Straight load or slant?

Question

Im looking to buy a two horse trailer and have heard so many contradictory things when talking about straight load vs a slant load. For the most part I will only be hauling my own horse, so I figured a slant load would be better for weight distribution, but I have heard a straight load is better for that so I am very confused. Also most of the slants I've been looking at lack ramps while the straight loads have them. Is a ramp a major advantage? thanks! I am clueless when it comes to trailers

Answer 1

I would go with a slant load. Personally i hate straight loads. Most horses prefer to stand at an angle in the trailer, not straight on. Unless the straight load is really wide, they don't leave much room for the horse on either side. I also think it is more dangerous for the handler, yes it may have an escape door, but ive seen too many people who hurry out the escape door when the horse gets worried and the horse either tries to back up really quick, and if the door isn't closed can fall out from the back and really freak out. Ive also seen horses try to come out of the escape door and get really stuck. That is very dangerous and horses get seriously injured.

I would suggest getting a slant load. I have a two horse slant load with a nice tack room. The tack room can swing open and the saddle racks and hooks are removable so it would become like a stud stall.

I don't use a ramp because my horse would have a fit and a half trying to convince her that wasn't going to break off under her. I sometimes with i had one for my two year because i think thatd be helpful with her, but ramp or no ramp really depends on the horse. If your horse is fine loading with ramp and likes that better, go with a ramp. If not, no ramp.

I do caution you with getting a trailer that has the ramp as the door. The ramps tend to take a beating going up and down and having the horses walk on them, and if they come lose you can also have a very bad situation if your horses are int he trailer. If you do end up with one that has the ramp with the door, always make sure to use the butt bar, if the horse was able to break their tie and came back out real quickly while you were trying to put the ramp up you could get seriously injured.

Again, i prefer slant load with no ramp...just my personal preference.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Put a horse in an open trailer with no dividers that's wide enough for them to stand in any direction and they will stand naturally at a slant. Most prefer to stand at a slant and backwards actually.



I don't like straightloads. Unless you purchase a wider one or a warmblood size, they're usually narrow, horses feel more trapped and they aren't as versatile as a slant load. They also lack a lot of ventilation that a slant load usually has.



As for ramps, you can get any trailer with or without a ramp. I caution you against trailers who use the ramp as part of the back door. The bolts they use for the ramps tend to strip a bit easier because of the wear and tear of lowering and bringing the ramp up.



As for ramps and their use for loading, some horses are fine with ramps, some hate them and won't stand on them. Without the proper rubber matting they can get slippery fast.



Weight is better distributed in a slant load trailer. If you're hauling one horse most of the time, go for the slant. You can take the divider out and let your horse have the trailer. If I haul one horse I don't put them in a slant, they can roam the small trailer and typically ride better, but I also don't tie a horse in either. I do put the butt bar up though.

Answer 3

Slant load. My dad, who has been hauling livestock in any kind of trailer you can mention and is pretty much an expert on this kind of thing, tells me that slant-loads are better for weight distribution as they spread the weight over the axis, which is the strongest part of your trailer. And from personal experience it is a lot easier to load and unload even the most difficult to trailer horses in a slant than it is a straight load.



And personally I cannot stand straight loads. The stalls do not have near the room you'll find in a slant load, they tend to be difficult for the human to get out of, and personally I just hate backing horses out of trailers. I like turning them around and walking them out when I can. I also despise ramps and aside from when I was hauling a friend's mini I really don't find them that necessary or helpful, they were helpful for the mini's simply because they were so small they have to take a running leap to get into trailers without a ramp.

Answer 4

I really like a straight load. When you haul several horses though, a slant allows more horse room without the length you would need in a straight/stock type trailer. BUT, for safety reasons I would use a straight load. I always imagine getting the trailer t-boned on the driver side.. first thing that gets hit is the horses heads. Scares me! Granted, you take a big hit, it may not matter, but ... say someone slams on the brakes and hits your trailer "barely".. the head(s) are right there.

Not all trailers have ramps, they make 2 / 3/ 4/ 5 etc . horse slants with or without ramps, same for 2 horse straight or stock type trailers.

Answer 5

It all depends to be honest. My TB gets very nervous on a straight load and getting off of a trailer that has no ramp. So, with him I trailer in a slant load with a ramp. Personally, I like these the most. They are wonderful to haul and my horse is the most comfortable in them. And, well, the tack areas can be unbelievably nice in a slant as well :D

Answer 6

For a single horse, weight distribution isn't a huge deal. The slant would be better for it though.



Ramps are a disadvantage in my opinion, my trailer has one and I would take it off in a heartbeat if the damn thing wasn't welded on. A lot of horses are afraid of its movement when they step on it, and it takes a while to train them to load up easy. Plus weather tends to affect its traction. It gets slippery when wet, especially for horses with shoes and when the trailer isn't level and the ramp's slope is increased. If you have an actual winter the ramp also becomes a pain, snow makes it slippery and hard to flip up. Overall, more work than their worth.

Answer 7

Most horses prefer straight-load trailers. I would personally get one with a ramp as well. Remember when hauling one horse in a straight-load, the horse should be on the driver's side, OR if the divider is moveable, move it so the horse can stand in the middle. I personally wouldn't get a slant load unless i was hauling 3 or more horses.

Answer 8

Slant load 2 horse trailers really aren't very common. If you're a careful driver while hauling you shouldn't have to worry too much about weight distribution. I would just stick with a straight load with ramp. Ramps aren't necessary but they are nice to have.

Answer 9

I prefer Slant loads - For the sole reason my gelding was loaded into a straight load a few years back and the butt bar snapped and he fell out. He got his head stuck and couldn't menover himself free in such a tight space and freaked out and broke it. He tore ligaments in his hind right leg. To this day, I'm lucky for him to load into a slant load.



Slants overall, to me are more inviting for the horse. I guess its just personal preferance and mine are slants. My horses won't load into a straight load.



You can have ramps put on, for an extra charge at most trailer dealerships even if you didnt buy it there.

Answer 10

i find it ALOT easier with a ramp. especially with the trailer shy horse. i havent actually seen a slant load 2 horse trailer, but i personally like straight.

Answer 11

I personally prefer straight loads. They offer more room for your horses head and usually have an escape door if something were to go wrong. The ramp is also a nicely added feature.



I have a slant load, and I wished I had a straight load. I think my Thoroughbred would prefer more room for his head and body.



If you have taller horses make sure to get an extra tall trailer.

Answer 12

ive never seen ANY float without a ramp. I would go with a slant because it is easier for the horse. if they are nervous loaders they can easily turn and look out both front and back and can be lead on and off forwards instead of having to back up.

Answer 13

No, ramps dont have that big of an advantage unless your horse refuses to step up, but yeah the weight distributes better and it is easier to load them.....I think

Answer 14

Slant. I like them better, most horses prefer them.. I'm sure you can just buy a ramp but some horse H.A.T.E them. However sometimes with different horses straight is better

Answer 15

My mare hates ramps she flips out when she steps on them..It depends I use a trailer without a ramp

Answer 16

Straight is my preference, without a ramp.