. This combined with the 4runners short wheel base does not make for agood horse puller. I have used my 4runner to pull the horses when it was just a short distance & speed was kept under 35mph. For real towing I have a 2500 suburban. No issues with sway in that vehicle, even at 70mph.

 

[charlier180]

My girlfriend is a huge horse girl and has a 16' horse trailer. She usually tows only one or two horses at a time, even though its a 4 horse trailer. Its actually called a "livestock" trailer and weighs about 3500lbs. Her horses weight maybe 800lbs each...anyone have experience towing this kind of weight with a 16' trailer?

No horse trailer experience here. I tow an enclosed, 20', car trailer weighing around 5,500 lbs with my 4Runner. I use a weight distributing hitch & receiver along with dual cam sway control. This setup with my 4Runner does very well even in 40+ mph head and cross winds.

Personally I would be concerned about towing the rig you post about with a 4Runner. I think you might be a little light on your weight estimates. The weigh you quote totals 5,900 lbs (W/4 horses). Are you sure each of the 4 horses only weigh 800 lbs each? What about all the supplies for the horses (water, feed, etc) what does that weigh? Heavier horses plus the additional weight of supplies could easily put the trailer over the towing capacity limit of the trailer. That could be a legal problem especially in the event of an accident. Have you and/or your girlfriend ever been towing horses when one or more of them get excited/agitated in the trailer? Horse owners I know have told me stories of what happens in that situation when the tow vehicle is not up to that challenge. It is not a situation a horse lover/owner wants to find themselves in as it can end badly for all involved.

For those that do tow horses is there a reasons why it is not a good ideal to use sway control when towing a horse trailer? Sway always seems to be a big concern with towing horses yet I seldom, if ever, see sway control being used for a horse trailer.

 

[peter78]

I was just wondering how many hores you can get in a trailer? Any more than a paddywagon?? :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Sorry Can4Runner...couldn't resist.

I must admit, I clicked on this thread just to make sure this was not a "spammer". I went ahead and changed the title of the thread to read "horse" instread of "hore". I did get a chuckle out of the title.

 

[boston_kevin]

I have towed horses before, and the 4Runner is not a good vehicle for this purpose. The narrow stance and short wheelbase with constantly moving weight is not a good combination. Horses consistently shift their weight in the trailer and with two horses, having 1600 lbs moving left to right can really throw you off. Perhaps short distances down the country road, but even then, I'd find a pickup or a large SUV for this purpose.

 

[2003Can4runner]

Oops sorry did I make a typo?

I do have a lot of experience towing horses, even on some long distance trips. I used to have a 2007 5.7L Tundra for the duty. I've always wanted a V8 4runner and couldn't pass up the one I came across...

There would only be one horse in the truck at a time, and it won't be for a long distance. Its only for quick one hour lessons at a ranch so supplies needed are minimal, just some bridals and coats and saddles.

I realize they can move around and make the tow a lot different than static weight. I'll maybe just take the trailer itself out for a test run, and see how I feel about the trailer unloaded first.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I'll maybe just take the trailer itself out for a test run, and see how I feel about the trailer unloaded first.

That's a good idea. If it's just for short distances you should be fine. Especially if you have previous experience towing horses.

 

[2003Can4runner]

I ended up having to use my 4runner to tow my girlfriends horses to her lesson today. I was VERY impressed with how it towed. I had to obviously "drive" a little more than with the Tundra but it was actually quite stable. Power was no problem at all, and it actually didn't seem to hunt for gears as much as the Tundra did for some reason. I was really surprised. I'm glad I had the opportunity to do that today so I don't have to worry about it if I ever have to do it again.

One thing I wish I had was the self levelling suspension from the Limited though!

 

[SwiftRunner]

Hmmm. Horse Girl. Is that a girl that has sex with horses?

 

[kylebacc]

Hmmm. Horse Girl. Is that a girl that has sex with horses?

What?

 

[SwiftRunner]

My girlfriend is a huge horse girl

After reading this I also wonder if you need a trailer for the girlfriend as she may be too big for the passenger seat. It's been said that Queen Victoria had horses lowered down from above upon here with leather straps and ropes.