I'm looking at getting my first horse trailer. And I've been eyeballing a Brenderup - Baron SL. My question for you, is what on earth do I need for a tow vehicle. Specifically. I've gotten the "bare minimums" from their website, and all they've told me is "your current vehicle MAY be capable". I can't afford to drive a truck as my "everyday" vehicle....and I'm pretty certain that the VW Jetta TDI that I currently drive is less than adequate for hauling this trailer.

Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

I too, faced this decision...

The Brenderup is well thought of as a horse trailer by those that have them. I thought them as expensive but if one only has a single vehicle to tow with, the trailer cost becomes less significant.

I would decide on a tow vehicle based on the manufacturer's Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or CGVWR. This rating is the legal maximum of the loaded trailer and load vehicle combined. It's what the designers of the vehicle have figured based on the gearing, braking, HP, cooling, chassis, etc for adequate road performance. More than this weight means the rig is overloaded.

This is where Brenderup and I disagree. B'up says the Tow Vehicle (TV) have a certain wheel base (93") and engine HP (125). Based on B'up's requirements a Porsche 928 will suffice. I think the Porsche's transmission will be a pile of parts, rear suspension trashed, and driver will have an DOT citation in a short time pulling a B'up.

In short, use B'up minimums, but consider the CGVWR to chose.

Thankyou very much for your input. I didn't know about the CGVWR, and not even the different car dealers I'd asked mentioned that. You've given me something specific to look for.

Thanks Again!
Araucano

Hosspuller is right about being cautious when interpeting tow vehicles. I wouldn't tow with a Porsche 928, 944 or 911 but would with a Cayne. I've towed a Brenderup Baron with every SUV I could round up last summer including the small Hummer H3 and a Jeep Liberty diesel.

It is very surprising how easy a Brenderup does pull. We've all head that in Europe, they are towed with Volvo station wagons. I wish I could have found one with a receiver hitch. But mid size SUV's like Ford Explorer, GM Trail Blazer, Dodge Durango all will work well. In the mid-size trucks, the crewcabs with V-6 or V-8 will work.

It's different that what we're use to. The Brenderups don't sway, the weight is balanced over the axles. They have many inovative features and have been around this country for over 20 years. Which puts them in the middle of the pack of the 150 plus horse trailer manufactures as far as years in business, but they've been around over 50 years in Europe. This puts them in the same experience category as Featherlite, Hart, Merhow etc. Thule, the big rack company bought Brenderup and Valley hitch.

ok. So, since it looks like I'll have to start looking for a truck with great mpg...what type of trailers would you recommend as being low maintenance and easy handling for one person? I want safe, relatively inexpensive, easy to handle & haul, and something that requires minimal maintenance. Any suggestion???

thanks for your consideration!!!
Araucano

What's wrong with Brenderup? The next easiest trailer I've towed is a 2 horse Cimarron aluminum.