Posted 2011-02-06 5:41 PM (#129842) Subject: Would you pay the difference?
Member
Posts: 48
I'm looking at fairly comparably equipped LQ's. Now before everyone posts that Merhow is not comparable to Elite, let me start by saying I realize that. Here's the question:Would you pay the $10-12K price difference in trailers? It is mainly apples vs. apples (each has generator, slide out, same short wall length, etc)Elite--Cowboy Classics, 1 year newer, Generac generatorMerhow--Big Horn, OnanI don't haul that often (not going to rodeos every other weekend). I'm not rich, so money is a factor, but I was curious what everyone's thoughts were...
Posted 2011-02-06 5:48 PM (#129843 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Indiana
We have an Elite (bought it used)- but the Merhow's I've seen are really nice-- If you like the Merhow and the difference is that much -- and it's apples to apples-- I would probably buy the Merhow--
Posted 2011-02-06 8:32 PM (#129850 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322 Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
I'd buy the Merhow if you feel it's in comparable shape and serve my purpose just as well. I couldn't justify the difference with myself thinking how I might need to use the money for something else in the future. I would consider if I think the amount of usage could justify the difference.
Sometimes I just have to ask myself if it's a want or a need. I purchased a different trailer within this last year myself and I really wanted a 4 Star Trailer but I dont' think I could be any happier than what I am with my Sidekick Trailer.
Posted 2011-02-07 8:11 AM (#129861 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
What is your tolerance for quality? A somewhat demanding person will not be happy except with the Elite. Get a welder or engineer with you and spend 2 hours crawling through both, and you'll see more than 10K in difference. But if you can't really see any difference other than the stickers, then roll with the cheaper one. In the options you've given us, there will be major differences in both the trailer, and the LQ. So look closely. Just my opinion.
Posted 2011-02-07 8:38 PM (#129902 - in reply to #129861) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Location: Kentucky
My friend drives an Audi A-6 and I drive a Toyota Camry. There is a lot of obvious difference in the quality, fit and finish between these cars. And yet we both safely get to work and all the other places we want to go and back home again. And I do it for a lot less invested. Am I envious of her car? Sometimes, but I'm living within my budget. Keeping up with the Jones's will cost you. If the trailer suits your needs, is safe and fits your budget, it's perfect.
Posted 2011-02-07 10:14 PM (#129906 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by arrestado on 2011-02-06 6:41 PM
I'm looking at fairly comparably equipped LQ's. Now before everyone posts that Merhow is not comparable to Elite, let me start by saying I realize that. Here's the question:Would you pay the $10-12K price difference in trailers? It is mainly apples vs. apples (each has generator, slide out, same short wall length, etc)Elite--Cowboy Classics, 1 year newer, Generac generatorMerhow--Big Horn, OnanI don't haul that often (not going to rodeos every other weekend). I'm not rich, so money is a factor, but I was curious what everyone's thoughts were...
Posted 2011-02-08 1:00 PM (#129929 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
Three years ago I purchased an ‘entry level’ (for lack of a better description) trailer. It is a 2005 3H GN with a 5’SW.As it was my first trailer, I had no complaints – it took the horses where they needed to go. My needs changed and last year I purchased a 1992 4Star 2H GN with a 3’ SW. Other than drop down windows on the 4Star, the trailers have roughly the same features. I paid nearly 2X as much for the 4 Star – and it was still a bargain. Looking through the ads, I could easily get 50% more than I paid for it. The original trailer?I MIGHT be able to get half of what we paid.I follow horse trailer prices pretty closely and one of things that has really stuck with me is how well a top quality trailer holds it value. It is the details that count – smaller hinges break, lighter duty stall latches bend, poor welds fail or they are rough and can cut the horse. Even simple things like tie rings can make a big difference – the tie rings in the first trailer are a cheap design that makes it very difficult to feed a rope through.My 4 Star feels solid, it is a breeze to tow, and I feel like my horse is much safer in it. The latches are smooth, doors and windows open easily, and there are no leaks.Everything fits together well.Is that worth the $$??To me it is.If I were on a budget (and I am) I would look for an older model Elite (or other top quality trailer) and spend money for upgrades/updates later.This way I could stay within my budget and have a high quality trailer that would have excellent resale value when the time came to sell it.
I know you purchased the Merhow, but I thought I would add my 2 cents for someone else that is looking.
Posted 2011-02-08 6:05 PM (#129944 - in reply to #129842) Subject: RE: Would you pay the difference?
Member
Posts: 48
I had my father, who has spent his life as a mechanic, read about Merhow through this website review. He also used to repair airplanes (riveting, welding, etc). After reading the review, he not only told me that I should feel good about getting the Merhow he and I had just looked at, but also that the aluminum they were using (sorry, don't remember the number) was the same as what the airplane company used. So I figure at least if it's safe enough for an airplane, I think it should do the trick for a horse trailer. That's not to say that Elite isn't superior, because it is. But I made the decision to save the money. And I will post what I think about it! BTW, my last trailer was a 4-Star with an Outlaw interior, so I will be able to tell the difference regarding the "little" things.
Would you pay the difference?
arrestado - I look forward to reading your review of your new trailer.