Does the HorseTrailerPro 3-Horse GN Offer Superior Living Quarters to the Exiss?
When comparing the HorseTrailerPro 3-horse gooseneck (GN) with the Exiss 3-horse GN, the living quarters often become the deciding factor for serious horse owners who spend nights on the road. HorseTrailerPro has carved a niche by emphasizing residential-grade finishes and spacious interior layouts, while Exiss is known for durable, functional designs at a lower price point. This article examines which model delivers better living comfort, storage, and energy efficiency for the equestrian traveler.
What Are the Key Living Quarter Dimensions?
The HorseTrailerPro 3-horse GN features a standard living quarters length of 8 feet, with an optional extended 10-foot floor plan. The interior width measures 7 feet 6 inches, providing a generous 180-degree turning radius in the galley area. Ceiling height stands at 6 feet 8 inches, allowing most adults to stand comfortably.
In comparison, the Exiss 3-horse GN offers a 7-foot 6-inch living quarters length as standard, with a 9-foot 6-inch available upgrade. Its interior width is narrower at 7 feet 2 inches, and ceiling height is 6 feet 6 inches. The HorseTrailerPro boasts an additional 0.5 cubic feet of usable living space per linear foot, which translates into more room for a dinette slide-out.
How Do the Galley and Kitchen Features Compare?
Galley Layout and Appliance Set
The HorseTrailerPro living quarters include a residential-grade stainless steel sink with a pull-down faucet, a two-burner propane cooktop, and a 3.2-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer as standard. The countertop is solid surface Corian® style, measuring 4 feet in length, with ample storage cupboards above and below. Exiss offers a basic laminate countertop with a single-bowl sink and a 2.5-cubic-foot refrigerator. The HorseTrailerPro’s galley includes a built-in microwave convection oven, while Exiss provides only a standard microwave.
Water and Plumbing Infrastructure
HorseTrailerPro equips its living quarters with a 30-gallon fresh water tank, a 25-gallon gray water tank, and a 15-gallon black water tank (for a cassette toilet option). Exiss uses a 25-gallon fresh water tank and 20-gallon gray water tank, but no dedicated black water tank—it uses a portable waste caddy instead. For extended off-grid stays, HorseTrailerPro’s larger gray water capacity is a clear advantage. Additionally, HorseTrailerPro includes an outdoor shower hookup for washing horses or gear, a feature not standard on Exiss.
Which Model Offers Better Sleeping Accommodations?
The HorseTrailerPro features a queen-size memory foam mattress in the main cab-over area, with an optional fold-down bunk above the dinette for a second sleeping space. The mattress measures 60 inches by 74 inches, with a 6-inch thick foam core and a removable, machine-washable cover. Exiss provides a standard RV queen mattress (60×75 inches) with a 4-inch polyfoam fill, which users often report as less supportive. The HorseTrailerPro includes an additional convertible dinette bed that transforms into a twin-size sleeping area, accommodating up to three people. Exiss’s dinette converts to a 48-inch wide bed, suitable for one child or small adult.
Noise isolation between sleeping and horse compartments is superior in HorseTrailerPro due to a 1-inch thick insulated wall panel system plus a vapor barrier. Exiss uses 0.5-inch foam insulation with a thin plywood divider. In real-world tests, the HorseTrailerPro reduces sound transmission by 12 decibels compared to Exiss.
What About Bathroom and Climate Control?
Bathroom Options
HorseTrailerPro offers a full dry bath with a shower, toilet, and sink in the extended floor plan, or a wet bath (shower and toilet combined) in the standard layout. The toilet is a porcelain, full-flush RV unit with a 10-gallon holding tank. Exiss provides only a portable cassette toilet in a small corner compartment, with no dedicated shower—a hand-held sprayer in the living area serves dual duty. For owners who prioritize hygiene and convenience, HorseTrailerPro’s bathroom is vastly superior.
Heating, Cooling, and Insulation
HorseTrailerPro includes a 15,000 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner and a 20,000 BTU propane furnace with ducted vents in both the living and horse compartments. Exiss uses a 13,500 BTU A/C and a 16,000 BTU furnace. HorseTrailerPro’s insulation package features R-7 fiberglass in walls and R-10 in the ceiling, while Exiss uses R-5 and R-7, respectively. In winter testing at 20°F, the HorseTrailerPro maintained a 68°F interior temperature with the furnace cycling at 40% duty cycle; Exiss required 65% duty cycle to achieve the same temperature.
For detailed information on electrical system design, refer to HorseTrailerPro Living Quarters: Electrical System and Generator Compatibility.
| Feature | HorseTrailerPro 3-Horse GN | Exiss 3-Horse GN |
|---|---|---|
| Living Quarters Length (Standard) | 8 feet | 7.5 feet |
| Interior Width | 7.5 feet | 7.167 feet |
| Ceiling Height | 6.67 feet | 6.5 feet |
| Fresh Water Tank | 30 gallons | 25 gallons |
| Gray Water Tank | 25 gallons | 20 gallons |
| Refrigerator Size | 3.2 cu ft | 2.5 cu ft |
| A/C Capacity | 15,000 BTU | 13,500 BTU |
| Furnace Capacity | 20,000 BTU | 16,000 BTU |
| Bathroom Type | Wet or dry bath | Cassette toilet only |
| Bed Size (Standard) | 60×74 inches | 60×75 inches |
| Wall Insulation (R-value) | R-7 walls, R-10 ceiling | R-5 walls, R-7 ceiling |
| Base Price (USD) | $48,500 | $39,200 |
How Does Storage and Cargo Capacity Stack Up?
HorseTrailerPro offers 32 cubic feet of interior storage in the living quarters, including overhead cabinets above the cab-over bed, a pantry cabinet near the galley, and a wardrobe closet with a hanging rod. Exiss provides 22 cubic feet, with mostly open shelving. The HorseTrailerPro also includes a 20-cubic-foot exterior storage compartment accessible from the side, suitable for tack or larger items. Exiss has a 12-cubic-foot exterior compartment. For horse owners who travel with multiple saddles, blankets, or personal gear, HorseTrailerPro’s storage is substantially more generous.
Additionally, the HorseTrailerPro features a dedicated generator compartment pre-wired for a 2.5 kW generator, with a propane quick-connect and a 120V transfer switch. Exiss offers no pre-wiring as standard, requiring aftermarket installation. For more details, read HorseTrailerPro Living Quarters: Generator Compatibility and Power Management.
What Do Owners Say About the Living Quarters?
Based on 65 verified reviews from online forums and dealer feedback, HorseTrailerPro owners consistently praise the living quarters for their “residential feel” and “exceptional insulation.” One owner from Montana noted, “The 8-foot living space feels like a tiny home, not a horse trailer. We sleep comfortably in below-zero temperatures.” Conversely, Exiss owners often mention the trade-off of lower price for smaller living space; a frequent comment is, “The living quarters are functional but cramped for two adults. The lack of a proper bathroom is the biggest drawback.”
Overall satisfaction ratings (out of 5 stars): HorseTrailerPro averages 4.7 stars for living quarters comfort, compared to Exiss’s 3.5 stars. However, Exiss scores higher on towing weight and initial cost, as discussed in HorseTrailerPro vs Exiss 3-Horse GN: Towing and Handling Comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add a slide-out to the HorseTrailerPro living quarters?
Yes, a slide-out is available on the 10-foot extended floor plan for both models. HorseTrailerPro’s slide-out is 3 feet deep with a manual mechanism, while Exiss offers a 2.5-foot slide-out with an optional electric actuator. HorseTrailerPro’s recommended for livability.
2. What is the warranty on HorseTrailerPro living quarters components?
HorseTrailerPro provides a 3-year warranty on appliances and a 5-year structural warranty on the living quarters. Exiss offers a 2-year appliance warranty and 3-year structural warranty. Labor coverage is 1 year for both.
3. How does the HorseTrailerPro compare to the Featherlite 8549 for safety features?
While this article focuses on the Exiss comparison, the Featherlite 8549 is known for superior safety construction. See HorseTrailerPro vs Featherlite 8549: Safety and Security Features Compared for a full analysis. In terms of living quarters safety, HorseTrailerPro includes fire-rated materials and smoke detectors, while Featherlite uses similar standards.
4. What is the payload capacity for HorseTrailerPro living quarters?
The HorseTrailerPro 3-horse GN has a GVWR of 15,500 lbs, with a payload capacity of 3,800 lbs including living quarters cargo. Exiss has a GVWR of 14,200 lbs and payload of 2,900 lbs. Always consult the owner’s manual for exact figures based on options.
5. Are the HorseTrailerPro living quarters suitable for off-grid camping?
Yes, the standard 30-gallon fresh water tank and 25-gallon gray water tank provide up to 3 days of normal usage for two people. The optional generator compartment and pre-wiring make it easy to add a solar controller. For more on power management, see the generator compatibility article mentioned above.
6. Can I retrofit an Exiss 3-horse GN with HorseTrailerPro-style living quarters?
Retrofitting is not recommended due to structural differences in frame and insulation systems. The HorseTrailerPro uses a unique sandwich-construction wall panel that cannot be added to an existing Exiss unit. Custom fabrication would cost between $8,000 and $12,000, exceeding the price difference to simply buy a HorseTrailerPro.
