From the multitude of terms pertaining to ratings of horse trailers and tow vehicles, there are five that are extremely important to know and understand when determining towing capacities.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW or GW) – actual weight of a single vehicle (tow vehicle or trailer) including its complete load. This means the horse trailer itself, plus the horses, hay, equipment and tack, or the tow vehicle itself, plus passengers and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight a single vehicle (truck or trailer) can safely hold.
Curb Weight – the empty weight of the trailer including standard equipment – not usually stated on the trailer. This is best determined by weighing the trailer after purchase.
Towing Capacity – the amount of weight the tow vehicle can safely pull as stated by the manufacturer.
Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) – the stated maximum weight a tow vehicle and trailer can weigh combined, as set forth by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
With these terms, you can quickly determine if your entire rig is safe regarding weight loads and towing capacity. When putting a rig together, choose a trailer that will fit your current and future horses, then choose the tow vehicle that will safely pull it.
1) Determine the GVWR of the trailer. This can be found on a sticker somewhere on the trailer, or on the Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer. The GVWR is usually determined by axle capacity, tire capacity and coupler capacity. Note: This is important if you are changing tires or buying a used trailer – be sure the tire ratings will be equal or greater than the specified GVWR.
2) Now that you know the GVWR of the trailer, make sure you don’t overload it. For example, if you have a GVWR of 5000 pounds on a trailer that weighs 2400 pounds (Curb Weight), along with two 1300 pound horses, plus tack (GVW), you have exceeded the GVWR. A trailer with a GVWR of 7000 pounds would be necessary for these size horses.
3) Next, determine Towing Capacity. All motor vehicles used for towing will have a towing capacity listed in that manufacturer’s towing guide, model’s brochure, or on the manufacturer’s website. The guide will list the model with vehicle specs – the same models have different towing capacities depending on engine size, rear axle ratio and transmission. It may also list what the entire combined rig can weigh to include passengers, horses and equipment, and still be safe (GCVWR).
4) Once you know the GVWR of the trailer, search for a tow vehicle that can pull at least 10% more than the trailer’s GVWR. Check this against the GCVWR to make sure it’s not over.
5) Finally, don’t drastically overcompensate with the tow vehicle. It’s best to match the tow vehicle with trailer as stated above to give the horses the best possible ride.
Other helpful specs to look for in a tow vehicle:
For tag-along travelers, check the wheel base (the longer the wheel base, the more stable the tow vehicle) – no shorter than 120 inches, and use a weight distribution system hitch (often mistakenly called sway bars) to reduce front end floating.
For goosenecks, look at full size trucks and adequate wheel base.
Since you’re pulling live, shifting weight, we recommended that your tow vehicle weigh at least 4800 pounds (Curb Weight), preferably more, for a two horse tag-along trailer.