I want a new trailer so badly, but with the economy the way it is and the price of diesel it is hard for me to buy one. My current trailer fits #1. It is not great, but gets the job done. I cannot see making payments on a new trailer, and not being able to pull it as I don't have the money to fill up my truck. I barely am hauling now. Diesel keeps going up, my hauling may even get more limited, if that is possible.

I made this post...But, let me take a stab at it...Want input please...

1-Bloomer... 2-4 Star... 3-Platinum... 4-C & C... 5-Tie;Merhow/Dream Coach

1. CN Norstar

2. Elite

3. 4 Star

4.Platinum

5.Hart

LOL, I can't see Bloomer in the top five for the "average" trail rider!!! But I'll name the five I see the most often  at the trail heads and horse camps...in order of most frequently seen

1. Sundowner  2. Featherlite  3. KieferBuilt  4.  Bison  5. 4 Star

I have a 2005 Hart 3hr slant with 6' sw.  I would not trade it for anything else.  I recently had WERM put in which makes me love it more. 

The ceiling is insulated even in the horse area with three vents above each stall and drop downs on the front.  It is always cool.  I have really been surprised how cool it is even in Texas. 

My vote goes to Hart.  What great value for the money.

OK, I'll give this shot.........................

Top Five at the local trailhead.

1.Ponderosa/Bonanza

2.WW

3.Kiefer

4.Exiss

5.Sundowner

Top 5 at NCHA or PRCA event.

1. Free or Reduced due to sponsorships.

2. Bloomer

3. 4-Star

4. Elite

5. C&C

Two completely different applications will result in two completely different lists. The best trailer for you is the one that serves it's purpose/purposes, best for you.

Here's the top 5 in structural quality only, and this is coming straight from the engineers who design them.  I'm sure there are several other options on each that would make a buyer prefer one over the other.

1.  Platinum

2.  C&C

3.  4-Star

4.  Elite

There is no #5, they are pretty similar - Bloomer, Norstar etc.

Of course their own engineers are going to say that they are the best. They would be foolish not to. To say otherwise would be to question their own ability as an engineer.

I think this has to be the most difficult question to ask - but as said, it really depends on your personal preferences. I am not an authority on this matter so will not post my top 5, but would like to know if Cherokee would come into this equasion... (I know they are not big producers, so their numbers are not that big - but I believe their quality vs price is very good) ????????

I'm not quite sure what you mean by LQ trailers, but my definition is a min.8' LQ w/shower, tiolet, A/C, refrig. Resale is not very good on older steel trailrs w/ LQ's as rust and wood always needs repairs, so they'd be on my bottom of any list.  My opinion is based on the alum. brands I watched over the  years, including purchase price and resale value after they are traded/sold to the next owner, kinda like John Deere tractors, it's all about resale). I think you can mix these 5 up a little and still be OK.

1.Platinum  2. C&C  3.Elite  4. 4 -Star  5.Hart/Bloomer

If you want a trailer to just sleep in and be close to mother nature, and don't have much $$ to spend: Calico ,Bonanza, Ponderosa Delta, Chaparrel,etc. will do.

I think your top five depends on what your use is going to be and what part of the country you live in.  For example, I've heard great things about Jamco and Eby but have never seen one.  And the dealer in the area would greatly sway my opinion of a trailer.

My 4 Star is a great trailer, but there are things that I would change in a flash about it.  I don't think Keiffer would make my top 5 though, and Merhow probably would.  Just my experience based on my part of the country and my use and experiences.