Our New Stock Trailer

Hey! We finally took receipt of our new horse trailer. It’s a GR Trailer manufactured 12 ft stock trailer, with butterfly doors on the rear.

Had to modify several things to make the trailer better for pulling, and safer. First, I shortened the safety chains by 5 links so the chains won’t drag the ground. Secondly, I wrapped some wire looms to help prevent water, dirt and dust from collecting inside the looms, just a neater way to do things is all. Lastly, I coiled the electrical cable to shorten it some so it too, would not drag or catch on things.

I found out on the way home, the trailer has a tendency to sway above about 60 mph. I think this is because there is more weight behind the axle than in front. This may in part be the weight of the rear doors when the trailer is empty, even though the length is 4 1/2′ behind and 7 1/2′ in front of the dual axles.

Or, it could be caused by the tires not having the correct air pressure. I will check that in the morning when it is a bit cooler. I seem to remember the air pressure should be 65 psi.

After looking at the dimensions inside, it may be the swing gate will need to be removed to allow two horses or mules to be placed inside. With the gate closed, there is about 6 1/2 ‘ behind it, not enough for two animals. It would be fine for one animal loaded in a slant fashion, but that’s all.

As time goes by we will figure out the best way to do things for this particular trailer. It was purchased to fit the truck we currently have as a daily driver, the Chevy Colorado, which has a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. The trailer is light enough for it to pull. It weighs around 2398 lbs empty.

UPDATE: Last day of September and we got the trailer registered and a permanent license plate mounted. So next is to weld some additional rings inside toward the front for tying a horse or mule, plus some smaller rings at the very front for perhaps a hay net or two.