Best Hitch for Bumper Pull Horse Trailer

ByEquineathon

Towing a bumper pull horse trailer requires more than just a capable vehicle—you need the right hitch setup for safety and stability. A poorly matched hitch can cause sway, uneven weight distribution, or unsafe braking conditions. With horses on board, safety becomes even more critical. The right hitch will keep your trailer steady, improve handling, and give you peace of mind every time you hit the road. In this guide, we’ll cover the best hitches for bumper pull horse trailers, with reviews of the top options on the market today.

Quick Picks

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Horse Trailer Hitch

Before buying a hitch for your bumper pull horse trailer, keep these factors in mind:

  • Weight Rating: Make sure the hitch matches or exceeds your trailer’s loaded weight, including horses, tack, and hay.
  • Weight Distribution: A weight-distribution hitch levels the trailer and tow vehicle for safer handling.
  • Sway Control: Horse trailers are tall and prone to wind sway. Choose a hitch with built-in sway control.
  • Ease of Use: Some hitches are easier to hook up and adjust than others—important for frequent haulers.
  • Durability: Powder-coated steel, strong chains, and high-quality brackets matter for long-term use.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the hitch works with your trailer coupler and tow vehicle receiver.

Detailed Product Reviews

Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch

Who it’s for: Horse owners who want the ultimate combination of weight distribution and sway control.

  • Key Benefits: 4-point sway control; up to 14,000 lbs GTW; distributes weight evenly.
  • Pros: Excellent sway control, strong build, trusted brand.
  • Cons: Heavier than basic hitches; slightly noisier in operation.

Final Verdict: The most trusted hitch for bumper pull horse trailers. Check Equal-i-zer hitch.

CURT Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch

Who it’s for: Budget-conscious owners who still want safe towing with sway control add-on options.

  • Key Benefits: 10,000 lb GTW; distributes tongue weight; affordable entry-level system.
  • Pros: Affordable, dependable, easy to install.
  • Cons: Basic sway control compared to premium models.

Final Verdict: A good starting point for smaller horse trailers. View CURT hitch.

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch

Who it’s for: Horse owners looking for premium, quiet, and easy-to-use sway control.

  • Key Benefits: Built-in sway prevention; quiet chain system; up to 15,000 lb capacity.
  • Pros: Very quiet, excellent sway control, smooth ride.
  • Cons: Higher cost; more setup time initially.

Final Verdict: A premium hitch with top-notch stability for serious haulers. Check Blue Ox SwayPro.

Reese Strait-Line Trunnion Bar Hitch

Who it’s for: Horse owners who want advanced sway prevention with proven reliability.

  • Key Benefits: Dual-cam sway control; up to 12,000 lbs GTW; trunnion bar design.
  • Pros: Strong sway control, proven reliability, trusted brand.
  • Cons: Slightly more complex setup; heavier than round-bar designs.

Final Verdict: A powerful choice for larger bumper pull horse trailers. Check Reese Strait-Line hitch.

Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch

Who it’s for: Owners who want a lightweight, quiet alternative to bar-style hitches.

  • Key Benefits: Chain-style weight distribution; sway control through friction cone design; lightweight construction.
  • Pros: Very quiet, lightweight, easy to handle.
  • Cons: Not as effective for very heavy trailers; unique design requires proper setup.

Final Verdict: A lightweight and quiet alternative worth considering. View Andersen hitch.

Husky Center Line TS Hitch

Who it’s for: Horse owners seeking a balance of affordability, sway control, and strength.

  • Key Benefits: Combines sway control with weight distribution; capacities up to 12,000 lbs; durable steel construction.
  • Pros: Affordable, strong, integrated sway control.
  • Cons: Slightly noisier than premium systems.

Final Verdict: A strong mid-range option for everyday trailer hauling. See Husky Center Line hitch.

Comparison Table

Model Capacity Sway Control Best For Price Range
Equal-i-zer 4-Point 14,000 lbs Integrated 4-point All-around towing $$$$
CURT Round Bar 10,000 lbs Optional add-on Budget trailers $$
Blue Ox SwayPro 15,000 lbs Built-in Premium safety $$$$$
Reese Strait-Line 12,000 lbs Dual-cam Larger trailers $$$$
Andersen WD Hitch Up to 14,000 lbs Friction cone Quiet operation $$$
Husky Center Line TS 12,000 lbs Integrated Everyday hauling $$$

FAQ Section

  • Do I need a weight distribution hitch for my horse trailer? If your trailer is over 5,000 lbs or causes your vehicle to sag, yes—it improves safety and handling.
  • Is sway control really necessary? Yes—horse trailers are prone to sway from wind and movement inside. Integrated sway control greatly increases safety.
  • Can I install a hitch myself? Many hitches can be installed at home with basic tools, though professional installation ensures proper setup.
  • What hitch size do I need? Most bumper pull horse trailers use a 2-5/16” ball coupler, but check your trailer’s requirements.
  • What’s the difference between round bar and trunnion bar? Trunnion bars sit higher, offer more ground clearance, and are generally stronger.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hitch for your bumper pull horse trailer is essential for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. For the best all-around option, the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch is the most trusted name in horse trailer towing. If you’re on a budget, the CURT Round Bar Hitch delivers dependable performance at a lower cost. And if you want the best of the best, the Blue Ox SwayPro offers premium sway control and stability. No matter which you choose, investing in the right hitch will make every haul safer for you and your horses. Shop the best horse trailer hitches today and tow with confidence.