I do not own nor do I have particular models picked out yet, but I am seeking opinions on aluminum trailers that can generally be found in the NW.  I can say I'm looking toward gooseneck, up to 4 horse and prefer 7'6" interior height. 

There is a SilverLite plant in Oregon, but I see they have steel as part of the construction.  What is the plus/minus of such construction? 

I also see Exiss and FeatherLites for sale in this area.  How do Keiffers and Logans compare?  Are some of those all aluminum construction?  Which one is safer between the SilverLite, Exiss, Featherlite, Keiffer and Logan and why?

Do all horse trailers have shocks on them (is this what torsion axles are designed to do?)?  I ask this because I read about them on the Brenderup review.

I'm trying to narrow down my search and understand the strong and weak points of each trailer manufacturer near my area (the NW).  Does the year of construction matter or is horse trailer construction pretty consistent between horse trailer model years?

What is the general weight difference between an aluminum and steel trailer?  How well do steel trailers resist rust now-a-days?

Thank you for your time.

Which is safer? Who knows, everybody has an opinion. Just look at the Kiefer or Sundowner thread.

Yes the torsion axles are shock absorbers.

As far as differences between years, I can only comment on personal experience. 2000 and 2001 Kiefers did have a problem with their doors because of the change in treated plywoods. The new stuff eats metal. A lot of people, including the wood distributors were caught off guard by this.

Spend some time visiting each manufacturers web sites. Go visit dealers, go to shows, trail heads, campgrounds, where ever horse people gather. Look at trailers. Talk to those that own them, they are usually willing to tell you the good and sometimes the bad about their trailers.

The main thing is find the trailer that works for you. We all have different wants and needs as well as price limits.

Good luck!

Edited by genebob 2009-07-01 10:37 PM

There are ass many opinions as there are people on this websites.

They are all good mid range trailers.  I looked at Exiss, Featherlite and Kiefer and I bought a Logan.  Would one of the previous have worked for me?  Absolutley, but I so some features that I liked on the Logan, so I bought the Logan. Not that I felt they were better built, or had a better warranty, it was just simple convienence items, ( Like jailbird dividers, a built in jiffy jack,  drop windows on both head and curb, built in window screens etc)  There is a review on this website of Logan.  Since the reiview they have since been bought out by Titan Trailers this past March. Titan says they will keep Logan as it's own brand and use the same designs. You will have to decide if you believe that and what their future holds.

I've had all aluminum trailers and the Logan is a steel frame with an aluminum skin. Unless you are paying for a premium trailer, I'm not sure there is enough difference between the two designs. Some folks talk about salt causing steel to rust. I live by the Great Salt Lake and Utah doesn't sand the roads in the winter They Salt the roads because of the abundance of salt. And I have not rust problems on the new Logan models that have the aluminum skin with steel frame.  Maybe if I kept my trailer 20-25 years I might.  But I'm not seeing problems on mine or other 4-5 year old trailers.

Look at each of the brands. Decide what features  you must have, what features would be nice and what feature you don't care for.  Tally up your list and go shopping for that trailer. I personally like a 7'6" tall trailer. But I sleep in the gooseneck bunk a lot.  I would like an 8 foot trailer, But the Logan 7'3" wide has been better than most of the 6'9 to 6'11" other trailers I looked at.  Look at  interior, load, & tack room lights.  Look at the doors, the hinges, the latch mechanisms, and how they hold the doors open.  Is there is a built in screen door on the Dressing Room. What is the floor made of inside the horse compartment. I like Rumber, but the Logans used Aluminum Planks coated in a special rubber product called Vortex. Kind of a Bedliner product.  It has held up well in my trailer.

Have fun shopping, Buy one you can afford, and buy one you are proud to pull behind you.

Is there anything to look out for when looking at a trailer that combines steel and aluminum such as the Silverlite? 

When a trailer manufacturer says "all aluminum," does that mean 100% aluminum or do all manufacturers have some steel?

I will print out specs from different manufacturers for comparison.  What I think I really need to find out is what the basic trailer is for each manufacturer I'm considering, then figure out what's an "upgrade." 

Thanks for any input.

Also, bear in mind that one manufacturer 's premium line is usually better than their more economy line,  so sometimes when looking trailers, make certain you see both types before passing judgement on a manufacturer.

We have a Sundowner bp, CM gn, and Exiss with LQ.  All have been super trailers and serve their purposes very well.

Most of the things mentioned are good points,but,are really the design of the conversion company,not the actual trailer manufacturer.

Keep in mind when looking at each "basic" model, not all will be the same with the standard equipment. The best route to take is figure out exactly what equipment is important for you and have the trailers priced accordingly. That way you are comparing apples to apples.

Thank you for the advice and for the information.

In the Pacific NW, I have not seen many Eby, Elite or 4 Star trailers.  I do see a lot of Exiss and Featherlites, a fair number of Sundowners, and about equal numbers of other trailers (Silverlite, Trails West, Logan Coach...).

I do think I will stay away from the aluminum clad steel.  How do aluminum trailer manufacturers avoid problems with using steel on parts for the coupler and axle?

I was trying to read the warranty for the Exiss and Featherlite trailers, but could not find it on line.  I was able to read the Silverlite warranty on their website.  Do all manufacturers have about the same warranty?

Thanks!

Thank you.  I will search through the forums and also on line.  You're right - I'd rather not have the failures - but if something were to happen, I'd like to know there would be a warranty to back up repairs.