Living Quarters Horse Trailers: A Buyer's Guide
Shortwall length, slide-outs, power, water and layout. What to look for when buying a new or used living quarters horse trailer.
October 28, 2026 · 8 min read · By the Dailey Trailers team
A living quarters horse trailer combines a horse trailer with an RV, so you can stay with your horses at shows, rodeos and trail rides. They are a significant investment, and the details matter. Here is what to look at.
Shortwall length: how big are the living quarters?
Living quarters are measured by their shortwall: the length of the living space along the floor, not counting the gooseneck overhang where the bed sits.
- 6’ to 8’ shortwall: a compact weekend package with a bed, small kitchenette and a toilet or wet bath. Lighter and easier to tow.
- 10’ to 12’ shortwall: the most popular range, with a full kitchen, dinette or sofa, and a separate bathroom with shower.
- 13’ and up: full-time comfort, often with one or two slide-outs, a larger bathroom and more storage.
Longer living quarters mean a longer, heavier trailer. Check that your truck can handle the loaded weight before falling in love with a floor plan.
Slide-outs
A slide-out extends the side wall when you are parked, adding a surprising amount of room for a sofa or dinette. Double slides can make a mid-size trailer feel like a small apartment. Look for smooth operation, intact seals and no water stains around the slide when buying used.
Power: shore power, generator and batteries
- Shore power lets you plug in at the show grounds for air conditioning, appliances and lights.
- A generator gives you independence where there are no hookups. Onboard generators are convenient; portable ones are cheaper and easier to service.
- Batteries and solar run lights, water pumps and fans quietly overnight. Upgraded lithium batteries are a valuable extra.
Water and waste
Check the size of the fresh, gray and black water tanks. Larger tanks mean more days between dumps, which matters at multi-day events. On used trailers, test the water pump, water heater and every faucet, and look for signs of past freeze damage.
Heating and cooling
Most living quarters have a roof air conditioner and a furnace. Larger units may have two A/C units. Insulation quality varies a lot between brands; if you travel in hot or cold seasons, ask about it.
The horse area still matters
It is easy to focus on the kitchen and forget your horses. Make sure the horse area has the stall size, height and ventilation your horses need, plus good lighting, drop-down windows and rubber-lined walls. Our how to choose a horse trailer guide covers the horse side in detail.
Buying a used living quarters trailer
A pre-owned living quarters trailer can offer excellent value, because the conversion work holds up well when the trailer has been cared for. When you look at one, check:
- Roof and seams for leaks and soft spots
- Floors in both the living area and the horse area
- Appliances, A/C, furnace and water heater, all working
- Slide-outs moving smoothly with good seals
- Running gear: tires, brakes, bearings and lights
Every pre-owned trailer we sell is fully serviced before sale, with brakes, bearings and lights checked and roof seams sealed.
Ready to look?
Browse our living quarters horse trailers, filter by number of horses and brand, and call us for a video walk-through of any trailer you like.
