Posted 2006-01-05 12:33 PM (#34963 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 644
Location: Odenville, Alabama
I have a 2005 Eclipse. It serves its purpose as just a run-a-round to different trailheads, and to pull ponies to pony parties. You'll get alot of negative comments from folks on this forum about it, but for the $, It's o.k. as a second trailer.
Posted 2006-01-05 12:44 PM (#34967 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Veteran
Posts: 198
Location: Iowa
I second what Nancy just said. I have a 2004 Ponderosa 2H bumper pull deluxe. Solid, sturdy, does the job. Have put a lot of miles on it in over two years, and even taken it on a couple of long trips with no problems. Fit and finish are not what you'll find in some of the more expensive trailers...not real refined, welds seem a bit rough, paint isn't top notch, etc. But, the trailer has never given me any mechanical problems...doors all close and latch securely, floor has been solid, pulls well, steel seems to be of good thickness and quality and has not rusted real bad so far, brakes have worked every time, lights always work, vents open and don't jam...so I'd say for what they cost (which isn't a whole lot), they're not a bad value. Just don't expect a real refined trailer.
Posted 2006-01-05 1:54 PM (#34969 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Veteran
Posts: 225
Location: Kansas City
I park next to one at several shows. Have looked it over pretty good as I was about to buy one on-line, sight unseen, and wanted to see what I would have gotten. I agree with the above posters about fit and finish. Not the best but then not priced like something they are not. The guy is happy with his.
I ended up with a CM Dakota that I found as a "great deal." The CM is better quality but then all of the "advertised" prices I see are significantly higher than the Ponderosa.
Posted 2006-01-07 8:04 PM (#35091 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781
Location: La Cygne, KS
I have a 1994 Ponderosa Combo 12 ft. stock trailer with Plexi-panels. Just like the others have said it is not bad trailer for the money. Just had it repainted last month because the silver painted had dulled over time. There was minimal rust and everything on it still works... lights, breaks, and all latches. Not a bad steel trailer for day rides. If you planning on longer trips or overnight camping you might consider Trails West, Titan, or CM. Trails West has extremly clean fininshed welds and very good paint, plus the roof is Aluminum. We just bought one for day rides and are pleased with it. Titan was in the running, but I do not like the stall dividers... to hard to pull out.
Posted 2006-01-08 8:42 PM (#35142 - in reply to #34962) Subject: Ponderosa Trailers
Regular
Posts: 55
Location: MI
Thank you all for your comments. I'll do some more investigating as you suggested. On the one hand I desperately want/need an upgrade. On the other hand, I expect my income to be significantly reduced and watching my expenditures is very important. I do camp with my horse as often as my priorities allow from May to October but so far I have not driven more than 3 hrs from home. I'm not expecting that to change much. My goal for the upcoming season is 6 camp-outs.
Sounds like a Ponderosa may fit the bill - we'll see!
Posted 2006-01-10 8:33 AM (#35232 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Veteran
Posts: 141
Location: Helena, Ohio
Okay, I have a 2005 2 horse stock side, slant gooseneck with a 4 ft short wall & rear tack. The trailer pulls great. THe horses load fairly well in it. The trailer is 6 ft wide, so remember that if you have a long horse. I paid to have it 7 ft tall instead of 6'6'' and that is DEFINATELY worth it. The tires leave a little to be desired... they are basicly car tires. They bow when you turn. I have been VERY careful with them till I can replace them. The floor is solid & I can easily pull the divider myself.
My biggest complaint is the condition of the welds & that the trailer has leaked since the day I got it.
I use mine to camp & have only gone as far as 4.5 hours away.
All in all the trailer is functional for the price.
Posted 2006-01-10 1:35 PM (#35251 - in reply to #34962) Subject: RE: Ponderosa Trailers
Veteran
Posts: 211
Location: El Paso, Texas
I also have a 16X6X6.6 Ponderosa stock trailer, use it for taking the boys to the vet, get grain and such, keeps the LQ at home where its safe. Low end, but great for around town. I have no complaints, its a Ponderosa poor boy, about $3200.00 the next one up was a CM for $5500.00 which was the same size, I spent the 2k I saved on something else.
Posted 2006-01-10 4:47 PM (#35263 - in reply to #35232) Subject: Ponderosa Trailers
Regular
Posts: 55
Location: MI
Rockin Horse,
If I bought a horse trailer and it leaked from the start, I would definitely follow-up with the dealer or manufacturer.
I'm thinking about purchasing a 3-horse slant with dressing room, with lining, plexiglass, and rear curtain. I think I would do without the rear tack. (Their letter "H"). Delivered price was quoted as $5800.