Am looking for a 3-horse stock-type trailer, preferably a gooseneck.  I haul over really bad roads and have limited turn-around space.  Am leaning toward a steel trailer assuming it would hold up better than aluminum.  I live in Arizona and Colorado so rust isn't a big issue.  The CM 16' Drover is a possibility

Does anyone have experience with durability on this trailer?  Pros/cons?  Can anyone recommend what trailer I should buy?

I don't frequent fairgrounds or rodeo grounds. Most of my riding is done in the mountains.

I've drug numerous trailers down forest service and BLM roads. I've not hauled cattle so I can't speak for that type of ranch work. But I have hauled a lot of horses down some pretty nasty roads.

It's understated that a smaller trailer is easier to get around with. Longer trailers cut the corners, it's harder to avoid rocks and ruts on the bad roads. When the truck has to turn because the road bends, but often the trailer will turn into a hillside or tree. My trailer does have lots of scratches down the sides from branches and I've pulled off a few flood lights of the side of the trailer. Ladders and Hay racks also catch a lot of branches.

I pull a 4 horse gooseneck.  It' s a pretty big trailer.  I often have to just crawl down the roads at 5 mph. I keep a shovel, small sledge to bust rocks, and a chain saw in the truck in case I have to widen or clear out any obsticles.

The road I drove this weekend isn't  terrible rough. But it is narrow in places and no room to pass. It's a steep grade and that we have to just grind out way up. There is no turning around.

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/Painted-Horse/2010/Dugway2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/Painted-Horse/2010/Dugwaydown.jpg[/IMG]

Bottem line is I think you can get a lot of different types of trailers down a lot of rough roads. Not all roads. But a lot of roads if you will come prepared to deal with obsticles along the trail. LQ don't do well. You tear off the holding tanks. The vibrations and shaking of a rough realy are hard on the interior of those trailers.  Stuff falls out of the cabinets, nails work loose etc. If you plan drive a lot of rough roads. Buy a simple trailer, the smaller the better.

Thanks so much for your advice.  I think you're right on the money with this one.  The trailer I have now is an old two steel 2 horse that's built like a tank.  It's held up so well on these bad roads and we can pull it anywhere.  Am scared to death that like with most new things, any new trailer won't be as well built as the one I've got.  But, I now need a 3-horse and it is time to replace my old one...rust, etc.

Will certainly take your advice!

Mary

One thing you can consider if you are purchasing a new trailer, is the installation of upgraded axles. Many two horse and lightweight three horse trailers have 3500# axles. For a nominal amount, ~$700, most manufacturers will upgrade to 5200# axles. As a bonus, depending on the fender configuration, 16" tires and "D" or "E" range wheels and tires can be installed.

This will give you a little more ground clearance, along with much more capacity and durability.

Great info!  I will upgrade axles and tires.  Thank you so much.

Mary