Have had several Harts. What sold us, (20+years ago), was that we seen what was left of a Hart after being rearended by a Peterbilt on I70. Horses where fine, but ball was broke off and new Ford 350 was totaled. Trailer needed rear doors, and a new stem.

Also, we sold a Hart a several years ago to a top 50 PRCA calf roper. He has tried to take off 3 canopys with the hay rack and has yet to hurt the trailer. Also, has abused it way more than most. It still is going down the road--I would guess over 400k on it....

As far as Elites, I would agree with all the other posts. Have never owned one, but several friends have them.

Differences are the roof--Hart uses a composite vs the aluminum skin on the Elite-Elite is easier to dent unless you get it lined. Elite side skins are riveted on, Hart is double sided tape-have seen minor issues with both. The newer latches on the Elite drop down doors are ?--I think to much plastic but no idea. The step on the LQ door on some Elites have to be dropped down as they keep the LQ from openning unless they are dropped down. Hart uses a sliding step that will hang up due to gravel or ice getting on sliding track. Elite saddle racks are better IMO. Have had every Hart need to be rewelded. But Hart saddle racks are adjustable so ? The floor on the Harts are an interlocking panel and is said to be more solid. The Elite (I think but could be wrong) are the aluminum skin over I beam. These can oil can according to the local LQ shop. As far as hinges, door framing, lights, wiring, tires, axles, sheeting, rails, etc, etc, they are pretty much identical. Elite is advertised more and they do build other things. Hart is just livestock trailers....

They willl hold there value way more than most. IMO, price would dictate which one I choose....

Good luck!

Interesting on the resale....It appears to me that Elite sells a lot more trailers than Hart (good or bad?). I know we have 3 Elite dealers close to us and one Hart.

Been to both the Hart and Cimarron plants. Cimarron's thru put was more than double Hart was...when I asked, was told that by making less trailers, they can control quality better so ?? On Horse Trailer World-275 Elites listed, and 150 Harts....

I know around here, I would say 50% market share in the large stock trailer market belongs to Elites. A lot more name reconition for Elite due to that......But that is probably due to the largest Elite dealer is within 150 miles...??? IMO, Hart is not really "in" the stock trailer market and appears they don't really care to be.

When we bought our lastest Hart, compared a new 2013 Elite and a new 2012 Hart. Elite was 5k higher with a Trail Boss Conversion. Hart had Outlaw.. Needless to say, went with Hart. ...

Good luck!