Safe horse float towing: Wes's pre-tow checklist

Towing · 6 min read · By Wes, EuroFloat

In this guide9 sections

1. Why how a float tows matters
2. Know your weights first
3. The pre-tow checklist
4. Loading for a balanced float
5. On the road
6. If the float starts to sway
7. Arriving and unloading
8. Why EuroFloats tow the best
9. Questions buyers ask

G'day, Wes here. Whether you've just bought your first horse float or you've been towing for years, a good routine is what keeps you and your horses safe. This is the checklist I'd want every EuroFloat owner to run before they pull out of the driveway. Print it, stick it in the tack room, and use it every time.

Why how a float tows matters

Your horses can't brace for a corner or see a stop coming. They balance through every brake, turn and bump. A horse float that tracks straight and sits steady behind your vehicle means a calmer horse and a less tiring drive for you.

A float that wanders, bounces or pushes the back of your vehicle around does the opposite. That's why, when you're comparing horse floats for sale, how the float tows should be near the top of your list, right up there with bay size and price.

Know your weights first

Before anything else, make sure your vehicle can legally and safely tow the float with your horses on board.

• ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): the most the float can weigh fully loaded. It's on the compliance plate and every EuroFloat model page.
• GCM (Gross Combination Mass): the most your vehicle and loaded float can weigh together, including passengers, fuel and gear. It's in your vehicle's handbook.
• Towing capacity: the most your vehicle can tow.
• Tow ball limit: the most weight your towbar can carry.

Stay under all four, every trip. Towing over them is illegal, unsafe, and can give your insurer grounds to refuse a claim. Not sure where you stand? Send me your vehicle's make, model and year and we'll check it against the float. Read Horse float insurance for more on why this matters.

The pre-tow checklist

Do these in the same order every time. Routine is what stops you missing something when you're running late for a show.

Loading for a balanced float

• One horse in a straight load? Put them on the right, the driver's side. Australian roads are cambered towards the left edge, so this helps the float sit level.
• Two horses of different sizes? Heavier horse on the right.
• Heavy gear goes low and over the axles, not hanging off the back.
• Watch your ball weight. Too little and the float can get light and unstable. Too much and it overloads your towbar and lifts your front wheels. Around 10% of the loaded float's weight is a common guide, but always stay within your vehicle's tow ball limit.
• Water tanks: full tanks add a lot of weight. Count them in your ATM.

On the road

• Drive for your horses. Gentle on the accelerator, brake early and smoothly, and take corners slower and wider.
• Leave a big gap. You'll need much more distance to stop with a loaded horse float.
• Stop after the first few kilometres and re-check the coupling, chains, plug and doors.
• Plan breaks. Stop every few hours to check your horses, offer water and rest yourself.
• Watch the conditions. Slow down for wind, rain, gravel and rough roads, and use a lower gear on long descents rather than riding the brakes.
• Know the rules. Towing speed limits, mirror rules and licence rules vary by state. Check with your state's road authority before a long trip.

If the float starts to sway

Prevention is the real answer: the right ball weight, the right tyre pressures, sensible speed and a well-built float.

Arriving and unloading

• Park on level ground with room to lower the ramp and walk your horses off safely.
• Chock the float's wheels before you unhitch.
• Unload horses before you unhook the float. Never unhitch with horses on board.
• Give the float a quick look over: tyres, wheels, lights and any damage from the trip.

Why EuroFloats tow the best

I'll be upfront: I'm biased. But you don't have to take my word for it. Our customers' reviews say EuroFloats tow better than anything else on the market, and how a float feels on the road is the thing they mention most.

Here's what goes into that:

• Running gear installed and inspected for Australian roads. Corrugations, gravel and long highway runs included.
• A breakaway safety unit on every float. If the float ever comes off your vehicle, it applies the float's brakes.
• Braking and lighting set up for road safety and visibility, with electrical work done by qualified tradespeople.
• Prestige models step it up with a reinforced chassis, Japanese bearings and 316 marine-grade stainless hardware.

The best way to judge how a horse float tows is to tow it. Book a test drive at our Gold Coast or Melbourne showroom and take a EuroFloat out behind your own vehicle. EuroFloat is Australian owned and operated, so you'll deal with our own team from your first test drive to handover and every service after.

Looking at horse floats for sale? Every 2-horse straight load, 2-horse angle load, 3-horse angle load and Overnighter in our range is built to tow the same way. See what's in stock now.

Questions buyers ask

This guide is general information. Always follow your vehicle maker's limits, your float's ATM and your state's towing and animal welfare rules. Reviews from EuroFloat's Google reviews.