Europe has suffered from high gas prices for decades which prompted trailer designers to engineer trailers that can be pulled safely by smaller, more fuel-efficient tow vehicles.

Europeans have been developing well-engineered, aerodynamic horse trailers much longer than we have in North America. We have the benefit of learning from their years of experience.

Three outstanding criteria must be met:

1. Maximum tongue load of 113 kg (250 lbs) for trailers 14' or shorter, 150kg (330 lbs) for trailers 14'+
2. Independent mechanical or hydraulic braking system.
3. Features to create a silent, cool, comfortable space for your horse(s)

In accordance with European road regulations, European engineers design "self-balancing" horse trailers - bearing their weight over the wheels and "leaning" a maximum of 4% of the GVWR onto the tow vehicle. The tow vehicle "guides" the trailer along the road, rather than "piggy-backing" it.

Conventional flat roofed, box-style trailers create a vacuum when in tow, which requires a strong engine to break the vacuum. The aerodynamic roof line of Böckmann trailers eliminates the vacuum and sway, so no need for a strong engine. By transferring the load back to the trailer itself, and by creating aerodynamic roof-lines, a smaller vehicle can tow a Böckmann-designed trailer.