Choosing the Right Materials for Your Horse Trailer

The materials you choose for your horse trailer play a crucial role in its safety, durability, and overall comfort for the horses it transports. Selecting the right materials impacts the trailer's resistance to wear, ability to absorb shocks, and resistance to the elements. When it comes to optimal horse trailer construction, the frame, interior dividers, and flooring should be made from materials that can withstand the rigors of the road while keeping horses comfortable.

At Double D Trailers, we recommend using Z-Frame Technology, Galvalite, treated lumber, and Rumber flooring for superior performance. These materials offer the perfect balance between strength, flexibility, noise reduction, and longevity.

This page contains information on:

• Z-Frame Technology - stronger than aluminum or steel

• Using Wood or Rumber - for a safer trailer floor

• Zinc for interior skin - a better option than aluminum

• SafeBump Roofing System - for temperature control and safety

• SafeKick Wall System - protect your horse’s legs from impact

• SafeTack Design in Slant Loads - safer loading and unloading

• Dividers - look for these functional, safe, and lightweight dividers

• Buying an Environmentally “Green” Trailer - why does it matter?

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What materials are best for horse trailer frames?

Z-Frame® technology is the superior choice for horse trailer frames due to its remarkable strength and lightweight composition. Your horse’s life depends on the durability of the chassis and every component of your new trailer is secured in some fashion to the frame. In an accident, it’s important to have your horses surrounded in a durable “safety cage” for maximum protection. Due to the brittle nature of aluminum, it will tear or splinter and doesn’t provide the safety needed for long-term durability.

Unlike traditional steel or aluminum, Z-Frame® blends the best of both worlds by utilizing a zinc and chromate coating that makes the material highly resistant to corrosion and elements such as horse urine. This provides significant durability, especially in terms of weather resistance, making it ideal for equine transport.

Z-Frame® technology combines the lightness of aluminum with the superior strength of steel, outperforming aluminum in safety and durability tests. Its tensile strength is higher than regular steel, allowing the use of thinner materials while maintaining strength. Additionally, Z-Frame® doesn’t require chemical treatments or frequent repainting, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Why is Z-Frame Technology recommended for horse trailer frames?

Z-Frame Technology is recommended because of its unique ability to maintain strength without adding excess weight. This material offers maximum safety by creating a durable "safety cage" for horses, which becomes crucial in the event of a road accident. Its light weight means that less fuel is required to tow the trailer, saving on long-term operational costs. Zinc, a core component of Z-Frame, naturally resists corrosion, extending the trailer’s lifespan compared to aluminum and untreated steel options.

Benefits of Z-Frame®

• Z-Frame ® offers superior strength yet weighs about the same as an aluminum frame trailer.  The heat treatment process strengthens it to be stronger than regular steel allowing the use of smaller gauge metals and achieving the same strength, thus saving weight.
• Z-Frame ® doesn't corrode and is super strong for a base structure. The cost is slightly less than aluminum, but produces much better results in strength testing.  You may appreciate the fact that it doesn't require chemicals and painting which means you are helping to produce an environmentally “green” trailer.
• Z-Frame ® technology utilizes zinc, which is a naturally occurring element in the environment, as is aluminum. Zinc is used in everyday applications of life. For example, most highway signposts, bridge rails, metal building structures, and other outdoor products use zinc where strength is necessary and to avoid corrosion.
• Z-Frame ® is a similar concept to a stop sign post, but the technology is more advanced. Z-Frame® is processed utilizing 99.99% pure zinc alloy with significantly less harmful lead content than generally encountered with pre-galvanized or hot-dipped products. Plus, Z-Frame® lasts up to 3 times longer in salt spray testing when compared to something like a stop sign post or boat trailer.
• Z-Frame ®Tensile strength ratings are higher compared to regular steel. This allows your new Double D Trailer to be built with lighter-weight materials, yet resulting in comparable strength you would have in a conventional steel frame trailer.

How does Z-Frame technology compare to aluminum in strength and durability?

Z-Frame technology is significantly stronger and more durable than aluminum. While aluminum is lightweight and relatively strong, it is more prone to bending and lacks the tensile strength of Z-Frame. Aluminum's tendency to corrode when exposed to horse urine further detracts from its long-term durability. Conversely, Z-Frame’s resistance to corrosion and impact damage makes it an ideal choice for trailers that need to withstand harsh conditions over many years of use.

What makes Galvalite a better option than aluminum for interior skin?

Galvalite is a superior material for horse trailer interiors because it provides better strength, durability, and noise reduction compared to aluminum. Galvalite is five times stronger than .040 aluminum sheets, offering enhanced protection against warping and better resistance to impact. These features make it an ideal choice for withstanding the daily wear and tear inside horse trailers.

• It’s important NOT to use screws or rivets on the side of your new trailer. This is necessary because changes in temperature during the day will cause your exterior skin to expand and contract. A screw or rivet doesn’t allow expansion and causes sheet warpage and your side walls to be wavy.  The latest 3M bonding technology doesn't require any screws or fasteners, allowing the exterior skin to "breathe" freely from the Z-frame.  

An everyday place you see GalvaLite is on the roof of luxury homes.  Many beach homes situated on the ocean where salt and corrosion are a factor are built with a metal roof. If you are familiar with a home with a metal roof, then you are familiar with the GalvaLite used on the interior of your new Double D Trailer.  It’s the same material, 100% identical…the only difference is your new trailer will have smooth sheets instead of sheets with groves and ribs like on a roof.    

Durable Galvalite interior skin is far superior to conventional aluminum sheets and will withstand the abuse better long term. 

Why should you avoid aluminum for interior walls?

Aluminum is not ideal for interior walls because it is more susceptible to warping, has a lower strength threshold, and transfers more heat. These disadvantages make it less effective at providing a safe and comfortable environment for horses. By contrast, Galvalite offers better protection against the elements, stronger resistance to impacts, and a longer lifespan without warping or deteriorating.

Is steel or aluminum better for a horse trailer?

Steel is a better material for horse trailers due to its superior strength, flexibility, and lower heat conductivity compared to aluminum. Steel, especially when treated with protective coatings like Z-Frame, outperforms aluminum in critical areas like resistance to impact, long-term durability, and protection against environmental factors.

Aluminum, while lightweight, is brittle and prone to bending, especially under stress, making it a less reliable option. Furthermore, aluminum’s heat conduction can make horse trailers unbearably hot in warm climates, leading to discomfort and potential health risks for horses. Steel's higher strength-to-weight ratio and greater resilience to wear make it the preferred material for horse trailers.

What are the key disadvantages of using aluminum in horse trailers?

While aluminum trailers are lightweight, they come with several significant disadvantages:

• Brittleness: Aluminum tends to crack or break under stress, making it less safe in the event of a collision.
• High heat transfer: Aluminum conducts heat much more efficiently than steel, which can make the interior of the trailer uncomfortably hot for horses during warm weather.
• Weaker structure: Aluminum can easily bend and lacks the strength required for withstanding impacts or providing a stable environment during travel.

This makes aluminum a less desirable option for horse trailers, especially in comparison to more advanced materials like Z-Frame and Galvalite.

Trailer Flooring Materials: Rumber vs. Aluminum

What is the best material for a horse trailer floor?

The best materials for a horse trailer floor are Rumber flooring or treated lumber. These materials are highly durable, resistant to corrosion caused by horse urine, and provide better traction and comfort for horses compared to aluminum floors. Rumber, in particular, is made from recycled rubber tires and comes with a lifetime warranty, offering excellent performance in terms of reducing noise, vibration, and heat transfer.

Why is Rumber flooring recommended over aluminum?

Rumber flooring is recommended because it is more durable, easier to maintain, and provides superior protection against the elements and horse waste. Unlike aluminum, which can corrode when exposed to horse urine, Rumber is resistant to both chemicals and wear. It doesn’t require stall mats, reducing cleaning efforts, and its textured surface gives horses better grip during travel, which enhances safety.

How does treated lumber or Rumber flooring reduce heat transfer in horse trailer floors?

Treated lumber is a poor conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for minimizing heat transfer from the road into the trailer. When compared to aluminum, which amplifies heat, treated lumber or Rumber reduces the floor’s temperature by up to 75%. This helps keep horses cooler during travel, especially in warm weather conditions.

How does Rumber flooring perform against horse urine?

Rumber flooring is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of horse urine, unlike aluminum, which can oxidize and weaken over time. The rubber composite in Rumber prevents urine from seeping into the flooring and causing structural damage, making it a better option for maintaining the trailer's integrity over the long term.

How does wood flooring handle urine compared to aluminum?

Wood, especially treated lumber, handles horse urine better than aluminum. It doesn’t corrode or oxidize when exposed to urine, although regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its quality. 

On the other hand, horse urine and aluminum do not mix well with time. Horse urine is extremely acidic and when you pour acid on aluminum, it will oxidize and cause corrosion to the point your horses can fall through. The acid from the horse’s urine will cause an aluminum floor to rust if not well cleaned after each use, leading to pitting and potential structural failure.

Wood floors require a stall mat often accompanied by shavings in order to soak up horse waste during travel and prevent slippage. It is necessary to remove mats periodically and clean the mats and wood floor.

With a Rumber floor, no mat is required and maintenance is minimal compared to aluminum or wood.  By not having to remove heavy stall mats periodically for cleaning, Rumber is the best flooring all around. Rumber would be our top recommendation to you for ease of cleaning, Wood our second recommendation for long term performance, and aluminum we recommend against.

How does wood and Rumber flooring reduce noise and vibration during horse transport? 

Both wood and Rumber flooring are better insulators against noise and vibration and help your horses by making their ride less stressful, leading to a safer journey.

Having an aluminum floor actually increases the noise, and vibrations are amplified through the aluminum. Aluminum is a poor material to use for minimizing noise and vibration.   

Consider traveling down the road with your automobile windows up, or in the down position. Most folks are more comfortable with the windows up due to the insulation your car window provides from the passing cars and road noise. Less noise and vibration is definitely less stress on your horses.

Horse Trailer Roof, Wall, and Divider Innovations

What are the benefits of the SafeBump® roof system?

The SafeBump® roof system provides critical protection by using a flexible fiber-composite material that absorbs the impact if a horse rears up. This system not only reduces the risk of injury to the horse but also insulates against extreme temperatures. The SafeBump® roof reflects heat better than standard aluminum roofs and eliminates leaks by using a seamless, one-piece construction.

How does the SafeBump® roof protect horses from injury?

The SafeBump® roof protects horses by flexing upon impact, cushioning the horse's head if they rear up. Traditional aluminum roofs can be rigid and potentially cause injury in such situations, but SafeBump®’s flexibility and durability reduce these risks. This system provides a safer environment for horses during travel.

Why does the SafeBump® roof provide better temperature insulation?

The SafeBump® roof is constructed from a fiber-composite material that acts as an effective insulator. Unlike aluminum, which conducts heat, SafeBump® reflects heat away from the trailer, maintaining a cooler interior during hot weather and reducing temperature fluctuations inside the trailer. This results in a more comfortable environment for horses during long trips.

What is the SafeKick® wall system, and how does it protect horses?

The SafeKick® wall system is designed to absorb the impact from horse kicks, reducing the risk of injury. Made from a durable Polylite material, it flexes upon contact, preventing hard impacts that could harm horses. Unlike traditional rubber wall liners, SafeKick® doesn’t deteriorate over time and maintains its protective properties throughout the trailer’s lifespan.

Why is Polylite better than rubber for interior trailer walls?

Polylite is superior to rubber because it offers better durability, resistance to wear, and flexibility. Rubber liners can wear down, exposing sharp screws or fasteners that could injure horses. Polylite, used in the SafeKick® system, flexes upon impact, absorbs shock, and eliminates the need for hard backing plates, providing a safer and more resilient wall system.

How does SafeKick® reduce the risk of injuries from horse kicks?

SafeKick® reduces the risk of injury by absorbing the energy of a horse's kick, preventing the horse from hitting a hard surface. This flexibility ensures that horses don’t suffer leg injuries from repetitive kicking during travel. The Polylite material remains intact over time, avoiding wear and tear that could expose dangerous sharp points, unlike traditional rubber linings.

Here is a TRUE STORY by a salesperson:

At the Horse World Expo in Timonium Maryland, I got up on top of a Double D Trailer with a potential customer (I was jumping up and down like a maniac to demonstrate the strength) and I happened to notice in my jumping the trailer parked beside our booth.  First, it had the shiny roof material so my customer and I both knew it was hot on the horse, second, it wasn’t insulated so it was noisy and that further increased the heat, third it had over 250 screws.

My customer immediately picked up on the number of screws. Each screw had some caulking around it and my customer notice the Double D Trailer didn’t have any screws or fasteners.  She immediately commented, “I hope they got all of the screws caulked”.  My point is, that’s 250 opportunities on one trailer to have a leak so the chances are 250 times greater you will have a leak on that trailer roof. Your new Double D Trailer will not have any fasteners on your roof and the chances of leaking are tremendously less.  Plus we warranty the roof against leaks, that’s how confident we are in your new roof.

SafeTack® Design in Slant Loads

What are the advantages of the SafeTack® design for slant-load trailers?

The SafeTack® design revolutionizes slant-load trailers by offering a swing-out tack storage area that allows for a wider loading space, enhancing safety during the loading and unloading process. Traditional rear-tack compartments can make these processes difficult and dangerous due to narrow entry points, but the SafeTack® system eliminates this problem by creating a spacious, safe environment for horses and handlers alike.

How does the SafeTack® design improve safety for loading and unloading?

The SafeTack® design improves safety by providing a wide-open entry at the back of the trailer, eliminating the narrow, confining spaces typical of conventional slant-load designs. This wider space minimizes the risk of accidents and gives horses more room to move safely into the trailer, reducing their anxiety and stress during loading.

 

Why are collapsible rear tacks less effective than SafeTack®?

Collapsible rear tacks are less effective because they require handlers to remove gear and collapse the walls before loading or unloading horses. This can be a time-consuming and potentially dangerous task when handling a nervous horse. In contrast, SafeTack® keeps tack storage fully enclosed and allows for easy, safe loading without removing equipment, offering a more efficient and secure system.

Choosing Horse Trailer Dividers 

What type of horse trailer dividers are best?

The best horse trailer dividers are open dividers that provide better airflow and visibility for horses. These dividers allow horses to see their surroundings, reducing travel stress. Additionally, open dividers promote better ventilation, making them ideal for long trips. Full dividers are another option for more temperamental horses, as they completely separate horses from each other to minimize conflict during travel.

Why are open dividers recommended over solid ones?

Open dividers are recommended because they allow for increased airflow and visibility, both of which contribute to a calmer, less stressful travel experience for horses. Solid dividers can make horses feel more confined, increasing their anxiety. The increased ventilation provided by open dividers also helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature during travel.

How do Double D Trailers’ dividers enhance horse comfort during travel?

Double D Trailers' dividers enhance horse comfort by allowing airflow and visibility while providing safe, sturdy partitions between horses. These dividers are customizable to fit the unique needs of each horse, with options for both full and open dividers depending on the horse's temperament and size. The dividers are also easy to remove or replace if necessary.

Does Double D Trailers offer replacement horse trailer dividers?

Yes, Double D Trailers offers replacement horse trailer dividers. This allows owners to adjust their trailer interiors as their needs change, whether due to acquiring new horses or altering travel requirements. Dividers can be swapped out easily to accommodate different horses, ensuring continued safety and comfort.

Buying an Environmentally “Green” Trailer

Why is it important to choose an environmentally friendly horse trailer?

Choosing an environmentally friendly horse trailer is important for reducing your carbon footprint and ensuring long-term sustainability. Double D Trailers employs eco-friendly practices such as eliminating harmful chemicals, using zinc-coated metals for increased durability, and incorporating recyclable materials like Polylite and Rumber. These innovations not only extend the life of the trailer but also reduce its environmental impact.

How does Double D Trailers’ zinc-coating process eliminate harmful chemicals?

The zinc-coating process used by Double D Trailers eliminates the need for toxic paints and chemical sealants. This results in a greener trailer with fewer harmful emissions during the manufacturing process. The zinc coating also provides excellent protection against corrosion, reducing the need for maintenance and chemical treatments over time.

How do the SafeKick® wall system and Rumber flooring contribute to eco-friendliness?

The SafeKick® wall system and Rumber flooring contribute to eco-friendliness by being made from recyclable materials. Rumber flooring is manufactured from recycled rubber tires, while SafeKick® uses durable, long-lasting Polylite, both of which reduce the demand for new raw materials and contribute to sustainability. These materials are also incredibly durable, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over the lifetime of the trailer.

Choosing the right materials for your horse trailer is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and long-term durability. With innovations like Z-Frame Technology, Galvalite interior skins, and Rumber flooring, Double D Trailers offers the most advanced solutions for horse trailers on the market.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can customize your trailer with the best materials for your specific needs.

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