Posted 2013-12-24 12:12 AM (#156367) Subject: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Member
Posts: 20
So I thought for sure I wanted a gooseneck. Have since decided to go 2h bumper pull and camp in the tack room, and perhaps eventually do a camper on the truck.I looked at a '96 Trails West today -- totally functional but didn't excite me. Loud and rattley in the horse compartment, needed a little cleaning up. In the $5-6k range. Well maintained, but perhaps I'm spoiled by my barn owners 3h new Trails West Classic.Have tried looking at lightly used trailers, maybe 2005 and newer. Seems the savings aren't that drastic compared to new.Dealer happens to have a new 2012 Sierra II with mangers, tack room options, and basically everything I want. I'd be getting it right at or just below cost ($14k, Canadian).I'm having a hard time chalking up the cash. I'm cheap, but I know if I buy a trailer, they hold their value pretty decently and I'd be getting exactly what I want.Then again, what I want seems to be changing? I love the storage of the mangers, and my 15.2 PMU mutt will haul well in whatever I put him in. On the other hand, mangers eat up a little bit of stall space. Or I could order a Classic with mangers (or without).Any insight?
Posted 2013-12-24 11:32 AM (#156379 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Watertown, TN
Unless you need the truck bed for other things, I would stick with the GN. I've had both through the years and don't think I would ever go back to BP. The ease of handling, turning, stability on the road and the extra storage over the hitch (even in a stock trailer)are all pluses for the GN for me.
Posted 2013-12-24 7:08 PM (#156385 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Member
Posts: 20
Thanks for the replies -- I just have no idea what I want and am SO indecisive!
I can get the BP 2h trails west sierra II, loaded, $14,250.
Or the Circle J 7'6 tall BP straight load all aluminum for 11,450.
Or the Circle J 7'6 tall GN, slant load, steel frame aluminum skin for $13,000.
I think the trails west is the "nicest" trailer of the three. I think the GN would be the nicest to haul, and I think the straight haul circle j is probably the best value.
I know I just need to pull the trigger, I'll be happy regardless. I did originally want the gooseneck for the reasons listed, they just seem so big.
Posted 2013-12-24 8:44 PM (#156386 - in reply to #156385) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Monroe, WA
My vote is GN, they haul so much better! You can camp in the trailer and have the truck available for day runs as needed. A camper on the truck, feels top heavy and I HATED putting it on and off. But then some people love their camper and BP. Have you pulled a GN or BP on the freeway on a windy day?
Posted 2013-12-24 10:34 PM (#156389 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Member
Posts: 20
I haven't pulled a GN, only a BP. I have pulled on the highway, and I hate windy days.
To clarify, I wouldn't do a camper anytime soon. Both BP's have upgraded tack rooms where I'd add a fold down cot or extended bench for myself to sleep.
I think I could make any of the 3 quite comfortable for myself. The GN is certainly more comfortable, and leaves it open for the boyfriend to come to events. His current plan was to pitch our tent/camp at events when he joins me. In the future, he may do horse camping with me too.
I honestly think I could be satisfied with any of the 3. I'm wondering if going steel frame with aluminum to go with the GN is better than all aluminum BP.
Posted 2013-12-25 5:40 AM (#156390 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Go with the GN. You will NOT regret the purchase. After the first 15 minutes of towing a GN, you will begin to enjoy the stable ride it provides, both in cross winds and oncoming truck traffic and while traveling various road surfaces. You can back up without fear of jackknifing the rig and creating expensive damage. The interior is far more voluminous, can be heated or cooled, and can afford a sleeping platform for two or more people in comfort.
The GN trailers also have a good resale value. Usually their higher initial cost is recouped when it is sold.
Posted 2013-12-27 2:10 PM (#156426 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Veteran
Posts: 218 Location: Ohio
If you are going to have one trailer, make it a goose neck. Value, room, safety, and ease of travel are just the most obvious reasons. The only way I would have a BP is for a second around town trailer for day trips because you can get one cheaper or if I had a vehicle that would not pull a GN. Otherwise, no question, get the GN!
Posted 2013-12-31 9:11 AM (#156525 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Member
Posts: 25 Location: dripping springs, TX
Get a GN trailer. I payed $7000 for a 4 horse, living quarters, everything worked, 8' shortwall, Trails West. Love it. I know you can never have to much space. We do endurance riding and we use all the space. Camping in front of the bumper pull might be really tight.
Posted 2014-01-03 11:38 PM (#156644 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Member
Posts: 20
Update: I took the plunge and bought at gooseneck!A 2013 Circle J 2h slant GN. I couldn't be happier. Drove home 3 hours in stop and go rush hour traffic, then the dark in a rainstorm. I didn't even realize it was windy until I noticed the trees were blowing around like crazy. The trailer hauled very stable, I'm very happy I followed the advice to get the GN. My truck is a crew cab long box with a huge turn radius, so it's taking some getting used to in maneuvering it (compared to a BP, it takes way longer to turn in reverse!), but I feel very confident pulling this set up :)http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/allymrtn/truckandtrailer_zps15518856.jpghttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/allymrtn/trailergn2_zps3561cfe4.jpgNow to get it set up inside!
Posted 2014-01-04 6:39 AM (#156653 - in reply to #156367) Subject: RE: Buying my first trailer -- help?
Veteran
Posts: 218 Location: Ohio
Very nice trailer. Looks almost exactly like our first trailer. We loved it and pulled it all over TX. We built a boot box in the dressing room, put an air mattress in the gooseneck, installed and AC unit in the roof vent and wired it all for shore power. A small dorm fridge and microwave and it was a perfect weekender as well. Very adaptable. The electric line we ran into the boot box and put in a breaker box and then had the duplex plugs on the outside of the boot box.
Buying my first trailer -- help?
