I've been searching for a used gooseneck that is safe and fits my economy budget... unfortunately I haven't been overly succesful. But I have had some dealers mention that I could get a new economy trailer (bumper pull) for about the same price (5k budget). My question to you knowledgeable people... Are there certain "economy" trailers that are better made than others? or better priced? thank you!
Posted 2006-05-19 3:51 PM (#41987 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: Nebraska
You might check here it's a bit of a drive but I got a decent new steel 3 horse slant w/ dressing bumper pull for under 5g last summer. No complaints. It's about an hour closer for me each way but I thought it was worth it. http://www.goosenecktrailer.com/ & they had about 3x the selection on hand of all the dealers in the omaha/Lincoln area combined.
Posted 2006-05-19 3:58 PM (#41988 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Lavaca, Alabama
Last July, I bought a brand new two horse gooseneck with dressing room and rear tack for 5100 from Ponderosa Trailers in Arkansas. I had to go get it, but it was worth it for the price. These trailers have been discussed on here many times with both positive and negative comments. But, they are definitely safe in my opinion and economical. Mine pulled great - all the parts worked well. Since I bought it new, there were none of the suprises you can run into with a used trailer. The two horse is not a standard model, so they made one for me to my specs. Prices may have gone up some since last summer.
Posted 2006-05-19 7:04 PM (#41998 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by ArabHorseLover on 2006-05-19 4:28 PM
I've been searching for a used gooseneck that is safe and fits my economy budget... unfortunately I haven't been overly succesful. But I have had some dealers mention that I could get a new economy trailer (bumper pull) for about the same price (5k budget). My question to you knowledgeable people... Are there certain "economy" trailers that are better made than others? or better priced? thank you!
Hi and Welcome to the Forum.
You can certainly get new bumper-pulls for under $5K, well under.
I'll try not to spark yet another steel vs aluminum rat hole, but steel is the way to go if you're trying to keep initial price down. I don't think you'll find a new trailer that is UN safe, as long as there is nothing loose or missing and you use it properly. I looked at Ponderosa a few years ago (not for horses) and for the price I think they make a very good trailer, not premium, but not premium priced. Just wash out the inside after every use, keep on top of minor scratches to stay ahead of any rust and I think you'd be well satisfied.
Posted 2006-05-19 8:57 PM (#42002 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Regular
Posts: 76
I am getting a 2 horse slant bumper pull trailer made by calico brand new for under $5,000. I have looked at both new and used and what i can afford and cant and i also considered how much i would use the trailer. And my trailer will sit longer then i use it. So i decided to get a lower end trailer. I plan on washing it out after everyuse and wax/washing it regularly. And considering that i haul cattle too, i didn't want an expensive horse trailer for them to kick the crap out of. And i didn't want to spend $10,000 on a expensive horse trailer that i will only use less then 15times a year.
I know someone with a ponderosa and they had it delivered from the factory for under $5,000. They love it, it works great for them and they havent had problems with it.
Posted 2006-05-23 2:41 PM (#42161 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Regular
Posts: 57 Location: Red Wing, MN
I appreciate everyone's input. Unfortunately, the Ponderosa's seem to be hard to come by (I found 2 dealers in MN and neither had anything in stock). Anyone familiar with Titans? Otherwise if you have other brands you can recommend, I'd appreciate it. I'm beginning to get overwhelmed/frustrated... I just want the perfect trailer to show up and I'll write the check. I'm the same way when I buy cars. ha!
Posted 2006-05-23 7:59 PM (#42178 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Member
Posts: 47 Location: Kress, Texas
Of the three you have listed, the Chaparrel is the only brand I am familiar with. I bought a NEW Chaparrel in 2004 and paid $6000 for it. I just traded it in this last weekend, and was given what that 1995 is selling for.
I would look into a new one. I really liked it. It was light weight, 3-horse gooseneck (3300# approx.). Pulled nice. I added a bunch to mine, I got it just the way I liked it, finally, and decided we really needed a larger trailer.
Posted 2006-05-23 8:37 PM (#42181 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
WW and CM also.I've had both.Good low end trailers.CM a little better on quality.My first tailer was a WW bumber pull stock trailer.4 horse with center divider.Never a issue.Normal rust etc.Used the heck out of it for 6 years or so.
Posted 2006-05-24 10:24 AM (#42209 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Veteran
Posts: 182
I have a titan renegrade II 3 h gooseneck. Love it but I am needing to get a bigger trailer to put a vis a vis and a horse in. The one I have I can't them both in there. I will most likely have it for sale this fall, if you are interested. It is finished off in the tack area. Asking 10k. pics are at: http://www.debknudson.freewebspace.com/photo2.html
I am located in south east nd about 15 miles from mn border.
Posted 2006-05-24 10:34 AM (#42210 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
If there are several dealers in the area, go and spend time looking at the trailers. Look at the welds, windows, screws, floor, hinges, close the doors, close the dividers, look underneath, really check the trailers out. It's very easy to see differences and figure out which looks better to you. I spend a day with a friend in Ocala and we hit at least 20 trailer places. I was amazed at the differences and was impressed how you could see that you get what you pay for with trailers. Another option is go to a horse show or campground and people love to show you their trailer. They also love to tell you what is good/bad about the trailers. You can learn alot.
Posted 2006-05-24 1:47 PM (#42218 - in reply to #41985) Subject: RE: Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: Montevallo AL
We used our 3H slant Chaparral BP pretty hard, and never had even the slightest issue with it. Paid 4400 in 2000, sold it for 3600 in 2005. Not shabby.
We kept ours in the barn, so that did delay/discourage rusting, but I found it to be a simple, solid trailer.
Go to horse shows and walk around and look at trailers. I've never met a soul that wasn't eager/willing to talk about their trailer, warts and all
Economical but safe trailer mfgs?
