|
|
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Hi all! I am looking for opinions and/or experiences people have had with brands of horse trailers. I currently have a Sundowner 2-horse angle haul that I need to sell as I have a difficult mare and she is able to pin me in the trailer when loading and I no longer feel safe. I am looking for a 2-horse straight haul, doesn't matter if it's bumper pull or gooseneck. Who has what, and why do you love it or hate it! I am currently looking at the Sundowner 2+1 Box Stall with dressing room, and the Exiss 6200SR 2+1 Box Stall. I am looking for opinions and experiences because I've been reading all these horror stories about both of these trailer brands, but they are all old posts. Anybody got anything recent to add? I had no idea until I read a 2008 thread from this site last night that there was ever an issue with the older Sundowner trailers. Now I am terrified even more to use my current trailer, and I'm in the middle of show season right now, so I need to make a decision quick so I can have a new trailer before I have to haul to the next competition (they are all min. 3 hour trips each way, so I need a good trailer!)but I don't want to buy blind. I did research before I bought my last Sundowner, and all reviews were positive, about how they hold their value really well, etc. This time around, I'm finding nothing but negatives. So......please help a girl out! Thank you. | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 3802
   
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | Originally written by bizebee on 2013-05-30 10:41 AM
Hi all! I am looking for opinions and/or experiences people have had with brands of horse trailers. I currently have a Sundowner 2-horse angle haul that I need to sell as I have a difficult mare and she is able to pin me in the trailer when loading and I no longer feel safe. I am looking for a 2-horse straight haul, doesn't matter if it's bumper pull or gooseneck. Who has what, and why do you love it or hate it! I am currently looking at the Sundowner 2+1 Box Stall with dressing room, and the Exiss 6200SR 2+1 Box Stall. I am looking for opinions and experiences because I've been reading all these horror stories about both of these trailer brands, but they are all old posts. Anybody got anything recent to add? I had no idea until I read a 2008 thread from this site last night that there was ever an issue with the older Sundowner trailers. Now I am terrified even more to use my current trailer, and I'm in the middle of show season right now, so I need to make a decision quick so I can have a new trailer before I have to haul to the next competition (they are all min. 3 hour trips each way, so I need a good trailer!)but I don't want to buy blind. I did research before I bought my last Sundowner, and all reviews were positive, about how they hold their value really well, etc. This time around, I'm finding nothing but negatives. So......please help a girl out! Thank you. I would keep the trailer you got and work on training the mare... | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Thanks, but that's not really the point of my post. We are working on more training with her, that does not change the fact that I do not like my angle haul as it is possible for any horse, no matter how well they are trained, to get you pinned if something freaks them out. Plus, I am not able to load by myself in an angle haul, where I can in a straight haul. SO, some opinions on good/bad trailer brands is what I am looking for. Thank you. | |
| | |
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI. | So are you looking for a straight load walk through? | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Yes, a straight load walk-thru would be what I am looking for, the ideal would also have a side ramp. The mare is very claustrophobic, so a side ramp would help her feel less like she's walking into a tin can. I was set on getting the Sundowner 2+1 Box Stall, but have just read so many horrible reviews of Sundowner that I am now reconsidering. Any suggestions of good brands? We don't always get the same brands in Canada that are in the US, so there might be some really good trailers out there that I have never heard of. And I am willing to pick up a trailer in the US if that's what it takes. The safety of my horses are the number one priority, so I don't want to buy a brand that continues to have design flaws, especially on floors!
Edited by bizebee 2013-05-30 11:30 AM
| |
| | |
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Sorry for the typo!! I am "now" reconsidering, lol! | |
| | |
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430
Location: TN | I would teach her to self load so you do not need to go into the trailer with her. If taught correctly, she should self load into any style of trailer. What would happen in an emergency situation if a straight load were not available and someone HAD to get her loaded?Look for the threads on here about the Sundowner models that have had issues to see if your current trailer is a model that had issues. It involves frame corrosion, if I recall correctly. | |
| | |
 Veteran
Posts: 218
Location: Ohio | I agree with the others about training. You can teach your mare to load without getting in the trailer, same for unloading. You don't have to get in and have the chance of getting pined. If you really want a trailer, you have not given any of the variables that would help determining a trailer. What is your budget? Do you want living quarters or not? What are you using to haul with? Most of the major brand of horse trailers will have advocates and those that would buy something else. Sundowner is a good brand and makes a fine trailer. You obviously have one. If you like it and the one your looking at fits your requirements, you may have answered your own question. | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Seriously, guys, I'm not looking for training tips. My mare doesn't like the slant load, and neither do I. She does not like stepping up into the trailer, and it is extremely difficult to load her into a slant by myself. End of story. All I was asking for was some honest opinions from people on the brand of horse trailer they have or have had in the past. What did you like, what didn't you like. I have checked the forums, and all the information I was able to get was from 2008, regarding both Sundowner and Exxis trailers, so I was looking for some new, fresh opinions, or to hear of some trailer brands that maybe I hadn't heard of before, but I guess I'm barking up the wrong tree here. Thanks anyways, I got the help and input I was looking for from friends and acquaintances on Facebook. 50 | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Naugatuck, CT | I owned a 2002 sundowner 2 H straight load. I loved it, had no problems with it, but wanted a dressing room. So I traded it in for a Hawk 2H straight load with a dressing room. Love the Hawk. It has a rumber floor! no more mats to pick up! Just power wash it every couple of trips and its spotless! It is insulated and has a roof that does not contain the heat of the horses. I have a QH mare that sweats alot and always was wet from the trailer rides (in the summer) When I got the Hawk, she never was wet again! They are very good about standing behind their products. My latches on the Hawk, the finish was peeling off them (they function just fine). They sent me a complete new set of all the latches with an updated finish! My good friend has a 2007 Exiss LQ, loves it, never had a problem with it! Hope this helps | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Well before you buy...I'd try loading your mare on a friend's straight load to make sure you are not trading trailers but will still have the same loading problems...:( | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Edmonton | Thank you very much for the feedback, I really appreciate it! A friend just recommended Hawk to me this evening, and to be honest, I had never heard of them before. Now that I have gone on their website and looked at the trailers, I am really liking what I see. My mare is a super nervous hauler, and arrives sweaty every single time, no matter how many windows and vents I open for her. I'm thinking Hawk might be the right "fit" for me, as they are not nearly as expensive as the Jamco trailers. Thanks again for your input, it did help, and was much appreciated :) | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | You can perform a SEARCH on most of the name brands for the last year. In most cases you will find many threads about various ownerships. | |
| | |
Veteran
Posts: 129
Location: Northwest Ohio | Too bad you're not closer. I'm looking to buy a 2H slant to replace my 2H straight load with back ramp. My mare doesn't haul well in a straight load. Steps all over herself. She rides fine in a slant. Go figure. 
| |
| | |
Veteran
Posts: 129
Location: Northwest Ohio | You didn't state what model of Sundowner you have. It's the Valuelite models that have the frame problems. I love my Sundowner Sunlite LQ rig. | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Pedricktown, NJ | I am personally looking for a new horse trailer myself, and their are so many to choose from that it can get your head spinning. However, a good friend of mine has a 4H trailer. Since I've been looking myself, I know they offer many different options in the horse area, such as the 1+2, side ramps, straight loads front to back. This brand went out for a while, but her trailer is probably over 20 years old, and still in great condition, and the usual "aluminum dust" that comes off on your hands like with sundowners and most manufacturers, has not occurred yet. This is something she complains about other trailers a lot which is something I would not have noticed, but lends to the quality of the product. As with any trailer co, you can have them add ramps or step up. I can attest that we have loaded too many to count onto her 4H and never had a single problem a refusal. Even first timers. I can appreciate the feeling of being in close quarters in the trailer. I have a good loader, with the exception of 1 trailer, and I'm sorry, but every horse that has been on the trailer, and then attempted to be re-loaded, will never get back on that trailer which is an Adams. My horse who is my personal therapy horse, that we trained from baby who never had a problem, the guy with the Adams did the whole load on the trailer yourself thing because I too have problems with the enclosed area because I'm physically challenged after an accident with a horse in '97. Have you given thought to a stock area trailer. I had a horse that went on the trailer great the first time(straight load, 20 some yrs ago) that when they closed the door where he could see me on the opposite side from the driver side where he was loaded, decided he didn't like that someone was separating us, and he came over the chest bar (solid back then) and was teetering. Some guy picked me up off the ground from freaking out at 19, and my first horse I personally trained, and was still only 2yrs old, as glass was breaking from the windows all around me, dragged me to the back and said talk to your horse. Once he seen me behind him, he got himself off the chest bar, and rammed the back ramp to break the pins and down came the ramp, where he flew off and spun around and put his bloody head around my neck, and pushed out a big breath. At least he was off the bar. The problem was, we still had to move him. The answer was a stock trailer. That's what we have now and even though we are looking for another trailer, we will not trade the stock in for another. We use it for so much, and for horses that have similar problems as yours. It was a life saver. I know they even make LQ/tack area trailers with stock in the rear. They have come a long way too. The open area is generally higher up, with no open area on the bottom, so that your horse isn't as exposed as before, but for horses that are clostraphobic which is what sounds like may be your horses issue, since she gets sweaty in the trailer. Indicates that she is getting herself worked up before she even gets to the show. This must be difficult for you, as your horse has wasted so much energy on the way to the show, that she can't be at her top form in the ring. Any way you decide to go, best of luck, and most of all safe travels, with awesome shows and adventures. Sorry for the long message, and I really hope that you found something helpful in this forever long note. | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Pedricktown, NJ | I'm sorry, I tried to fix but wasn't quick enough. The brand is 4Star. I really like the design of this brand, but I too have not limited myself to one particular brand as their are always other things to worry about. We only have a single rear axle, and we want a Living quarter trailer with enough room to be comfortable in for long periods of time. Since I have physical issues. Like going on a week camping trip is awesome, but I know that the second day I'm not riding. But the 3rd I'm back on. But I may have to spend the entire 2nd day in hiding as I call it, because I will not let many see me in pain, as the world can be cruel. And my husband is awesome and won't do a whole lot without me, so as to consider my feelings, and how I may feel left out. Very sweet but I'm not grinchy, but he/I guess we are like that with each other. | |
| | |
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Pedricktown, NJ | Just wanted to make sure you read the 4 Star information on Trailer News about the 2 and 1 trailers. This would definitely affect your horse if you plan on purchasing one of these. I don't know any of this personally, and never actually seen or heard one, but it is something I never considered before. I know that I don't hear the horse trailer that I mentioned that horses won't load in after they hauled to a place. I believe I was told to actually ride in the back of this guys trailer just a mile or two and try to understand what I feel, hear, or see. He figured it was either the trailer was twisting moving on the road, or that it had an exceptionally bumpy ride. Or that the guy driving stunk! I know his horse comes home here after trail rides and lays down for at least 2 hours after rides. But that may be related to something else which I suggested he check and found problem. But never know! | |
| | |
 Expert
Posts: 1871
Location: NY | I have a EBY stock trailer with stall inside and a big space in front and side ramp for unloading - Loading in the back and unload on the side I love this set up It is like a 2+1 | |
| | |
Veteran
Posts: 218
Location: Ohio | Bizbee you still have not said what you are looking for in a trailer outside of it being a straight load. That is like saying you want to buy a car with leather seats, which one should I buy?
What makes you think that your mare who pins you in a slant load won't smack you around in a straight load? You said your horse is claustrophobic, I dare bet she will still be claustrophobic in a straight load to. There isn't any more room for them either way. Now an 8ft wide without mangers vs a 6ft 9in slant will give you more room.
If she just freaks out, you may be better off with a stock trailer. They will give you the most room, allow you to move around and gives you the best ventilation.
Again though, what else do you want on it...LQ, drsng room, weekender package etc.? All those make a difference on what you might want to buy. Lastly what is your price range. Dreamcoach makes a great trailer but they are really expensive vs a Calico straight load BP can be had new for around $5K. | |
| |
|
Feedback on trailer brands
