Two-horse vs three-horse floats: which one suits your family?

Choosing a float · 8 min read · By Wes, EuroFloat

In this guide10 sections

1. How do you choose a 2 horse float vs 3 horse float?
2. How many horses can each float actually carry?
3. How much does a 2 horse float cost compared with a 3 horse float?
4. Are 3 horse floats heavier than 2 horse floats?
5. Does a 3 horse float need a different towing vehicle?
6. Do 3 horse floats have bigger bays than 2 horse floats?
7. What about storage, camper floats and living quarters?
8. Which float makes more sense for your family?
9. What should you check before buying either one?
10. Questions buyers ask

G'day, Wes here. Choosing between a 2 horse float and a 3 horse float is one of those decisions worth getting right before you spend the money. Some families need that third bay every weekend. Others buy more float than they'll ever use. I always start by asking how many horses you're actually taking away.

How do you choose a 2 horse float vs 3 horse float?

Start with your normal riding week, not the occasional trip you might take in the future.

If you usually travel with one horse and sometimes take a second, a 2 horse float may cover everything you need.

If you've got three horses competing regularly, or three family members taking their horses away together, then a 3 horse float becomes a more practical option.

But I wouldn't make the decision on numbers alone.

Here's what I'd ask:

• How many horses travel regularly? Think about the trips you actually make.
• How big are they? Two large horses may need a different layout from two smaller horses.
• Who travels with you? A family with several riders might have more tack and equipment.
• What vehicle do you own? The float needs to fit within your vehicle's towing and load limits.
• How far do you travel? Day trips and weekends away call for different equipment.
• Do you need somewhere to stay? A camper float or horse float with living might be more useful than another horse bay.

There's no point paying for a third bay if you don't have a use for it. On the other hand, if you regularly need three horses at the same event, the extra capacity may make life much easier.

How many horses can each float actually carry?

A 2 horse float is arranged to carry up to two horses. A 3 horse float is arranged to carry up to three.

That's the simple answer, but the number of bays isn't permission to load any combination of horses.

You still need to allow for the size and weight of each horse, the equipment you're carrying and the limits on the actual float.

For a 2 horse float, I'd think about:

• Whether you regularly carry one or two horses.
• Whether both horses have enough individual bay space.
• Whether a straight load or angle load suits their needs.
• Whether you need room for tack and show equipment.

For a 3 horse float, I'd ask the same questions for all three horses.

Three horses of different sizes can have very different needs. The loading arrangement and individual bay measurements need to work for the whole group.

Don't buy a float purely because it has enough dividers. Check the actual dimensions and permitted weight.

The other consideration is whether that third horse travels regularly. If it only happens occasionally, compare the cost and practicality carefully before committing.

How much does a 2 horse float cost compared with a 3 horse float?

Price is usually one of the first things people ask me.

A 2 horse float has a lower starting price in our range, but there are plenty of differences between a basic straight load, a camper float and an Overnighter.

Here are some examples.

EuroFloat model	Horses	Price as listed
Straight Load S RN Classic	2	$15,990
Angle Load S SN	2	$25,990
Angle Load Camper L860 SN	2	$32,500
3 Horse Transporter SN	3	$29,990
3 Horse Camper L500 SN	3	$36,750
Ultimate Overnighter 2.1	2	$43,990
Ultimate Overnighter 3.1	3	$49,500

These are prices as listed in October 2026 and exclude delivery.

You'll notice that some 2 horse models cost more than some 3 horse models.

That's because the number of horse bays isn't the only thing affecting the price. Layout, equipment and accommodation also matter.

A basic 3 horse Transporter and a 2 horse Overnighter are built for different purposes. Comparing their prices without looking at the inclusions won't tell you much.

My advice is to start with the layout you need, decide on the equipment you'll actually use, then compare prices.

For more on what affects the cost, read our horse float prices guide.

Are 3 horse floats heavier than 2 horse floats?

In many cases, yes. But the actual difference depends on which models you're comparing.

A 3 horse float generally has more space and equipment associated with carrying another horse. However, a 2 horse float with living accommodation can also be quite heavy.

You need to compare the actual tare and ATM figures.

EuroFloat model	Tare	ATM	Calculated starting payload
2 Horse Straight Load S RN Classic	1,265 kg	2,950 kg	1,685 kg
2 Horse Angle Load S SN	1,700 kg	3,500 kg	1,800 kg
3 Horse Transporter SN	1,975 kg	3,800 kg	1,825 kg
3 Horse Camper L500 SN	2,175 kg	3,800 kg	1,625 kg
Ultimate Overnighter 2.1	2,400 kg	3,950 kg	1,550 kg
Ultimate Overnighter 3.1	2,550 kg	4,500 kg	1,950 kg

All figures are as listed on the EuroFloat website. The payload column is ATM minus tare, calculated from those figures. Options and equipment added after the stated tare condition reduce the remaining allowance.

The important point is that an extra horse bay doesn't automatically mean an extra horse's worth of available payload.

You need to count the horses and everything else you're carrying.

A family travelling with three horses, multiple saddles, rugs, feed and camping gear can add a considerable amount of load.

If you're unsure about weights, start with our horse float weight guide.

The compliance plate on the actual float is what counts, and the vehicle's limits need checking separately.

Does a 3 horse float need a different towing vehicle?

Potentially. This is something I would check before looking at colours, layouts or upgrades.

Our 3 Horse Transporter SN has a listed ATM of 3,800 kg. The Ultimate Overnighter 3.1 has a listed ATM of 4,500 kg.

Compare that with the Straight Load S RN Classic, listed at 2,950 kg ATM.

Those are different towing requirements, and you can't assume that a vehicle suitable for one will automatically be suitable for another.

A vehicle's advertised towing capacity is only one part of the calculation.

You also need to check:

• Maximum towing capacity. The manufacturer's limit for your vehicle.
• GCM. The permitted combined mass of the loaded vehicle and trailer.
• GVM. The limit for your loaded towing vehicle, including passengers and coupling load.
• Towbar and hitch ratings. The equipment must be suitable for the trailer.
• Actual float weight. Horses and gear change the loaded weight.
• Trailer ratings. ATM, GTM and other applicable limits still apply.

The larger float isn't automatically the wrong choice. You just need a suitable towing setup.

At EuroFloat, you can test tow a float behind your own vehicle at our Gold Coast or Melbourne showroom.

If you haven't confirmed your vehicle limits, read what can tow a horse float before deciding.

Do 3 horse floats have bigger bays than 2 horse floats?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the mistakes I see when people compare floats. They assume that because the float is bigger overall, each horse must have more space.

A 3 horse float has another bay. That doesn't mean every individual bay is longer or wider.

Look at these examples from our website-listed specifications.

EuroFloat model	Bay length	Bay width	Internal height
2 Horse Straight Load S RN Classic	1,900 mm	700 mm	2,200 mm
2 Horse Angle Load S SN	2,500 mm	800 mm	2,250 mm
2 Horse Angle Load S Plus SN	2,600 mm	800 mm	2,250 mm
3 Horse Transporter SN	2,500 mm	800 mm	2,250 mm
3 Horse Camper L500 SN	2,400 mm	800 mm	2,250 mm

These figures show why the layout matters as much as the number of horses.

If you've got a particularly long or broad horse, choosing a 3 horse float doesn't automatically solve that problem.

You may be better off looking at a model with a different bay size or divider arrangement.

Measure your horses, look at the actual bays and make sure the loading arrangement works for them.

I'd rather help someone choose a 2 horse float with suitable space than sell them a 3 horse float they don't need.

What about storage, camper floats and living quarters?

This is where the decision gets more interesting.

If your family spends most weekends at shows, you might value accommodation and storage more than another horse bay.

Both the 2 horse and 3 horse ranges include models with camper or living arrangements.

For example:

• 2 horse straight load camper floats. Options for riders who want a straight load layout with camper features.
• 2 horse angle load camper floats. Another way to combine horse space with additional equipment.
• 3 horse L500 camper. Carries three horses and includes a camper layout.
• 2 horse Overnighters. Options for people who regularly travel away with their horses.
• Ultimate Overnighter 3.1. A three-horse model with living accommodation.

Think about how you spend your time at an event.

If you're at a show for one day, you may mainly need somewhere to carry your horses, saddles, rugs and supplies.

If you're staying overnight, the accommodation and equipment become more important.

Water, food, clothing, bedding and additional equipment also count towards the float's loaded weight, so check the allowance before deciding how much to pack.

Storage is worth checking properly too. A model with a storage area or camper equipment doesn't automatically give every family enough room for everything they take away.

Make a list of the things you regularly carry and check where they'll actually go.

You can also look at our horse floats with living if accommodation is a major part of the decision.

Which float makes more sense for your family?

Here's the quick comparison I'd use when someone is trying to make up their mind.

Your situation	What I'd look at first
One horse, sometimes two	2 horse float
Two horses travelling regularly	2 horse float with suitable bay sizes
Three horses travelling regularly	3 horse float
Two larger horses	Compare bay dimensions before choosing capacity
Two horses with regular overnight trips	2 horse camper or Overnighter
Three horses with regular overnight trips	3 horse camper or Overnighter
Vehicle with limited towing allowance	Compare actual loaded weight and vehicle limits before choosing either
Family whose horse numbers may change	Compare current needs with realistic future plans

These are starting points, not automatic recommendations.

For me, the right float is the one that suits your horses, your vehicle and the way you actually use it.

Think about what you'll be doing on a normal weekend, not just once or twice a year.

And make sure the budget covers the full purchase, equipment and delivery, not simply the advertised price.

What should you check before buying either one?

Once you've narrowed it down, go and look at the actual models.

I'd work through the same checklist for a 2 horse float and a 3 horse float.

• Check the bay sizes. Bring measurements of your horses.
• Check the dividers. Look at how the horse area is arranged and secured.
• Check the tare and ATM. Make sure you understand the permitted weights.
• Check the vehicle. Don't assume your current towing setup will suit the new float.
• Check the equipment. Compare the actual inclusions rather than the model names.
• Check the storage. Think about saddles, feed, rugs and the other things you carry.
• Check the full price. Ask for the complete quote, including any upgrades and delivery.
• Check the warranty. Understand what's covered and the servicing required.

Every new EuroFloat comes with a 2-Year Warranty and an 11-Year Aluminium Flooring System warranty. Conditions apply, and both begin when you pick up the float.

We have showrooms on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne, with visits by appointment. You're welcome to compare the models and arrange a test tow behind your own vehicle.

"Picked up my new 2HAL today and I'm absolutely in love! The float is beautifully finished with so much attention to detail."

Stacey Badcock, Google review ★★★★★

Questions buyers ask

Prices and specifications are as listed by EuroFloat in October 2026 and may vary by model and equipment. Prices exclude delivery. Check the actual float's compliance plate, vehicle limits and suitability for your horses before purchasing.