Posted 2010-05-14 6:24 AM (#120123) Subject: CM 16' Stocker ES?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
All,I am currently doing my homework prior to purchase. I've never owned a trailer before, but I've pulled a lot of other people's, so I have some bias. Budget is an issue, so I am looking for a 16' bumper pull stock trailer. My level of use will be weekly short hauls of 1-2 1200# horse(s) with a long, heavy haul (700-1000 miles) every 1-3 years. I don't live in the mountains, but I'll have to haul through them from time to time.I am partial to CM trailers. Right now, I am leaning toward the 16' Stocker ES. I like the height (6'6") and I really like the cost. On paper, it looks like it will cover my needs, but I don't like the light axles (1x3000# and 1x3500#; I'd prefer 2x5200#) and I don't like the brakes on just one axle. However, I have an admitted tendency to want things overbuilt. Does anyone have one of these or have strong feelings regarding this set up? How do you feel it will hold up to my projected usage? Thanks in advance for any input.Nate
Posted 2010-05-14 8:25 AM (#120129 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
With any trailer you are considering, you will want brakes at every wheel and an interior height of at least 7'. The 3500# axles typically have 15" tires, while the 5200# often have 16" tires. The latter will give you better wear, a wider variety of replacement tires, and more capacity.
It is wise to have a trailer "overbuilt" than one that is barely adequate for the task. It will last longer and be safer to pull.
Posted 2010-05-14 9:43 AM (#120136 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
Some states require brakes on both axles.
I need a minimum of 7' height because of my horses, but I'm not sure why you would need taller then 6'6" if your horses are smaller. (I would be interested to know why.) The taller height, in my area, increases the resale value a lot but does cost more at the outset too.
Posted 2010-05-14 12:28 PM (#120150 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
6'6" will be fine for me. I plan on keeping my wife away from the 18 hand warmbloods, at least until I wear out the first trailer. That should take at least 20 years or so.The light axles and lack of brakes on that axle still bother me... and those bias plys they snuck in there.Nate
Posted 2010-05-14 1:29 PM (#120153 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
My second trailer was a 16' stock combo (stock trailer with two removable slant dividers and folding tack room wall). It had two 3500# axles and never had a problem. I too would have liked 5200# axles and may have passed if only one of the ones on there had brakes. Trailer was 7' tall though, and being 6'3" myself the 6'6" trailers seem too short for me- the roof bows tend to hit my hat.My first trailer was only 6'6" tall and was a 12' stock trailer. My wife's 16HH saddlebred fit just fine- he had more room in the 7' but it was not an issue in the 6.5. When I bought the second trailer we bought a new one, so I was a bit more demanding than our first trailer that I bought as a fixer upper for $500. Get the trailer you want the first time- it will save you the trouble of looking again in a couple of years!
Posted 2010-05-14 3:40 PM (#120163 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
The CM trailers I looked at seemed very solid. Pass on the one brake axle, that's nonsense. Would be an easy fix if the other axle already had the backing plate flange though. I can see no reason for 5200# axles on a trailer that small. Loaded with your two 1200# horses it would weigh in a little over 5000# and some of that will be carried on the pickup. That would be barely half the 5200# axles rating, probably a pretty rough ride for the horses.
Posted 2010-05-15 2:09 AM (#120184 - in reply to #120123) Subject: RE: CM 16' Stocker ES?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
I am hoping that the Stocker ES is built to the same standard as other CMs (good steel, good paint, solid welds and adequate bracing). If that is the case, I was thinking of upgrading as I go, i.e. buy it, add the brakes as soon as it is feasible then replacing the axles if/when it proves necessary. It spreads the cost out, which is a good thing for me. That entire plan depends on the trailer being solid enough to justify putting money into it. Nate
CM 16' Stocker ES?
