Best Living Quarter Horse Trailer for the Money
A living quarters horse trailer combines the convenience of a camper with the functionality of a horse hauler. For competitors, trail riders, and long-distance haulers, these trailers are a game changer. But with so many options on the market—ranging from basic two-horse goosenecks with a small sleeping area to luxury setups with full kitchens—it can be tough to know which one gives the best value. In this guide, we’ll look at the best living quarter horse trailers for the money, balancing affordability, durability, comfort, and safety for both horse and rider.
Quick Picks
- Exiss Escape 7310 Living Quarters Trailer – Best Overall
- Bison Ranger 2-Horse Living Quarters – Best Budget
- Lakota Charger 8311 Living Quarters Trailer – Best Premium
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Living Quarters Horse Trailer
When shopping for a living quarters horse trailer, consider these key factors:
- Size & Capacity: Match the number of horses and trailer size to your needs. A two-horse trailer is lighter and more affordable, while three- and four-horse trailers offer more space but cost more.
- Living Quarters Layout: Look for features like a bed, kitchenette, bathroom, and storage. Decide which comforts are essential for your lifestyle.
- Construction: Aluminum trailers are lighter and resist rust, while steel trailers are more affordable but heavier.
- Weight & Towing: Ensure your truck can safely tow the trailer’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).
- Safety Features: Ventilation, padded dividers, rubber flooring, and escape doors improve horse comfort and safety.
- Value for Money: Consider resale value, durability, and included amenities compared to the purchase price.
Detailed Product Reviews
Exiss Escape 7310 Living Quarters Trailer
Who it’s for: Horse owners who want a balance of price, comfort, and durability.
- Key Benefits: 3-horse slant load; 10’ short wall living quarters; aluminum construction; full kitchen and bathroom.
- Pros: Lightweight aluminum build, strong resale value, great layout.
- Cons: More expensive than entry-level steel trailers.
Final Verdict: The best balance of features and price, ideal for frequent haulers. Check Exiss Escape 7310.
Bison Ranger 2-Horse Living Quarters
Who it’s for: Budget-minded buyers wanting an affordable entry into living quarters trailers.
- Key Benefits: 2-horse slant load; steel frame with aluminum skin; 7’ short wall living quarters with small kitchenette.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, comfortable for weekend trips.
- Cons: Heavier than all-aluminum trailers; smaller living area.
Final Verdict: Best budget option for riders who don’t need a large trailer. See Bison Ranger.
Lakota Charger 8311 Living Quarters Trailer
Who it’s for: Riders wanting a premium living quarters trailer with spacious amenities.
- Key Benefits: 3-horse slant load; 11’ short wall LQ; slide-out; aluminum construction; full kitchen, sofa, and bathroom.
- Pros: Luxury feel, spacious interior, excellent resale value.
- Cons: Premium price tag; requires a heavy-duty truck to tow.
Final Verdict: A premium option with comfort comparable to RVs. Check Lakota Charger.
Sundowner Santa Fe 6906 Living Quarters
Who it’s for: Horse owners needing a lightweight, practical two-horse option.
- Key Benefits: 2-horse slant load; 6’ short wall living quarters; aluminum construction; compact kitchenette and sleeping space.
- Pros: Lightweight, towable with smaller trucks, durable.
- Cons: Compact living area, limited amenities compared to larger models.
Final Verdict: Great for weekend trail riders and smaller setups. View Sundowner Santa Fe.
Merhow Stampede 8310 Living Quarters Trailer
Who it’s for: Riders who want long-lasting build quality with modern interiors.
- Key Benefits: 3-horse slant load; 10’ short wall LQ; aluminum frame; high-quality cabinetry and finishes.
- Pros: Strong build, stylish interiors, great resale value.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost; heavier than some all-aluminum competitors.
Final Verdict: A smart investment for riders wanting durability and resale value. Check Merhow Stampede.
Trails West Classic Living Quarters
Who it’s for: Horse owners who want a steel-frame trailer with good value and solid features.
- Key Benefits: 3-horse slant load; steel frame with aluminum skin; 8’ short wall LQ with kitchenette.
- Pros: Affordable compared to all-aluminum, good durability, comfortable layout.
- Cons: Heavier than aluminum models; less resale value.
Final Verdict: A practical option for horse owners looking for good value. See Trails West Classic.
Comparison Table
Model | Horse Capacity | Short Wall Size | Construction | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Exiss Escape 7310 | 3 | 10’ | All-aluminum | Best overall value |
Bison Ranger | 2 | 7’ | Steel frame, aluminum skin | Budget buyers |
Lakota Charger 8311 | 3 | 11’ + slide-out | All-aluminum | Luxury premium |
Sundowner Santa Fe 6906 | 2 | 6’ | All-aluminum | Lightweight option |
Merhow Stampede 8310 | 3 | 10’ | Aluminum frame | Durability & style |
Trails West Classic | 3 | 8’ | Steel frame, aluminum skin | Affordable value |
FAQ Section
- How much does a living quarters horse trailer cost? Entry-level models start around $40,000, while premium models can exceed $100,000.
- Do I need a heavy-duty truck to tow a living quarters trailer? Yes—most require at least a 3/4-ton truck, and larger trailers may need a 1-ton dually.
- What size living quarters is best? For weekend use, 6–8’ short walls are sufficient. For extended stays, 10–12’ short walls with slide-outs are more comfortable.
- Are steel trailers bad? No—steel-frame trailers are more affordable but heavier. Aluminum is lighter and resists rust, but costs more.
- Do living quarters trailers hold value? Yes—especially all-aluminum brands like Exiss, Lakota, and Sundowner, which are known for strong resale value.
Conclusion
Living quarters horse trailers offer the best combination of comfort and practicality for serious riders. For the best all-around choice, the Exiss Escape 7310 balances features, weight, and price perfectly. For those on a budget, the Bison Ranger provides an affordable entry point. And for premium comfort, the Lakota Charger 8311 delivers luxury living on the road. Whichever you choose, investing in a quality living quarters trailer will make your time on the road with your horses far more enjoyable. Shop the best living quarters horse trailers today and find your perfect match.