Posted 2013-04-27 2:31 PM (#151588) Subject: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Vermont
Hi, I'm looking for a 2-horse straight load bumper pull with a ramp and no dressing room and it has to have windows in the front so I can see the horses' ears in my rearview for peace of mind. I've narrowed it down to the Kingston Classic Standard or Elite, the Cotner Royal, or the Hawk 2 Horse BP Walkthrough Classic. Does anyone have experience with any of these who can comment? I can't seem to find good reviews anywhere. Thanks! Oh, I live in northern New England and tow 2 Morgans to trail rides, Skijoring events, little stuff like that. No huge horses, long shows or cross-country trips. I just want simple but comfortable, SAFE, and well made. Thanks!
Posted 2013-04-28 2:09 AM (#151595 - in reply to #151588) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Skijor on 2013-04-27 2:31 PM<BR><BR>Hi, I'm looking for a 2-horse straight load bumper pull with a ramp and no dressing room and it has to have windows in the front so I can see the horses' ears in my rearview for peace of mind. I've narrowed it down to the Kingston Classic Standard or Elite, the Cotner Royal, or the Hawk 2 Horse BP Walkthrough Classic. Does anyone have experience with any of these who can comment? I can't seem to find good reviews anywhere. Thanks! Oh, I live in northern New England and tow 2 Morgans to trail rides, Skijoring events, little stuff like that. No huge horses, long shows or cross-country trips. I just want simple but comfortable, SAFE, and well made. Thanks!<img src=HTTP://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/emoticons/icon_smile.gif border=0>
I've had an older Kingston and it was bulletproof..in fact, two of our friends have been owners of said trailer..and it is still hauling horses....:). Our friends have a Hawk and it has served them well, and even borrowed it to deliver a horse to a barn down by GMHA but back on the MUD ROADS...no problems other than washing of the undercarriage before I returned it to them...:). Pick the one with the best deal and you should be happy...:)
Posted 2013-04-28 10:03 PM (#151630 - in reply to #151588) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
Veteran
Posts: 201 Location: Lincoln, NE
My experience was with a Hawk 2H GN slant with weekender quarters. The trailer was extremely well engineered and made, easy to haul and the horses seemed to like it. With the fiberglass roof the interior of the horse area was amazingly cool even on warm days. It had plenty of windows with screens - both sides and rear door. There was a full-sized escape door off of the first stall and a walk-thru from horse area to lqs.
My only knock was that my big TWH found the slant stall to be a tight squeeze. Fortunately we didn't have long hauls but it would have been nice for him to have more room.
I'd buy another Hawk in a minute but would get the straight load either BP or GN.
I'm not familiar with the other two trailers but think you would be happy with a Hawk.
Posted 2013-04-29 10:51 AM (#151656 - in reply to #151630) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Vermont
Thank you both for your replies!I have to say, my riding instructor as a kid had a Kingston and that's pretty much exactly what I'm looking for now, but looking at the Kingston site, it seems at least from the pics that they've cheapened out a bit? (No padding on the walls, butt or chest bars, fewer options than other brands seem to offer,etc.). On the other hand, the Hawk Trailers website is impressive and just about has me convinced to go with them, so I'm glad to hear both of you had good experiences with Hawk. I like that you can customize a trailer for yourself too, with all the options you want, not paying for the stuff you don't want and can even customize the accent color! I'm pretty sure that's the winner, now I just have to choose a good dealer... Thanks again!
Posted 2013-04-29 11:32 AM (#151659 - in reply to #151656) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
Veteran
Posts: 201 Location: Lincoln, NE
Risa, owner of Happy Trails Trailers in South Carolina, is a good person to deal with if you want a Hawk. Check out her website. She's very helpful. Maybe you can find an ethical dealer nearer to you but if not she might be a good place to start. When I dealt with her she thought nothing of sending Dave all the way to Nebraska to pick up and transport my trailer to the factory. I can't think Vermont is any further away from South Carolina than Nebraska.
You should be able to find her on the web with the help of the Hawk dealership locator or maybe just Google. Good luck in your search for a trailer.
Posted 2013-04-29 2:04 PM (#151661 - in reply to #151659) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Vermont
I will definitely check them out, thanks! I read on another post that you shouldn't pay any attention to where a trailer dealer is located because any good one will deliver a trailer anywhere in the country. So I'm all about finding one with a good reputation in case I have questions or need something later on, who also has reasonable prices and is good to work with. Thanks for the tip!
Posted 2013-05-06 2:18 PM (#151811 - in reply to #151588) Subject: RE: Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Stowe, VT
Are you still looking for a trailer. I just posted a 2003 Kingston 2 horse bumper pull on Craigs List. Take a look at it. I will take best offer. Let me know if you have questions. It is a great trailer and in excellent condition.
Kingston, Cotner, or Hawk?
