Posted 2006-02-25 1:39 PM (#37804) Subject: Looking at a Trail-et, need expert opinions PLEASE
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Milwaukee,WI
Hi, I'm considering a 1988 Trail-et SST Baron II, (2 horse walk thru, bumper pull). Floor is solid, aluminum skin and fiberglass roof are perfect, and tires are almost new. There is a badly rusted area - about 1.5" high X 11" long - inside, under the window on the left back door. The steel is completely corroded, and even the frame shows heavy rust. It looks like a horse exploded on that side, window bars are bent, devider pad is shreaded. Also the left side escape door latch is inoperative, may be permanently locked. The whole mechanism is loose but you can't get the door open. Their "best price" is $3500. What do you think?
Posted 2006-02-25 2:35 PM (#37808 - in reply to #37804) Subject: RE: Looking at a Trail-et, need expert opinions PLEASE
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
1988 was the first year that trailer manufactures started to put torsion axles on the trailers,see if the trailer has springs or torsion axles. Trail-et didn't start using a rust preventive on the steel frame until the early 90's. You are only seeing the rust where you could see the steel, there is a lot more steel covered by aluminum that could be rusted. This trailer is probably more like a $2,500 trailer.
Posted 2006-02-26 2:51 PM (#37865 - in reply to #37804) Subject: RE: Looking at a Trail-et, need expert opinions PLEASE
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 333
I would steer clear of it. There are other trailers out there that would work just as well. I know it is tempting to get aluminum but you may want to look at some of the galvanized trailers to see if they would fit your needs. They are newer technologies and even tho I am a huge fan of Trailet, (I have two), I wouldn't consider that trailer at all.
Posted 2006-02-27 7:46 AM (#37901 - in reply to #37804) Subject: RE: Looking at a Trail-et, need expert opinions PLEASE
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
I had a trailet New Yorker around the same time frame. Within 3 years, it rusted around the inside at the windows and rear doors and the hinges (outside) showed rust. I'd be willing to bet that there is rust inside the walls on the frame that you just don't see. PASS!!
Looking at a Trail-et, need expert opinions PLEASE
