Key takeaways
- All-aluminum. Lighter and resistant to rust. Featherlite and Sundowner listings describe all-aluminum construction. Aluminum frames and floors can lower tow weight.
- Steel frame with aluminum skin. Often more affordable and easier to repair, though heavier and prone to rust if the finish is damaged.
- Floors. Extruded aluminum floors, as in the Exiss listing, are described as strong; wood floors with rubber mats need regular inspection for rot. Lift the mats periodically and probe the boards.
For most owners hauling one or two horses, an all-aluminum two-horse bumper-pull from Featherlite or Sundowner is the usual shortlist, with a slant-load layout such as the Featherlite 9400 suiting shorter tow vehicles and a straight-load layout such as the Featherlite 9300 or Sundowner Charter SE suiting riders who want a front dressing room and easier loading for nervous horses. The real answer depends less on brand than on your tow vehicle, your horses’ size and the kind of hauling you do.
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Two-Horse Bumper-Pull Trailers at a Glance
| Trailer | Layout | Stated specs from listings | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Featherlite 9300 (2026 listing) | Straight load, 2 horse | 14 ft 4 in long, 7 ft wide, 7 ft 6 in tall, 51 in straight wall. 3,500 lb rubber torsion axles with electric brakes, 235/80R16 tires, spare tire, 2 5/16 in coupler, aluminum running boards | Owners wanting an all-aluminum trailer with a proven brand and warranty | Check the empty weight against your tow vehicle’s rating |
| Featherlite 9400 | Slant load, 2 horse | Listed as 7 ft wide, 7 ft high and 13 ft 10 in long | Compact towing, shorter vehicles | Slant stalls can be tighter for very large horses |
| Sundowner Charter SE (2026 listing) | Straight load, 2 horse | 7 ft 6 in tall, 6 ft 9 in wide, 15 ft long. Front dressing room, rubber-lined walls, rubber mats, padded dividers, spare tire stored in dressing room | Riders wanting tack storage up front | Longer overall length affects turning and parking |
| Sundowner 2 Horse Super Tack (2026 listing) | 2 horse with large tack room | Listed with a 15 ft 9 in floor length and 8,050 lb GVWR | Competition riders with lots of gear | Higher GVWR needs a capable tow vehicle |
| Exiss Express CX (2025) | Slant load | A listing mentions tandem 3,500 lb torsion axles, 15 in radial tires on aluminum wheels, 4-wheel electric brakes, an extruded aluminum floor and one-piece aluminum roof | Owners with larger horses or wanting a premium build | Exiss details were thin in the sources reviewed; read the maker’s sheet |
| Sooner 2 Horse (Lariat) | Bumper pull | Listings reviewed carried few usable specs | Buyers willing to request the maker’s sheet before deciding | Not enough detail found; ask the dealer for the data plate |
The figures above come from dealer and listing pages and may vary by model year and options. Always read the maker’s current specification sheet and the data plate on the trailer you are considering.
Start With Your Tow Vehicle
A trailer is only as safe as the vehicle pulling it. Before comparing trailers, find your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and hitch rating in the owner’s manual. Then add the trailer’s empty weight, the horses (a typical horse weighs several hundred kilograms), tack, hay and water. The trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), such as the 8,050 lb figure listed for the Sundowner Super Tack, tells you the maximum loaded weight. Never exceed the limits in your vehicle manual. If you are unsure, ask a qualified dealer or mechanic. An undersized vehicle or an incorrectly set up hitch is a common cause of sway and braking problems.
Bumper-pull trailers use a ball coupler, such as the 2 5/16 in coupler on the Featherlite 9300. Heavier trailers or those with large tack rooms may need a weight-distribution hitch or a gooseneck. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on tongue weight.
Slant Load, Straight Load or Something Else
Straight Load
The horse stands facing forward, side by side with the other horse. Many owners find this natural for horses that travel better when they can brace. A straight-load trailer such as the Featherlite 9300 has a 51 in straight wall. Straight loads are often easier for a horse to step into and out of, though the horse may need to back out, which some dislike.
Slant Load
Horses stand at an angle. Slants use less length, which suits smaller tow vehicles, and the Featherlite 9400 is listed at 13 ft 10 in long. Some horses travel well angled, while a few larger horses may find slant stalls tight. Measure your horse and ask the maker about stall dimensions.
Head-to-Head and Other Layouts
Some trailers face horses toward one another or provide a box-stall layout. These are less common in a two-horse bumper-pull, and the sources reviewed here do not cover them.
Materials: Aluminum, Steel or Hybrid
- All-aluminum. Lighter and resistant to rust. Featherlite and Sundowner listings describe all-aluminum construction. Aluminum frames and floors can lower tow weight.
- Steel frame with aluminum skin. Often more affordable and easier to repair, though heavier and prone to rust if the finish is damaged.
- Floors. Extruded aluminum floors, as in the Exiss listing, are described as strong; wood floors with rubber mats need regular inspection for rot. Lift the mats periodically and probe the boards.
Whatever you choose, inspect the floor, frame welds, tires, wiring and brakes before every season and before long trips.
Safety and Maintenance Basics
- Brakes. Many trailers use electric brakes, such as the 4-wheel electric brakes in the Exiss listing. They require a brake controller in the tow vehicle, which a qualified installer should set up. Have them serviced regularly.
- Tires. Trailer tires age even without wear. Check the date code, pressure and sidewalls before each trip, and carry a working spare.
- Axles. Rubber torsion axles, listed at 3,500 lb on several trailers, are common on newer models. Consult the manual for service intervals.
- Lights and wiring. Test turn signals, brake lights and the breakaway system before each trip.
- Ventilation and padding. Rubber-lined walls and padded dividers, as on the Charter SE, protect horses. Make sure windows and vents provide fresh air in warm weather.
- Electrical and wiring work. Have a qualified technician handle any wiring or brake controller installation.
The Featherlite warranty is described as 10 years on structure and 3 years on the trailer overall, according to one listing. Compare warranty terms across makers because they differ in coverage and exclusions.
Dressing Rooms and Tack Storage
A front dressing room is helpful if you compete or travel with saddles, buckets and hay. The Sundowner Charter SE lists a front dressing room with the spare tire stored inside it. The Super Tack is built around a larger tack area. If you only trail ride locally, a simpler trailer may suffice. Consider also whether you need a rear tack area, saddle racks and hay storage.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | What you typically get | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Used trailers or entry steel-frame models | Lower cost, but inspect floors and axles closely |
| Mid-range | New aluminum two-horse bumper pulls from Featherlite or Sundowner, listed at similar levels by dealers | Lighter weight, more features, higher purchase cost |
| Premium | Exiss and custom builds with larger stalls and upgraded components | Strong build, but large and heavy for small vehicles |
One search of dealer listings found new Featherlite and Sundowner two-horse bumper pulls priced close together, and used trailers often cost far less. Whatever the tier, budget also for registration, insurance, a brake controller and maintenance.
Pick X If You Want…
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Featherlite 9300 | Want an all-aluminum straight-load with a well-known warranty |
| Featherlite 9400 | Need a shorter slant-load for a smaller tow vehicle |
| Sundowner Charter SE | Want a front dressing room and a rubber-lined interior |
| Sundowner Super Tack | Compete and carry a lot of gear |
| Exiss Express CX | Have bigger horses and a larger budget |
| A used trailer | Have a tight budget and can pay for a full inspection |
Alternatives to a New Two-Horse Bumper Pull
- Used trailers. Plenty are listed by dealers. Bring a knowledgeable friend or hire an inspector to check the floor, frame and axles.
- Gooseneck trailers. Offer a more stable ride for heavier setups, but need a truck with a bed hitch.
- Single-horse trailers. Lighter and easier to tow if you haul only one horse.
- Commercial hauling. If you haul rarely, paying a professional hauler can cost less than owning, insuring and maintaining a trailer.
How to Decide
Begin with the vehicle and its limits. Then choose a layout that suits your horses, measuring them if they are tall or wide. Decide how much tack storage you need. Compare construction and warranties between makers, and review the data plate for GVWR and axle ratings. Finally, inspect the exact trailer you intend to buy. Trailers vary with year and options, so rely on the maker’s current literature and a professional inspection for decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a slant load or straight load better?
Neither is universally better. Slant loads use less length and suit smaller tow vehicles, while straight loads give some horses a more natural stance and a front dressing room is common. Try loading your horse in each type if you can.
What size tow vehicle do I need for a two-horse trailer?
It depends on the loaded weight of the trailer. Check your vehicle manual for towing capacity, GCWR and hitch rating, and compare them with the trailer’s GVWR. If you are unsure, consult a qualified dealer or mechanic before buying.
Are aluminum trailers worth it?
Aluminum is lighter and resists rust, which helps with towing and longevity. It generally costs more than steel. Floors, welds and brakes still need regular inspection.
How often should I service the trailer?
Inspect it before each trip and have brakes, bearings, tires and floors serviced regularly according to the maker’s manual. Many owners do a full check at the start of each season.
Do I need a brake controller?
Trailers with electric brakes, which several listed models have, need a brake controller in the tow vehicle. A qualified installer should fit and adjust it.
Should I buy new or used?
New trailers come with warranties and current features. Used trailers cost less but need careful inspection of the floor, frame, tires and brakes. Whichever you choose, read the data plate and the paperwork.
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