I'd like to get a 2H straight load GN with dressing room Warmblood size. I'm told that 4Star is top of the line but this trailer in 4Star is around 25k. Obviously I want something that will last and is well built and safe but 25k seems pricey.Are there other brands I should look at? Exiss? Featherlite? Eby? Sundowner (I've heard bad things about SD in the past)Thanks.
Posted 2015-01-03 5:30 AM (#162221 - in reply to #162217) Subject: RE: 2H straight Load Gooseneck - Brands?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
In the current market just about every brand makes a 2H SL XXL model. You will need to find what brands are serviced by your local repair shops. It never fails that something goes wrong just before your long haul/big show and must be fixed ASAP. Every brand has slight differences and then more variations in each level/line/price point inside that brand. Make a list of what your wants/needs/deal breakers are and shop accordingly. One of my deal breakers is the ramp, if I can't operate it with one hand then it won't work. Sometimes you just have to hold the horse in one hand and get the trailer opened with the other. I personally would want a WHITE interior and I'd want mats that I could drag out without help for cleaning. While shopping you need to see/touch as many trailers as possible to remind you what works for you. In an XXL trailer can you reach the roof vents? Are the butt/breast bars able to be released if your horse climbs out over them, or sits on the butt bar? Will you have enough ventilation for the summer months? My biggest beef with all straight loads are the lack of vents. Make sure you get tie rings on the front wall to tie your hay bag. I like having them near the center front wall so that they are not flopping out of the escape doors when I'm shutting the trailer up. When it comes down to it, pick a brand that you like and can have repaired as locally as possible...it will make life much easier! Good luck and take your time!
Posted 2015-01-04 10:52 AM (#162233 - in reply to #162217) Subject: RE: 2H straight Load Gooseneck - Brands?
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Michigan
I had a sundowner straight load for ten years that i absolutely loved. It was one of the problem ones but from what i understand yhe problems have been rectified. When i was looking to replace it last summer my choice came down to a hawk or a 4star. The 4 star proved to be out of my price range so i was going with the hawk until I came across a very lightly used merhow that suited my needs. The merhow is also very well built. Had friends with a featherlite and the welds on the frame failed in a few different places.
Posted 2015-01-06 5:18 AM (#162244 - in reply to #162217) Subject: RE: 2H straight Load Gooseneck - Brands?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
No dealers close isn't a big deal, but do you have a welding shop around that will weld Aluminum? If the answer is no then buying a trailer made out of material that no one will repair isn't a good move. Every trailer needs some repairs. If you don't have anything close you might try calling around the East coast. You'd be delighted to know how popular these types of trailers are there. Finding a new or even used one from Ohio east shouldn't be difficult at all. I've sent people from Texas over to Florida to buy trailers, best spring break ever! Just make sure that your local welding shops will be comfortable fixing the trailer you buy. Places that repair semi-trucks might have welders trained in Aluminum fabrication if you get in a bind.
2H straight Load Gooseneck - Brands?
