Straight load or angle load.
In a straight load float, horses travel facing forward in parallel bays, side by side. In an angle load, the bays sit at an angle across the body, so horses travel diagonally.
Angle load layouts generally fit more horses into a given body length, which is why our 3 and 4 horse models are angle load. Straight load suits owners carrying one or two horses who prefer the simpler layout.
Which one suits you comes down to your horses, how they load, and how many you carry. Call us and we will talk it through before you commit.
Straight load
Available in our 2 horse range.
Angle load
Available in 2, 3 and 4 horse configurations, and across the gooseneck range.
Gooseneck or standard hitch
A standard float tows from a tow ball on the rear of your vehicle. A gooseneck tows from a hitch mounted in the tray of a ute, so the weight of the float sits over the rear axle instead of behind it.
Goosenecks generally tow more steadily over distance and turn more tightly. They also give you the length to build in living quarters, which is why every float we build with a full living area is a gooseneck. They need a suitable ute with a gooseneck hitch fitted.
If most of your travel is local and you tow with a wagon or a dual cab on a standard tow bar, a tag along float is usually the simpler answer.
Standard or lightweight composite panel.
We build two body types. Our standard build uses galvanised steel body panels. Our lightweight composite panel build uses composite panels in place of those steel panels to reduce the weight of the float.
A lighter float means less weight behind your tow vehicle for the same number of horses, which matters if you are close to your vehicle's rated capacity.
Composite panel is available in both standard and gooseneck configurations.
What to look for in any float.
Whoever you buy from, four things decide whether a float lasts. Ask every manufacturer about all four.
How good is the running gear?
Suspension, braking and safety systems do the hardest work on a float and are the most expensive things to put right later. Ask what suspension is fitted, how many wheels are braked, and whether a breakaway system is included.
Every Pinnacle float is built with roller rocker load sharing suspension, four wheel electric braked axles and a compliant breakaway system that applies the brakes automatically if the float disconnects from the tow vehicle.
How strong are the floor and frame?
The floor carries the load and the frame holds the float square. Ask what the floor is made from, and whether the chassis and frame are galvanised, not just painted.
Pinnacle floats use a galvanised chassis, a fully galvanised 42mm tube boxed frame, and 26mm composite flooring as standard, finished with 10mm rubber matting.
How well is it put together?
Fit off is where corners get cut. Look at how panels are joined, whether fixings will rust, and how doors and cupboards are secured for travel.
Pinnacle panelling is rivetted and sealed with UV resistant polyurethane joint sealant, with rivets capped internally. External hinges and catches are stainless steel, and rear drop down doors use brass hinges with grease points and heavy duty struts.
Is it safe and comfortable for the horse?
Your horse spends the trip in a moving box. Ask about padding, ventilation, headroom and how the float rides.
Every Pinnacle float is fully padded for horse protection, with rubber matting on the floor, ramp and side panels, and load sharing suspension to reduce shock and vibration.
What your tow vehicle needs to handle.
Before you choose a float, check what your vehicle is rated to tow. Four numbers matter.
Tare mass |
The weight of the float empty.
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The maximum the float is allowed to weigh fully loaded, including horses, gear, water and feed. |
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The weight the float presses down on your tow ball or gooseneck hitch.
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The maximum your vehicle is rated to tow with a braked trailer.
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Horses, gear, water and feed add up quickly, so work from the loaded weight, not the empty weight. Your vehicle handbook lists its rated capacities, and towing rules vary by state.
We publish tare and gross weights on every model page. If you tell us what you drive and what you carry, we will tell you which models fit.
New, demo or used.
We sell new floats, demo floats and used floats. We also hold over 40 floats in stock at all times, so many models are available without a manufacturing wait.
If you need a float for a date that is already in the diary, start with what is in stock. If you want something specific, we will build it.
Building something custom.
Every float we build can be customised, from layout through to finish. Owners change bay sizes, add storage, fit out living areas, and upgrade running gear.
Still have questions.
We answer the most common ones on our frequently asked questions page.
Not sure which float you need.
Call us and describe your horses, your tow vehicle, and where you travel. We will tell you what fits, including if the answer is a smaller float than you are expecting.