Hi I have a f150 4x4 pick up truck. Rear Axle 3.55..GCWR=13,000, max trailer weight max 7,800.Code Axle Rear Ratio is H-9. I need help on deciding what type and make of a 2 horse trailer I could pull? I am looking for a smooth ride for my horse, and there is so many different trailers out there it is confusing.Any help would be appreciated
Thankyou
Karen

Hello Karen ... Welcome to the forum. Your question is just like asking for a "book" at the library. There are thousands of different trailers available. So... to begin the process:
What is your budget range? What size horses are you intending to haul? Do you want a slant load or straight load trailer? Gooseneck (GN)or Bumper pull (BP)? A GN is doable but your truck will limit the trailer's hitch weight.

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum.

I am looking for a bumper pull, 2 horse. I have a mustang he is almost 15 hands. I am looking for a used trailer. I have seem a couple. One is a featherlites 2004 for $3,800. another featherlite but it is made out of steel 3 horse slant converts to stock 4,800. And a 2 horse Trail West.Also, seen a nice 2 Horse Bison. I am looking to spend no more then 5,000. I have a calico right now that I am not happy with, it seems not to be a smooth ride, maybe it is just me, and I do not like the one large door on the back of the trailer. Out of the 3 makes I mentioned I am looking to found out which one would be a smoother ride for my horse, and a better fit for my truck.I have no prefence it could be slant or straight load.Must have 2 doors on the back. And a walk out escape door not just a escape hatch.I do have a towing package on my trailer. I was also wondering about weight distrubing hitch? I have no idea what they are? thank you again for your help. Karen

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

Karen:
What is not smooth about your Calico Trailer? There might be wear in the hitch or ball that allows the trailer to jolt your truck. The other possibility is the trailer has spring suspension with worn links. The Dexter Torflex axle is the horse trailer standard for a smooth ride. I believe the Featherlite will have a Torflex axle. Look to see if the wheel is on an arm connecting to the axle beam under the trailer. If so, it's a "Torflex" torsion suspension.

I would recommend the 2004 Featherlite over the 3 horse slant. Your truck is better suited for the smaller, lighter trailer.

The towing package varies among the models Ford builds. Sometimes it is nothing more than a tow hitch and light circuit. you'll want a tow package that increases the transmission cooling at a minimum. The 3.55 axle ratio is tall for towing a heavy load like a horse trailer.

I'm glad you're familar with the WDH term. Here's a good article on them http://www.mrtruck.net/wdh.htm
I highly recommend a WDH for control and safety. Ford recommends a WDH for any trailer 5000 pounds or more. But they kinda hide it in the footnotes of their trailering guide.

You have been so helpfully I want to Thank you Hosspuller.

Okay. For used trailers, you must examine them very closely. You don't want to get stuck with large repair costs. Regardless of brand, a neglected trailer can deteriorate very quickly.

1. Floor Most important. Urine & manure left in a trailer will cause issues. Lift or better yet, remove the mats. You're looking for rot or corrosion.

2. tires. Look for uneven wear and cracks in the rubber sidewall. Better yet look for the DOT date code. first 2 numbers is the production week, last numbers are the year produced.

3. brakes. hook to the trailer and use you manual control to apply the trailer brakes alone. You should be able to skid the tires on loose gravel.

4. lights. check them while you're hooked up in step 3.

5. Level the trailer. especially with torsion axles. you want the trailer to be level when loaded and hooked up. If the trailer is towed nose high, the rear axle is carrying most of the load. The converse is true for the front axle.