Posted 2010-01-13 6:15 PM (#115248 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Pilot Point, TX
I own a Elite dealership. C&C is out of business so you cant get any parts except custom order. Look at www.elitetrailers.com. Our trailers are built to the customer specs. If you want an escape door - extra footage in rear stall will make that happen. Just let me knowKristen Rose GarrettRG Trailers, LLC940-686-3700www.rgtrailersales.com
Posted 2010-01-14 12:06 PM (#115270 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Regular
Posts: 82
Location: Ocala, FL
Hi there send me an email to michele@buyshadow.com We have exactly what you are looking for in your price range! I have a 2H with escape door, large drops on hip and back door, drops on head side for $12,700. Shadow Trailers are all aluminum, covered under a 7 year warranty! You can view the trailer here on horse trailer world or email us at michele@buyshadow.com
Posted 2010-01-14 3:28 PM (#115280 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Charlotte, NC
I don't mind the dealers too much. I am really interested to know what made people passionate and an advocate of the trailers they chose and why. I have only had two trailers. Both older and steel. I am very excited to step up to an aluminum with a proper dressing room. I am very sad to hear C&C is no longer in business. I really liked a few of their details-powder coated neck and landing gear, DR and escape door opening opposite each other so they don't interfere, etc. Sundowner has a 2 horse with an escape door. My experience has been you either love or hate Sundowners. I have no info on Shadows. Does anyone have experience with them? Thanks everyone.
Posted 2010-01-14 4:09 PM (#115282 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
This forum isn't for sales, the forum rules specifically prohibit that action.
There are many builders of 2H GN trailers that will build you a trailer with an escape door(s). You didn't mention if you wanted a slant or straight load. On the straight load trailers, escape doors are usually standard. On a slant load trailer, some companies offer them as standard equipment. Those who don't, usually do so as an option. Most builders will build a trailer exactly to your specifications, whether they show one in their brochure or not.
The problem with some escape doors is the differences among builders. Some will not offer a drop down window in the door, only a slider. Others offer the fully framed, drop down window. This will be an issue, if you need the maximum amount of ventilation.
I have spent the last month or so, looking for a simplified version of what you want. Construction and attention to detail are important to me. Out of about a dozen brands of which I would consider, the average retail prices have been in the $18000-$20000 range. Typical discounts have driven the selling prices down to an average in the $16,500- $17,000 range. Some dealers discount a specific percentage, one a flat fee over his cost, some whatever they think is apropos to making a sale.
I would highly recommend a good used trailer. You mentioned 4 Star and Exiss. Both are good brands and there are many good used trailers of these brands within your price range. I personally would buy a used trailer of that quality, before a new one of questionable build quality. My problem is that there hasn't been a used one of which I need.
Don't base your purchasing criteria solely on the lowest price; it may turn out to be more expensive than you bargained for. There are many good trailers available of many brands. Their availability will vary according the area in which you live. If you're willing to go a day's drive, you should find your dream.
Spend some time in the trailers for sale section. Remember that most of the posted prices for used trailers are asking prices. These are a price from which you start your bargaining, and certainly not the final amount.
Posted 2010-01-14 5:37 PM (#115286 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: PA
Hi,
We just bought a used 4 star 2h gooseneck and find it to be a well built trailer. Other brands we considered were the EquiSpirit and Kiefer Built. Previously owned a 2h slant Corn Pro BP and like it very much (steel trailer).
Posted 2010-01-14 7:30 PM (#115288 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Brooksville, Fl
I have a Shadow 2H with a DR. It is their standard 2 horse straight load model. It has an escape door in the wall to the dressing room which I like very much. That might be a good thing if you are camping with it as you could access both areas without going outside. It has nice large drop down windows at the head and a ramp (I happen to like ramps) and is standard 7'6". Is it a C&C or 4-Star, No. Has it held up well to my 16 hand 'destroyer'?, yes. The things I would add to this trailer would be at least one window in the dutch door (one of my horses is clausterphobic so I can't close them) and an insulated roof and maybe a roof vent (The windows allow a lot of air in though, so not a big deal.) I don't know what they are selling for now, but mine was under $11K brand new. I like the rumber on the sides of the trailer as it's light weight but has held up very well to hooves. The ramp is lightweight and easy to lift. I like the nice padding on the butt bars and the way they latch. I've owned this trailer for a little over 2 years now and have used the crap out of it for day trips. It's easy to maneuver in smaller trail heads and has served me well.
Posted 2010-01-19 5:35 AM (#115436 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Regular
Posts: 69
Location: NW Florida
When I lived in SC a few years ago, I bought a Gore trailer that I am very happy with. It has a loading ramp and a side ramp in the front. There is a very large area at the front for storage (hay bales, etc). It also has the escape doors situated like you mention, and a pretty nice dressing room. I have set up a cot in the front area of the trailer and camped there. I got a pretty good deal on it, it was under $15,000. When I was in SC, I noticed lots and lots of Gore horse trailers at the various functions I attended.
Posted 2010-01-19 10:09 AM (#115448 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Member
Posts: 39
Location: Randolph, Utah
Have you looked at trailswest?
They have pretty decent prices.
I used to be anti-trailswest and I called and had a good talk with one of the salesmen at the plant and he told me all the changes that have been made for the better.
Trailswest has a comfort package with insulated dressing room.
i really like exiss too they seem to be nice trailers, have you thought about getting a 3 horse for extra room and you can get a escape door. makes it easier to store stuff in the front stall.
Posted 2010-01-19 3:35 PM (#115465 - in reply to #115239) Subject: RE: What Brand to Buy?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648
Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I have an '03 2H GN LQ Shadow with the escape door. I don't think I've used it yet in the 4 years I've had the trailer.... Shadow's are a good value for an all aluminum trailer, but aren't in the same class as 4Star, Elite, etc but it has held up well and I camp 2x a month during the camping season (Oct-April) and use it pretty much every weekend for day rides.