Platinum Coach
Trailer Review

July 2003

by Dave Mattern

I kept hearing about a trailer called the Platinum Coach (now carried by a dealership in Oklahoma City called Trailer Depot.) Click here.

Appearance:  The ingredients are usually the same . . . . a mix of polished aluminum, extruded aluminum and painted aluminum, but I've seen all three combined before and you still had an ugly trailer.  Not on this brand.  The Platinum Coach is one of those trailers you'll find yourself turning around and looking at as you walk away from your rig . . . and smiling to yourself. 


Toss in some very tastefully done graphics, reflective lighting and sturdy looking window bars and you have a winner.  You'll enjoy pulling it up your own driveway . . . I know I did.

Performance  Pulls like a dream . . . but I did know it was back there.  You  can't trade weight for solid construction,  . . . . I think the Platinum Coach will certainly be considered for professional horse haulers when purchasing their next rig.  There's more reasons why.

Hinges   You can say what you want . . but some trailers have built their entire reputation around sturdy hinges.  Big hinges . . . welded not riveted or screwed on.  You don't want to worry whether hinges will stand up to the punishment of horse hauling so what do you do?  Weld them on there.   I have never seen the "other" kind fall off, or spring loose of course . . . but I do like the look of the welded hinges.  And so do a lot of other people . . . including the ones that will buy your used trailer when you're ready to sell.  But that's my opinion.  The downside to welded hinges?  If you have to replace a door or window, you have to cut the weld.

Windows   Built to last.  They are actually fun to use - and not all windows fit in that category.  Grab the center bar . . a natural action.  Pull down.  Whala . . . that was the lever you just grabbed.  Spring loaded.  This is a nice widow system.  Really nice.

Many of you  have wrestled with the decision to go with bars or screens.  I say do both.  The bars are easily removed and when in place allow excellent air flow.  Put a fly mask on your horses head and you've got the best solution to safe AND cool horse hauling.

Attention to Detail    Platinum Coach has the following motto: 

"Elegantly Engineered.  Extraordinarily Tough."

Which to me means:  "It doesn't look like a tank . . . but it's built like one"  Their marketing folks obviously didn't call me for advice when drafting their motto.  There is evidence of toughness primarily in the hinges . . . which I've mentioned before but remember . . . .if it moves - it has a hinge.  And there are over 20 of them on a typical trailer.  So it's important the moving parts don't wear out. . . . but there's more.  Even the light switch has a welded box around it.  I studied that one for a bit before visualizing a horses shoulder snapping off that little toggle switch. 

Now take a look at the door stop on the rear door.  I couldn't figure out at first why the block and the hole . . . looked like left over metal.  And the bar around the corner.  I pulled the bar out and it hooks into the block to lock your door open.  I have to admit, it's one of the strongest door locks I've seen.  And do you want to know how important this is?  If you've ever had a door blow shut on you  . . while loading a horse . . . you know what I mean . . . or unloading for that matter.  I've seen a door come unhooked all by itself . . just from the wind rocking rocking it.

Below is a good shot of the containers in the swing out tack door . . . all metal . . and covered.  Even the door on the tack side is protected with rubber.  (they are open alot aren't they?  Good idea.)

More detail than meets the eye . . . in the picture to the left, it's hard to see, but there's even a rubber "headache" pad above the horse loading door.  Just so Trigger doesn't crack his head as he's backing out.  Good thinking..  

And can we talk about cranks?  Another hotly argued topic is whether you prefer the removeable kind that you stow or the flop down like the one pictured here.  Either works well, and stowing it keeps it out of the way and removes another place to catch something on.  But did you ever misplace a crank?  I like mine in the same place each time I need it.  Preferably . . attached.  This one did get in the way of the front dressing room door when it's open.   If you were fighting gravity or the wind the crank handle and hook are in the way to push it in the lock position.

I also noticed the smooth lines on the interior. ( see above) Flush to the wall . . . with nothing to get hung up on.  The dividers were easy to latch and release.  And slammable.  Is that a word?  It's is now.  Is there any other way to close a divider.  BANG   They better be strong.

Did we talk about hinges?  Just kidding.  More of the same on the back doors.  Strong and attractive and most importantly . . . the engineering allows you to torque a tight fit on the door seal with the long handles with very little effort.  Something the wife appreciates.

Summary
Coming or going . . .this is a trailer that will turn heads.  The folks at Platinum Coach at Platinum Coach are great and you can visit their website at www.platinumcoach.net.

My suggestion is to call Mike at Trailer Depot in Oklahoma City if you want more information on how to get your hands on one of these trailers.  888-653-3768

Meanwhile - I would have to give this trailer - hmmm.  I don't have an official rating system - I'd give it a 4 Star rating but that is already taken by a trailer with an excellent reputation, namely the 4 Star Horse Trailer.  I think the Platinum Coach, in all fairness, is a worthy competitor.  Good luck getting your hands on one.  They are in high demand.

For more information:  888-653-3768  or visit their website to see more Platinum Coaches like this one. . . . . 
Website: www.trailerdepot.net
Email:  sales@trailerdepot.net


Review by Dave Mattern
Editor-Horse Trailer World
Kansas City



dave@horsetrailerworld.com