Posted 2012-05-01 10:36 PM (#143597) Subject: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Member
Posts: 5
I can't afford an aluminum trailer so I have to settle for steel. I'm in need of a gooseneck stock/horse/combo and want to know which brand is least likely to rust bad and be easy to pull and not too heavy.
Posted 2012-05-01 11:08 PM (#143598 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Veteran
Posts: 155 Location: North Salem, IN
I own a 2000 Titan 4 horse Renegade trailer and can say it has been a great trailer! I'm like you in that I wanted an aluminum trailer, but bought what I could afford at the time. I bought my trailer used in 2003. It's now 12 years old, and holding up very well. I have not had the first instance of a manufacturer defect or problem. The only issues I have had were self inflicted. The trailer pulls very well, although it is a bit heavy. I have probably put over 25,000 miles on this trailer and no complaints at all. No rust issues and the paint is holding up well. All in all, I'm very pleased with my Titan steel trailer.
Posted 2012-05-03 6:43 AM (#143641 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Veteran
Posts: 282 Location: southcentral pennsylvania
Stidham......bought my first in 1970 used, sold 21 years later for what I paid for it. Bought second sight unseen from factory in 1991, sold for almost what I paid for it about 2005, for larger model, which I ordered via phone, and drove to factory to pick up. About 2007 they switched to manufacturing all aluminium. I heard they stopped horse trailer manufacturing, but still have website. Totally awesome trailer, and I have been a happy owner for 32 years and counting. Never had a leak, or other problems with any of the trailers. VERY well made, AND they stand the test of time!
Posted 2012-05-05 12:25 AM (#143700 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Amber_n_tx on 2012-05-01 10:36 PMI can't afford an aluminum trailer so I have to settle for steel. I'm in need of a gooseneck stock/horse/combo and want to know which brand is least likely to rust bad and be easy to pull and not too heavy.
You don't state a location...but if you are in the Northeast you will find that ALL steel trailers rust...your job is to minimize it...
Posted 2012-05-05 8:24 AM (#143703 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Decatur, TX
I believe that the Trails West Trailers are the toughest steel trailers out there. They have triple wall protection (vs a single steel sheeted wall). They are electro-gavanneal steel, but the big perk to the Trails West is they have an aluminum roof and fenders and on top everything else they have a paint process on their trailers that are out of this world! With general maintenace (just like any other trailer) these trailers will last! They also make a steel frame aluminum skin model to help with weight!
Posted 2012-05-06 11:26 AM (#143726 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Regular
Posts: 83 Location: Minnesota
I'm not a dealer of any trailers, but I'll back up the positive things said about the Trails West. We're on our second one and have always been very happy with the quality of the paint. It takes some maintanance to keep it shiney and rust free, but even in Minnesota climate the trailers hold up well. I'm not saying Trails West are the very best because I'm not aware of some of the other steel trailers ... only that they are better than the other steel trailers I've checked out when shopping. They are mid-range priced trailers, well built with a lot of added value features. When the time comes, I will buy another one unless some other brand in my price range shows up as a better value.
Posted 2012-05-06 5:20 PM (#143732 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
i have a 2004 Titan Avalanche 3H gooseneck, with 4' shortwall dressing room that I insulated and built out. Like you, I had a small budget and needed something my F150 could haul. It is built with galvanized steel panels.
I've had a few minor issues (handle on a roof vent broke); rubber/plastic lower walls in trailer area have popped some plastic fasteners, but nothing major other than self-inflicted damage.
I have had a ceiling vent/skylight installed and a window installed in the DR door. No problems whatsoever. I've redone the roof seams/caulk myself (5'4" and I qualify for senior discount on meals).
I think the best combination is galvanized steel frame, walls & fiberglass roof if you can find a trailer like that. Much cooler and lighter weight.
Posted 2012-05-08 9:19 PM (#143822 - in reply to #143597) Subject: RE: What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
I still own my 1974 Circle J. lol But I am pretty impressed with the Trails West trailer I now have. I bought one as I had liked a used one my friend bought, and found it to be pretty tough to our camping adventures
What is the most durable steel trailer brand?
