Posted 2009-06-05 9:56 AM (#105992) Subject: If money were no object....
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Cincinnati, OH
What brand and/or type of construction trailer would you buy for it's longevity and structural soundess (not talking about models here, just construction types)?
What trailer manufacturer do feel makes the best quality trailer?
What construction types below offer the best anti-corrosion combined with structural strength:
All Aluminum Frame and Skin
All Galvanized Steel Frame and Skin
Galvanized Steel Frame with Aluminum Skin
That seems to cover most construction choices that are offered right now. Of course regular steel is still an option for the frame and/or skin but I think that one is not a really good choice with it's rustability.
My Trail-et dilemma got me thinking that I should have researched things further before getting this one!
Posted 2009-06-05 10:20 AM (#105995 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
If I could buy any trailer I wanted, I would really like to try a Twisted X out. They look super nice but cost a lot of money. Than to pull it I'd like a mini semi (not that you asked).
Posted 2009-06-05 10:39 AM (#105997 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by notasoccermom68 on 2009-06-05 9:56 AM
What brand and/or type of construction trailer would you buy for it's longevity and structural soundess (not talking about models here, just construction types)? What trailer manufacturer do feel makes the best quality trailer?
I don't believe there is a "best" trailer. What I want and need usually will differ from other people. Some owners do nothing but show. Others only camp, many are serious trail riders. We all have different needs. There are many quality trailers that are being made by various manufacturers. One thing to quickly learn, is that the most expensive trailers are not the "best" trailers.
What construction types below offer the best anti-corrosion combined with structural strength: All Aluminum Frame and Skin
By far this is the trailer construction that offers the best longevity and the lowest maintenance in unpleasant environments. Bimetal trailers are built for economy, and will usually have galvanic problems with age. All steel are good choices in weather environments that are not conducive to rusting.
I live in the rust belt. I've owned three all steel trailers and have had to rebuild each one. They always had rust issues somewhere. I now own two all aluminum trailers, both purchased used, and have been able to enjoy a minimal upkeep and a great deal of pride in their appearance. At eight and nine years of age, they have zero mechanical or cosmetic issues. They are like new, and I couldn't be more pleased.
The builders of steel trailers will constantly harp on the "problems" of using the "soft" and "weak" aluminum metals and how the welds are constantly failing. This is nothing more than pure bunk, as proven by the thousands of reliable aluminum trailers on the road every day. Many transportation devises use aluminum construction.
I'm sorry that your first buying effort involved that brand and condition. There are many good used trailers of many brands available every day. A good one won't be inexpensive, but it could also last you a lifetime with a minimal amount of concerns. That would be the least expensive ownership, buy one good one and keeping it for a long time.
Posted 2009-06-05 3:28 PM (#106014 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Veteran
Posts: 214 Location: lyle,mn
If money was no problem I would be trading trailer every 2yrs then you wouldn't have to worry about trailer maintenance. You can try alot of trailer that way and different conversion pkgs. Yep trade every 2 yrs, you said if money was no problem.
Posted 2009-06-05 7:46 PM (#106025 - in reply to #105995) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
If I could buy any trailer I wanted, I would really like to try a Twisted X out. They look super nice but cost a lot of money. Than to pull it I'd like a mini semi (not that you asked).
Posted 2009-06-06 9:35 AM (#106042 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
And the jacuzzi and personal masseuse! All kidding aside, an Elite or a Turnbow. Mid tack, access doors on both sides. All aluminum, rumber floor (?) or equifoam mats over rhino lining over aluminum floor.
Posted 2009-06-06 1:54 PM (#106052 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Ha ha, great replies. Gard, thanks for your input. I actually am returning the Trail-et to the dealer, thankfully he will take it back. The welder said the entire thing would need to be reframed, and he could do it for $500. But after we started to tear out the tackroom floor, I don't see how he could even fix it. There was no good steel left to attach new steel too! It was REALLY bad, I'm surprised it's still traveling down the right right now and I'm praying we can get it back to the dealer in one piece. I certainly would never feel safe with my horses in it even if he did fix it, and to me it would have been putting a band-aid on a broken arm.Chalk it up to a lesson learned, and I'm back on the trailer hunt, hopefully much better educated this time!
Posted 2009-06-08 3:00 AM (#106102 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
If MONEY were NO OBJECT...then this is the rig for you... * Featherlite 53-ft. OECountry Estate¹ The Featherlite Country Estate model features a massive 33-ft. Sierra living quarters with four slide outs. Behind the owners¹ living quarters is an upper-deck three-horse slant load plus one-horse straight load configuration. Interior amenities include a slate-finished fireplace, copper sinks, hand scraped old barn hickory floors in 5-inch planks, a 32-inch flat screen TV that emerges from behind the mantle with remote-control power lift and many more! http://www.mrtruck.net/f_pic/feath53a.jpghttp://www.mrtruck.net/f_pic/feath53d.jpghttp://www.mrtruck.net/f_pic/feather53c.jpg
Posted 2009-06-08 6:33 AM (#106105 - in reply to #105992) Subject: RE: If money were no object....
Veteran
Posts: 282 Location: southcentral pennsylvania
As the minority voice, I prefer steel. Galvaneel steel rusts at a much less faster rate than traditional steel. It also depends on where you live and if you drive in the winter on salted roads. I have owned steel trailers since 1970. My trailer is stored inside, and I do not use it in the winter, which is important to deter rust. I also wax it yearly. Rust is not a problem.
If money were no object....
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