In a year or so I will be traveling to different locations about every 13 weeks or so as a nurse. I want to take my one horse with me - safely. I have been triing to do my homework on SUV and trailering horses. I have decided on buying the featherlite 9408 model which is 3 horse slant - 4800#
My SUV of choice so far are 2007 Toyota 4 Runner, or FJ Cruiser or looking at Nissan Pathfinder or Xterra. Could you advise me on these? The Pathfinder has the longer wheelbase of 112.2 in.and heavest of 4771 #,it is also the larger (only by 1000#) of towing capacity of 6000#. Am I missing an important factor? I have heard by several repair men that unfortunately the foriegn vehicles are far more dependable than the US at this time. Thanks

Hello Debbie:

The question you've posted makes me wonder. Is the 4800 pounds of trailer, fully loaded? Where did you get that number? Three horses alone could weigh about 3,600 pounds. That 17 foot long trailer will be a lot more than 1,200 pounds. I believe you're quoting the empty trailer weight. That seems reasonable for a 3 horse slant. If So, I'll take a quick stab and say you'll be overloaded with any of those SUV's.

After you pack all your horse, tack and other horse stuff, your clothes for 13 weeks. (I assume you want a 3 horse trailer for other stuff besides one horse...) you'll be severely overloaded.

You'll also have a problem with weight distribution. Place the horse in the front or second stall and you'll be nose heavy. Place him in the back stall and you'll be too light.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hosspuller,

Thanks for your fast repy, I feel pretty stupid.. you are correct I was looking at an empty wt. trailer - but then if I was smart about this I would not have to be asking would I? If I go down to a 2 horse my min. wt would then be around 6000# with 2 horses (which I only plan on taking 1 horse most of the time) I assume I would still be better looking at a truck? AND that is confusing to me too. In that case I would look for a 4dr, 4X4.What are the important things for me to compare besides the length of the truck and the towing capabilities? Keep me learning....Thanks

Let's take a step back...

Will you be okay with a honking, big, fuel guzzling truck when you're NOT towing the horse. I'll assume you're traveling around and need transport during each assignment. On the other hand, maybe you NEED to be able to haul a couple of tons of stuff around.

So... To best help you, What are your needs (besides the one horse), wants, then your desires?

I was doing some searching...
The empty weight of a Featherlite 9408 three(3) horse BP slant is 3050 pounds.

Here's my source:

http://www.fiddlerstrailers.com/preowned/new_inventory-...d=1&stockno=6C091655

Debbie,
I felt the same way with my decision between a truck and and SUV. I wanted some comfort and didn't feel very femine with a truck. I bought the Nissan Armada which gave me what I was looking for in both personal and horsey needs. The Armada with tow package (most have it) will tow up to 9100# which is only very slightly under the Nissan Titan pick-up. My trailer is 3250# empty and I wanted to make sure that I had enough power and load rating to pull two horses with supplies and people.

Now, it will not get the gas milage that you would get with the Pathfinder, also a good vehicle. But if your trailer is 3000+# and you load two 1200# horses, people and supplies - you are getting pretty close to max. esp if you are going on hills and rougher roads.
When I am not towing, my Armada can get about 16-17 mpg IF I don't gun it at stop lights and try to limit stop and go traffic roads. It may be a little easier for me because a good deal of my daily commute is on the freeway and but weekends are town driving so I average 15.5-17.

I now the Dodges are really gas hogs even in the Dakota vehicle - I really did a lot of homework before I purchased. The Armada is more costly but when the gas prices started to go up I started looking for a good used private party one and got a really good deal - 23K miles, fully loaded, great condition for $27,000. I still owe less for the vehicle than what its trade is value is. I see them once and a while for even less than what I purchased mine for esp. if you look for the SE version with tow.

Its just a thought - I wanted to feel that I could go anywhere without dangering persons or the lovely soul's in the back!

Hope this helps - have fun.
Rhonda