Ever since mankind began domesticating goats, sheep, and cattle roughly 11,000 years ago, people have been procuring crude carts, makeshift trolleys, and provisional caravans to transport these incredible creatures across wide expanses. Luckily for us, we don’t have to fret about unsophisticated wooden wheels or antiquated buggies in the modern day and age, as we now have access to top-of-the-line, cutting-edge trailers specifically designed to handle livestock.
Thanks in large part to the recent advancements in manufacturing and engineering, the modern livestock trailer is not only safe and durable, but also aesthetically pleasing and very cost-effective. So if you’re in the market for a new trailer, feel free to refer to this brief expose as an introductory guide to picking the best one for your livestock.
Dimensions
Most livestock trailers in the UK are built to accommodate animals up to 6’ tall, which means that a standardised 14’ x 6’ x 6’ will likely be more than enough to handle your conveyance requirements. However, if you plan on transporting therapy stallions or police mares, you’ll probably need to request a larger trailer capable of transporting animals up to 7’ tall. In any case, be sure to pay attention to the overhead lip and step-up pad as well, since these features usually aren’t included in the dimension listings.
Suspension
In order to provide a safe and secure container for your livestock, you’ll have to choose between the torsion suspension variant and a leaf-spring system.
If your weekly commute entails a lot of highway trips and travel between townships, the leaf-spring system will be able to provide a safe and smooth ride for your precious animals. However, if your routine features a lot of off-road driving on gravel or dirt, you’ll be best-served with the torsion system due to its increased rigidity and quieter ride.
Brakes
Although hydraulic brakes are the most prevalent stopping system used in modern livestock trailers, it’s important to note that renowned farmers and horse trainers usually opt for electric brakes on all four wheels. If you elect to go with an electric brake system, you’ll need to install a control system within the cabin of your transport vehicle. With this feature, you’ll immediately gain access to greater stopping power, increased efficiency, and unmatched safety.
Ventilation
Due to the fact that livestock trailers require frequent cycles of oxygen during transit, you should avoid purchasing a closed trailer or one that features storm doors, especially if the vast majority of your trips come during the summertime. With this notion in mind, you should look for a trailer that has open sides, ventilation holes, or retractable coverings to provide the necessary circulation for your livestock. Your animals will be able to breathe easier and much more docile, not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to save money on fuel consumption costs.
As you can see, there are quite a few nuanced concepts that come into play when buying a new livestock trailer, which is why it’s so important for you to partner with a reputable dealership right from the beginning. So instead of wasting your time with private sellers and unscrupulous trailer lots, you’ll be best served by speaking with a trustworthy sales representative at a renowned local dealership.
