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Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?

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LazyDayHorseFarm
Reg. Jan 2005
Posted 2010-01-06 10:05 AM (#114945)
Subject: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Member


Posts: 34
25
What companies make horse trailers that are all aluminum and not just aluminum siding? Which trailers have the best resale value?
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retento
Reg. Aug 2004
Posted 2010-01-06 10:40 AM (#114949 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Expert


Posts: 3802
20001000500100100100
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.

IMHO.... The best bang for your buck.  4 STAR.....

There's alot of quality, top/upper end, "all aluminum" trailers on the market. Bloomer, Platinum Coach, Elite, Dream Coach, Sundowner, Eby, Cimarron to name a few. Now, Featherlite, Exiss, Sooner, Kiefer, Cherokee, Shadow, Double D, Adam, Lakota, along with some others build "all aluminum" trailers, but they seem to be built of lighter materials than the upper end trailers. I guess the trailers are OK for the "weekend warrior", but I don't think they would give really good service being loaded heavy and abused on a daily basis. 4 Star builds all aluminum trailers and I believe they'll bring you more money at resale than any other. I'm not a trailer sales person, nor do I own a 4 Star trailer. Just going on what I've seen. I would have to put 4 Star at the top of the list so far as it being a quality trailer and having probably the best resale value.

 

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nobodyimportant
Reg. Jan 2010
Posted 2010-01-06 10:47 AM (#114950 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 123
100
Location: Indiana
It really depends on what you are using it for and how much money you plan on spending.  4 Star is a great product, but it will cost you more than most.  Exiss is also Aluminum, but the price doesn't match what you get.  Lakota, might not even be in business in 2 weeks.  Best bang for buck would probably by Stratus or Stratus Express from Bison.  Quality won't be near 4 Star, but with the backing of Navistar, the company will be around a long time.  Bottom line-how much do you want to spend?
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horsecamper
Reg. Sep 2008
Posted 2010-01-06 10:56 AM (#114952 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


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Posts: 229
10010025
LazyD, Numerous companies make all aluminum trailers.  Some mid range trailer companies currently make, or used to ,make both all aluminum and aluminum over steel, like Sundowner, Merhow and KeiferBuilt. For these trailers, one needs to know the terminology or model numbers in order to know what the construction is. Some mid range , like Featherlite and Exiss are exclusively aluminum and never did, to my knowlege, make an aluminum over steel, but only exclusively all steel, or all aluminum. (Note: the terminology "all aluminum" is used for trailers made with both aluminum frame and skin.  Certain other structural parts of the trailer, like the hitch portiion are still steel.)  High end trailers, like  Elite, Platimum, 4 Star, Bloomer and C&C to name a few, are exclusively all alumimum, with the exception of a few companies, like Cimarron or Hart, which offer a non aluminum roof on an otherwise all aluminum trailer.  The all aluminum trailers which will hold their value the most, when comparing trailers in the same configuration (same number of horses, same shortwall length, same width) are the high end trailers.  This is especially true west of the Rockies. However, this being said, a late model, little used, mid range all aluminum trailer in good condition, should also sell well, as both it's lower price and utility will be a good fit for many customers. This site is a source of very valuble information. Many knowledgeable people are here. I have purchased two trailers from this site, one from a dealer, and one private party.  Prior to purchase, I did research for several years using this site exclusively.  Just keep using the forum and looking at any and all trailers of interest to you.  Eventually, your search will narrow down to the trailers which meet your needs.
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buyshadow
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2010-01-06 1:28 PM (#114958 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Regular


Posts: 82
252525
Location: Ocala, FL
Shadow Trailers in FL! Shadow Trailers are built by horse people for horse people so we know what horse folks need in a trailer! Solid 7 yr warranty, 6" Center Supports, High Grade (aircraft) Aluminum, Marine Style interlocking floors, One Key Locking system and much more! Shoot me an email and I will be happy to assist you! Michele michele@buyshadow.com
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farmbabe
Reg. Nov 2003
Posted 2010-01-06 2:22 PM (#114961 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Expert


Posts: 1723
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Location: michigan
I have a Exiss Event and its fine trailer.I put many miles on it each year and its withstood every well. I wouldn't buy into the sales pitch that one trailer is better than another. Like cars and truck, some just have more of the features we want, some will have less. The idea is to find a trailer that matches your needs,wants and budget.
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brushycreekranch
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2010-01-06 2:49 PM (#114962 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?





500100100100100
Location: Central Arkansas

I think the statement below actually is used for over 90% of the horse trailer building companies..........

"built by horse people for horse people so we know what horse folks need in a trailer"

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To Much Trouble
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2010-01-06 3:03 PM (#114963 - in reply to #114962)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 231
10010025
Location: Illinois
I have a very good friend buy a Shadow from a dealer at th QH Congress...and is very dissappointed in the trailer after minimal use...The dealer had made promises that they NEVER followed through on..My friend contacted Shadow in Fla. and they blew him off too... the dealer won't even take calls from him...SO IF you want Service after the sale...I would suggest you take Shadow off your list...I can and will provide name and number of the individual who purchased this trailer...He would be happy to tell you all the details.
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element
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2010-01-06 3:45 PM (#114964 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 102
100
Location: Cartersvillle, Georgia
IMHO I believe in Dream Coach brand. We love our DC. Dollar for dollar!! We have a 2003 and we are getting a new 2010.
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buyshadow
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2010-01-06 6:39 PM (#114969 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Regular


Posts: 82
252525
Location: Ocala, FL
Sorry folks  but I will do this a private message as well... forgive me! However TO MUCH TROUBLE, I work for the dealership in Ocala, FL.... we handle any and all warranty issues in a timely fashion and try to handle it all in house.  Our dealership strives on customer service.  I would recommend your friend call me personally and I will take the task to make sure all the warranty work is completed in a precise manner and a timely fashion.  Please.... email me personally so that I can address this issue! Michele@buyshadow.com  thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
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tom-tom
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2010-01-07 7:31 AM (#114979 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Extreme Veteran


Posts: 317
100100100
Location: Barnesville, Ga.
We currently own two Exiss Event trailers.   All-aluminum.  One is a stock BP and a 4H LQ with a 14' SW. Both have been quality trailers and are hauled  frequently.  We use our BP weekly (2-3 x wk) and stay in our LQ about 2 times a month and sometimes more depending on our kids schedule.  Both trailers pull well and have held up great with continual use.  I would recommend the Event line over the Sport.  The Events are heavier made.    I don't know about the resale since we have no intentions of getting rid of either trailer.  We have also owned a all-aluminum Sundowner LQ and were able to get all of our money back from it when we traded it in on our new Exiss LQ.  I would purchase either brand again.
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Ncatanz
Reg. Jun 2008
Posted 2010-01-07 10:56 AM (#114981 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 236
10010025
Location: Little town in Pa
Too Much Trouble, regarding your comment on Lakota, although Lakota has only been in business about 4 years, theirs sales jumped up 20% last year as opposed to the industry in general that dropped 20% in sales. And the best thing that was included with my Lakota trailer was the personal cell phone number of the sales rep who has been selling and servicing RV's for 20 years. ( I just had to call him late last night )

I am just a happy Lakota owner, not a sales rep.
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genebob
Reg. Nov 2007
Posted 2010-01-07 11:00 AM (#114982 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Elite Veteran


Posts: 714
500100100
Location: Minnesota
Love Kieffer. Yes it's one of the middle of the road trailers, but for the money invested it does the same thing as a high end trailer. Maintain it properly and it will last just as long. Kieffer also has an excellent warranty and will treat you well.
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Ncatanz
Reg. Jun 2008
Posted 2010-01-07 11:15 AM (#114984 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 236
10010025
Location: Little town in Pa
TooMuchTrouble,  sorry,  I meant to address No Body Important's post
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ridingarocky
Reg. Aug 2008
Posted 2010-01-07 11:36 AM (#114986 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?



Elite Veteran


Posts: 681
500100252525
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I have a Hart.  i would include Hart in the upper end class of trailers.. Mine is not a fancy one, but it is very sturdy and well made.
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flyinghfarm
Reg. Mar 2004
Posted 2010-01-07 11:49 AM (#114987 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Expert


Posts: 1205
1000100100
Location: Arkansas
Our  now 10 yr old Exiss has held up perfectly....we are still very pleased with it, and have used it in AR, MO, OK, CO, MT, and WY for some examples...it is an Event model.
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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2010-01-07 12:00 PM (#114990 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Expert


Posts: 5870
50005001001001002525
Location: western PA
To Much Trouble... I sent you a PM
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LazyDayHorseFarm
Reg. Jan 2005
Posted 2010-01-07 8:06 PM (#115011 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Member


Posts: 34
25

To those who responded. THANK YOU!

 

After hearing some of the feedback you have posted, I believe I would be quite happy with a middle of the road all aluminum trailer since I will only be using it for camping and such. My horse show days are long past and now my life runs at a much slower pace, so the trailer will not be hauled around all that much. I still have my two horse trailer to get me around locally if I need it.  I just want something well made, comfortable for me and the horse and not too heavy for my 12 year old 3/4 ton GMC. It's a nice truck, but it certainly does not have the pulling power of the trucks they build these days.  Thanks again!

I have an Exiss and a Sundowner to look at on Saturday, so we shall see what happens.

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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2010-01-07 10:01 PM (#115015 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Expert


Posts: 5870
50005001001001002525
Location: western PA

When you look at the two, compare the number of hinges on the rear doors, the hinge hardware on the drop down windows; the construction, latching and security of the dividers; the size and the number of frame members etc. Compare the axle ratings, wheel size and capacity. There are differences between them of which you should be aware.

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nobodyimportant
Reg. Jan 2010
Posted 2010-01-08 1:39 PM (#115034 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 123
100
Location: Indiana

Ncatanz:

Its been my experience that when someone talks about percentages it's because the real numbers aren't all that good.  I made my statement based on driving by their plant and not seeing any evidence of activity.  I try not to "trash" anyone.  It was just an observation.

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PENNINCHICK
Reg. Jan 2010
Posted 2010-01-08 1:46 PM (#115035 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


New User


Posts: 4

Location: SALEM, OHIO
In todays market there are a lot of all aluminum trailers being manufactured. What you need to take into consideration when purchasing one is the structure. The Blue Ribbon Trailer is built in Ohio and owned by a family that has been in the trailer business for 47 years. In that 47 years they have been dealers for many of the trailers that are out there today. That is the main reason for building the Blue Ribbon. During all those years of dealing with issues on trailers and using them everday they know what works and what horse people need. Thats why I feel the Blue Ribbon Trailer is the best on the market, and you will find priced right too.
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brushycreekranch
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2010-01-08 5:33 PM (#115040 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?





500100100100100
Location: Central Arkansas
If I was sinking my hard earned money into a LQ trailer, I would stick to the  4 Star, Bloomer, Twister, Elite, Hart. I consider my LQ trailer an investment. I except to get a decent return on my money when I get around to selling. I would not trust the resale value on companies that have only been building trailers a couple of years. Not in this economy!
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lesliemal
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2010-01-08 9:02 PM (#115045 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Extreme Veteran


Posts: 368
1001001002525
Location: Georgia
I owned a Cherokee with a Sierra LQ that I purchased used. I got more than I paid for it when I decided it was time to upgrade to a larger trailer. I have heard similar stories from folks who sold or traded and they did NOT have the high end trailers such as 4Star etc. A review of the selling price on this website on a any particular brand (speaking used trailers here) will give you an idea of the resale particulars for that brand. My point is that while YES there are specific brands that are high end, the trailer does NOT have to be HIGH end to have a good resale value. Only you can decide what you can afford and what works for you. Good Luck in your search and I hope you are happy with whatever BRAND you decide to purchase.  PS:  I now own a Kiefer Built and have been happy with it as well.

Edited by lesliemal 2010-01-08 9:03 PM
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Ncatanz
Reg. Jun 2008
Posted 2010-01-09 7:31 AM (#115047 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Veteran


Posts: 236
10010025
Location: Little town in Pa

nobodyimportant,

My apologies,  I did not realize you had the concrete " I drove by the plant" imformaion on your side.

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lakota
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-01-11 1:26 PM (#115125 - in reply to #114945)
Subject: RE: Who makes all aluminum horse trailers?


Member


Posts: 12

Location: Bristol, IN

Lakota is running, has been running, and will continue to run!  We are here to meet all of your horse trailer needs!  We would love the opportunity to earn your business.  Please contact us or your nearest dealer with any questions you may have.

574.848.1636

info@lakotatrailers.com

http://www.lakotatrailers.com/

 

 

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