Choosing the right trailer

Umesläp offers a number of different models of trailers and trucks - we have a horse transport for every need.

When deciding on a model, it is wise to think both about what needs you have at the moment and also in the longer term. Some important factors to consider are the weight, driver's license and laws. In addition, you should think about whether you need front unloading and a saddle chamber or a saddle cabinet.

Here is a guide on things you should consider before buying a trailer. Still find it difficult to choose? Let our knowledgeable salespeople help you decide which option best suits your needs.

Definition of weights

When talking about car and trailer weights, you must first know what is what. The weights are stated in the registration certificate.

Gross weight

Information on what a vehicle actually weighs at a specific time. Consists of service weight and the load at the time in question.

Service weight

The combined weight of a vehicle in serviceable condition without passengers and cargo.

Total weight

The sum of the service weight and the maximum load.

Max load

The heaviest load that the car or trailer is designed for. The car's passengers count as cargo.

Trailer weight

The combined weight of the trailer and the load.

Train weight

The combined gross weight of a towing vehicle and a trailer.

Maximum trailer weight

mal trailer weight Limit for how much a trailer may weigh if it is to be towed by a certain car. A limitation that depends on the design of the car and the coupling device. The weight must not be exceeded, this may mean that the trailer cannot be loaded as much as the trailer's registration certificate states.

How heavy can I pull?

For many, it is a constant problem with cars and trailers. Unfortunately, this means that many illegal crews drive around on our roads. If you are thinking of investing in a new horse transport, perhaps an extended b license or a BE driver's license is suitable to arrange at the same time. Then the problem is largely out of the world.

B qualification

• You have the right to drive a car or light truck with a total weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
• You may tow a horse-drawn trailer provided that the combined total weight of the car and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg.

Extended B authorization

• You have the right to drive a car or light truck with a total weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
• You may tow a horse-drawn trailer provided that the combined total weight of the car and trailer does not exceed 4250 kg.

BE eligibility

• You have the right to drive a car or light truck with a total weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
• You may tow a horse-drawn trailer provided that the combined total weight of the trailers does not exceed 3500 kg.

What does the law say?

If you do not comply with the law, you may be guilty of two offences:

Driving without a license

You are driving a vehicle combination that you are not allowed to drive with your driver's license. Driving a trailer with a higher total weight than what is allowed is like driving a heavy truck on a driver's license. Remember that it does not matter if you drive an empty trailer, if the total weight is too high. It is what is written on the registration certificate that counts, not what the trailer happens to weigh when the police stop you.

Overload

In this case, you may be driving a trailer you are allowed to drive. According to the registration certificate, everything is in order. But you have loaded too much in the trailer. Perhaps you have a single-axle trailer with a total weight of 1300 kg with two Icelandic horses in it. The trailer weighs 800 kg empty, each horse 400. So the gross weight of the trailer is 1600. You have therefore loaded 300 kg too much. When the police weigh your trailer, it turns out that you have been guilty of overloading. Unfortunately, the combination of illegal driving and overloading is not too uncommon either.

Choose a trailer with the right weight

Consider how heavy a load you want to be able to drive. In other words, how much do the horses weigh. It may also be wise to think about the longer term. Could it become relevant with heavier horses in a few years?

There are methods where you use a tape measure and a formula to estimate the horse's weight, but they are not very accurate. When your trailer is on the police scale, the margins can be small. At most animal hospitals, it is possible to weigh the horse. Truck scales are also suitable.

Don't forget to add the weight of the equipment you want in the trailer. Expect a hay bale or two.

Front loading

Some horses find it uncomfortable to back out of the trailer. And if you often transport the horse yourself, front loading provides safer handling. In addition, safety is better with two escape routes in the unlikely event of an accident.

Umesläp has trailers with both front unloading and front loading. In B45, the horse enters through the tailgate as usual, but exits through the front door. In the B50, the horse instead enters the front of the trailer and exits through the tailgate. Because the horse rides backwards, it receives the braking forces with its hindquarters, its strongest body part, and its engine is protected. It can prove to be important during the competition.

Saddle chamber

How much equipment do you need to bring? If you are out on the roads a lot, it is practical to be able to load the horse's entire equipment directly into the trailer.

On Umesläp there is the option of installing a front-mounted saddle chamber or to purchase a mobile saddle cabinet on wheels that you can drive into the trailer. You can also choose a B60 that has such a large saddle chamber that you can even change in it.