Finding the Right Horse Trailer in Texas
Whether you haul one horse to weekend barrel racing or move a string of quarter horses between pastures, the right trailer makes every trip safer and less stressful — for you and your animals. At Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, we carry a full lineup of horse and livestock trailers from trusted brands including Calico, W-W, and our own in-house STAR galvanized cattle trailers. This guide walks you through the most important things to consider when buying a horse trailer in 2026.
Bumper Pull vs. Gooseneck Horse Trailers
The first decision most horse owners face is hitch style. Bumper pull trailers are the most common choice for 1-2 horse setups. They connect to a standard 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and can be towed by most 3/4-ton or 1-ton trucks. Popular lengths run from 14 to 20 feet, with slant-load and straight-load floor plans available.
Gooseneck horse trailers are the go-to for hauling 3 or more horses, or for owners who want a living quarters (LQ) build for overnight trips. Gooseneck trailers distribute weight over the rear axle of the tow vehicle, improving stability and increasing payload capacity. If you regularly haul 4+ horses or travel long distances across Texas, a gooseneck is worth the upgrade. Read more in our bumper pull vs. gooseneck complete guide.
Top Horse Trailer Brands at Trailer Place
Calico Trailers — Built for Texas horse owners, Calico offers durable bumper pull and gooseneck models with features like escape doors, rubber floor mats, and full-length dividers. Their slant-load designs reduce loading stress for horses that prefer to angle slightly during transit. View our Calico trailer inventory.
W-W Trailers — One of Texas’s most recognized livestock and horse trailer brands, W-W trailers are known for their heavy-gauge steel construction and simple, dependable designs. Their horse trailer models range from basic 2-horse bumper pulls to larger stock/combo trailers that can carry both horses and cattle. See our W-W trailer inventory.
Calico 2H Slant-Load (Example Specs): 2-horse slant, 7 ft interior height, 6 ft 8 in wide, rubber floor mats, escape door, GVWR 7,000 lbs, bumper pull. Excellent for weekend riders, barrel racers, and trail riders hauling 1-2 horses.
What GVWR Do You Need for a Horse Trailer?
Most adult horses weigh between 900 and 1,400 lbs. When sizing a trailer, add the trailer’s empty weight (typically 3,000 to 5,500 lbs for a 2-horse bumper pull) plus the combined weight of all horses and gear. A 2-horse bumper pull with a 7,000-lb GVWR can typically carry two average-sized horses with room for tack and supplies.
For larger breeds — warmbloods, drafts, or big-bodied quarter horses — look for trailers with stall widths of 44 inches or wider and GVWR at or above 10,000 lbs. A tandem-axle gooseneck with 14,000-lb GVWR gives you the safety margin you need for heavy loads. Learn more in our post on trailer weight ratings explained.
Livestock Combo Trailers: Cattle and Horses Together
Many Texas ranchers need a trailer that handles both horses and cattle depending on the season. Livestock combo trailers typically feature removable dividers, adjustable partitions, and hay compartments at the front, giving you flexibility to haul horses on a show day and calves the next weekend. Our livestock trailer lineup includes straight stock models, combination trailers, and horse-specific builds to fit every operation.
Texas Regulations for Hauling Horses
Most horse trailer setups in Texas do not require a CDL — if your tow vehicle and loaded trailer combination stays under 26,001 lbs GCWR and you are hauling for personal, non-commercial use, a standard Texas driver’s license is sufficient. However, commercial haulers or those crossing state lines for hire should check federal regulations. Read our full guide on CDL requirements for trailers in Texas.
Horse Trailer Financing at Trailer Place
A quality horse trailer is a real investment — bumper pull models typically run from $6,000 to $18,000, while gooseneck LQ builds can reach $40,000 or more. Trailer Place offers flexible financing options, including programs for buyers with less-than-perfect credit. We work with multiple lenders to find a payment you can live with. See our trailer financing guide for details, or call us at (979) 532-1486 to talk through your options.
Ready to Shop Horse Trailers in Texas?
Stop by Trailer Place at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488, or browse our inventory online. We serve horse owners across Southeast Texas including Houston, Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Victoria, Bay City, El Campo, and beyond — and offer nationwide shipping for buyers outside our local area.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or visit trailerplace.com to see current horse and livestock trailer inventory. Our family-owned team is happy to help you find the right trailer for your horses, your truck, and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of trailer is best for your needs?
The best trailer for your needs depends on your specific needs — load weight, cargo type, and frequency of use. Trailer Place in Wharton, TX carries dump trailers, utility trailers, equipment trailers, and enclosed trailers to fit every use case. Call (979) 532-1486 for recommendations.
How much does a trailer for your needs cost?
Prices vary by size and type. Utility trailers start around $2,000, dump trailers from $5,000, and enclosed cargo trailers from $4,000. Trailer Place offers financing options to fit your budget — call (979) 532-1486.
Do I need a commercial trailer for your needs?
For professional your needs work, a commercial-grade trailer is recommended. They’re built to handle daily use with heavier steel, better axles, and more tie-down points. Visit Trailer Place to see our commercial-grade inventory.
Does Trailer Place offer financing?
Yes! Trailer Place offers competitive financing options with flexible terms. We work with buyers at all credit levels. Call (979) 532-1486 or visit us in Wharton, TX to apply.