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New User
Posts: 3
| Hi everyone,
I've been searching for my next trailer. Due to what I've read and what I saw with my trailer I sold my 1998 Sundowner Valulite 2 horse GN and am looking for an all aluminum where I won't have to worry about corrosion with proper maintenance. I'll be living in a coastal community where steel isn't an option.
I've been doing my due diligence in researching these two trailers on these forums but I'm looking for input on your collective experience with these two trailers below to make a thoughtful decision :) Any advice appreciated.
Both aluminum
1st choice: 1999 Featherlite model 9408 $6800
Not the trailer, but looks very similar: http://www.fthr.com/bumper-pull_horse-trailer/model9408/
2 horse slant, the rear door handles look funky.. they're not the metal rod type, but a pressure latch small door handle like this one (which looks wierd to me):
http://www.stomskihorsetrailers.com/2001%20Featherlite%208556-2.jpg
3 hour drive away
2nd choice:2004 WW Silver Legacy $ (probably the same price)
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/grd/1186871931.html
2 horse straight load, some rust on the hitch, shorter (6'6" vs 7' Featherlite, not that it matters with my 14.3 horse)
30 minute drive away
Featherlite probably has a better resale value, but I'm not planning on selling.. I want this to be my last/final trailer. Eventually I'd get a hay rack installed and overhead ties.
Thanks so much! |
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Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain... | As long as it is in good shape, my choice would be the Featherlite. It's the better trailer. The finish on the WW won't be near what it is on the Featherlite. The WW i looked at was full of rough edges and just wasn't finished off near as nice as a Featherlite. As far as the rear handle goes, if I remember correctly from one I looked at, it is an internal lock rod. Locks in at the top and bottom by twisting that handle. |
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Expert
Posts: 3802
 
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | .... I myself, like a straight load trailer, but if I had to choose between the two, I would get the Featherlite if the floor was in good shape... It is 10 years old you know.... |
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Veteran
Posts: 147
Location: santa clara, ca | if you are planning on going 6'6' height it will alwasys limit the size of your future horses...7' gives you more possibilities.
We have a 7'4"...that might not actuallly be enough since we have 16h, 16'2" (fine for them) and a 17h growing draft (but we didn't have him at the time of purchase)... |
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New User
Posts: 3
| Thanks, it is the direction I am leaning towards also.. but I just wasn't sure about those handles since they looks a bit flimsy to me (I'm used to the metal rod/latch type).
I've read about the Featherlite pitting floors.. is that more of an issue with newer models? What does pitting look like exactly so I can look for it when I check out the trailer? |
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Veteran
Posts: 197
Location: MT | I've had featherlite trailers since i can remeber and they are great trailers, never had problem with floors as long as you take care of them..take mats out clean wash acidize them once in while..something you have to do with every aluminum trailer. |
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Member
Posts: 5
Location: Virginia | I had a two horse Featherlite BP. Bought it used and sold it 5 years later for $500 less than I paid for it, was 10 years old when sold. Never had any problems with it except had to replace the tires. Lights all worked. Brakes were in great shape. Oiled the locks, greased the hubs when needed, and had the truck wash clean it every couple years. That was it. Also, I did rinse the trailer out after almost every use to maintain the integrity of the aluminum floor. Floor was in great shape when I sold it! Point is... go with the good resale value. There's a reason the resale value is good, the trailers are known to last with low maintenance. And in case you do have to sell one day (things change in life), you'll come out ahead!!! |
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Trouble deciding between 2 trailers
