Posted 2013-08-16 10:00 AM (#154044) Subject: Shopping for my first trailer
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Redmond, OR
I'm shopping for my first trailer. I want a 2-horse slant bumper pull with bars and dropdown windows. I am hoping to find a used one with steel frame and aluminum skin of fairly recent vintage. So many different brands, it's confusing. How would you stack-rank the various brands? Any recommendations?
Posted 2013-08-16 10:10 AM (#154045 - in reply to #154044) Subject: RE: Shopping for my first trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Look for a trailer that the manufacturer makes their own drop down feed doors; in other words, stay away from the black rubber surround glass type after market drop downs. Most companies that make their own feed doors, also make their own drop down aluminum face guards; and they'll be heavier made than the after markets. The hinges will usually be welded, if aluminum; or riveted if stainless steel hinges. This type of trailer has a lot of longevity; and will hold their value longer than lower dollar makes.
Posted 2013-08-16 3:11 PM (#154055 - in reply to #154044) Subject: RE: Shopping for my first trailer
Member
Posts: 16
Location: missouri
I advise measuring the length of the stalls to be sure they are long enough for your horses to be comfortable. I recently looked at some lower priced steel trailers whose slant stalls were only 84 inches long. IMHO this just does not allow enough room. Most straight loads allow about 120" for a horse stall. When I was shopping I watched for plastic latches in horse areas, neatness of the welds, how solid the doors & hold backs were. I came to the conclusion some of these newer trailers that claim light weights have lots of cheaper points, such as smaller light duty tires. At least if you get a used one you will see how it's held up. I don't know if you can go by brand name alone as they seem to be offering intro models in the more expensive brands now.
Posted 2013-08-18 12:36 AM (#154079 - in reply to #154044) Subject: RE: Shopping for my first trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I think Logan offers a nice one. They have many different floor plans and many different sizes. (meaning warmblood size too)Which I would definitely get extra tall and wide as you can never have enough room. Do NOT let the dealer tell you, "yes...your horse will fit in this."
Posted 2013-08-18 3:22 AM (#154080 - in reply to #154044) Subject: RE: Shopping for my first trailer
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
In the west Charmac builds a very nice well built trailer. Our first trailer was a 2 place slant with tackroom. Then our herd grew:) My advise if you can find a three horse to suit your needs- buy it- the extra room is nice and your never know if your herd may grow at sometime / wink /
Shopping for my first trailer
