We are looking to buy a 4 horse with a living quarters... I was just wondering peoples opinions on some different trailers...
I know that Elite, Platinum are at the top of the trailer list...
but what do you think about Lakota, Cimmaron, Featherlite, Logan? I was just trying to decide. I want the best trailer for the money...
One dealer that I was talking to this week... (and I will not say which one, was trying to keep me away from the Elite trailers) he said that it was all over the internet that they were going out of business.... Has anybody heard this?
Posted 2012-02-10 6:51 PM (#140738 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Most folks have to make a buying decision based on their budgets. I don't know how much money you have to spend, so I can't really offer any advice. Just suggestions.
Elite, Hart, Platinum, Twister are top of the line all Aluminum trailers. They typically have custom interiors done by 3rd party customizers like Outlaw, Dreamcoach etc. They include all the amenities that anyone could ask for and are priced accordingly.
Lakota, Logan, Featherlite, Trailswest etc are mid range trailers. That often have the interior done by their own company or subordinate company. They are usually competitively built. Options are limited to generally accepted RV components. These trailers may be all aluminum, aluminum skin over steel frame, or all steel. Cabinets are often pressboard with fancy wood veneers. They offer many of the comforts of a reasonible LQ with out spending $80,000+. You can usually buy a new mid-range trailer for less money than a used top of the line trailer.
I personally couldn't ever bring myself to take out a loan for a horse trailer. So I was limited to what I could pay cash for. This left me in the mid range trailers based upon my budget. I suggest you visit some of the stock and horse showes this spring, Look at the many trailers that will be on display, visit your local dealers and make a decision that you can afford.
All of the mentioned trailers will keep you dry on a rainy night, provide a kitchen for you to cook dinner.
Posted 2012-02-10 7:56 PM (#140743 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Veteran
Posts: 218 Location: Ohio
My wife and I looked for over a year, asked people, searched on this sight and all over the internet and finally settled on a new Lakota. We ordered it the first of December and picked it up last weekend. It is everything we could have hoped for. We purchased from Cowtown USA in Cuba MO. We would have traveled most anywhere for the right price. I am stationed at Scott AFB about 2 hours away. We were fortunate as they had the best price comparing apples to apples by $3k. As for getting it custom, most everything we could have wanted Lakota would do for us. I even wanted to put a hat rack over the door that I had received for Christmas. I called Mike at Lakota and he had them put special backer board over the door to allow me to instal it. Don't be afraid to ask for something, I will be they will do it. Without looking at the $70-80K trailers, I don't think you can beat Lakota for value. We were able to get a 15ft short wall with a 6ft slide out for the price most were charging for 11-13 ft trailers without a slide. Another thing we liked was that the horse area is completely lined and insulated on all walls, ceiling and floor. We were also able to get the horse area ducted for AC so we can keep our two dogs there when we ride. The list that they helped us with is too long to write here. To wrap this up, I would buy the same trailer again in a heart beat.
Posted 2012-02-10 8:13 PM (#140746 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Pilot Point, TX
thanks for the info..... I too am on a budget, and I don't want to go over 50K.... but looking, the top of the line, you are not getting much for the 50k where with the mid you do get to get a few more options. I guess we will spend the next month or so going and looking and comparing all of the trailers and see which we really want to spend our $$$ on.... thanks again..
Posted 2012-02-11 10:47 PM (#140798 - in reply to #140743) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Detroit
I too have a 3h GN Lakota slide. the outside skin on the walls seemed to detach from the walls themselves and I took the trailer to Lakota HQ in Indiana. they were wonderful about fixing it -guess it needed more glue. I thought they handled the repair very professionally. I needed a new motor for my slide after about 3 yrs. It was not under warranty but again I took back to HQ after they gave me a far better price to repair. I have also felt that the Lakota was a very good value.
Posted 2012-02-13 2:29 PM (#140872 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Pilot Point, TX
Thanks for the input on the Lakota's. I think my husband and I are going to look at some Lakota's this weekend... It is just going to be a long process until I decide exactly what I want... but all information is appreciated....
Posted 2012-02-13 3:24 PM (#140874 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Decatur, TX
In looking at all aluminum trailers you cant go wrong with a Cimarron or Twister. They are some of the stoutest brands of aluminum trailers out there. The Cimarron for example has a hail resistant roof, insulated roof panel, the stoutest side posts in the market, and about 30% more crossmembers in their floors. Twister trailers never cut corners they want to make sure their trailer is the stoutest on the roads therefore they go above and beyond to make sure they build a strurcture that will uphold to any stress the roads and horses will put on them. With these higher grades of aluminum structures and custom interiors it will cost more than some, however you pay for what you get. You can make modifications to the trailers that will take away from the trailer strucuturally but be a little friendlier on your wallet. Please let me know if I can help in anyway. Krista, NRS Trailers (940) 393-7070
Posted 2012-02-13 9:39 PM (#140901 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Member
Posts: 47 Location: Hookerton, NC
A friend of mine has a Lakota. She bought it new and it has not held up very well. My opinion, I would buy a used top of the line trailer, before I would buy a new middle of the line. I think the new Cimmerons are better than the older ones. Even if Elite went out of business, I would still buy their trailers.... Good luck. LOOK at everyones trailer before you decide.
Posted 2012-02-14 9:29 AM (#140916 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
You can rest assured that Elite Trailers will be here for a long time. If you would like to come and see for yourself, I would be happy to take you on a plant tour. Your only a couple of hours away.
Posted 2012-02-14 10:02 AM (#140924 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I would be happy to take you on a plant tour.
That's a very generous offer Mr. Smith, and I highly recommend anyone that is considering the purchase of a trailer, to avail himself of this or similar offers by other manufacturers. Actually seeing what materials and construction details are used during the fabrication of a trailer is very educational. Not only will the experience enlighten you to help with your purchase, but your ownership as well. Being able to visit and compare a couple of manufacturing plants, is especially edifying. Knowledge is power.
Often times during the tours, you will be informed with the details of why each manufacturer believes his production is the best. Many constructions look similar, and by having particular differences explained, you will gain insight into what a quality product represents.
Many manufacturers will offer these tours if you ask. Find one nearby and take the time for a visit. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Posted 2012-02-15 11:32 AM (#141002 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Pilot Point, TX
thanks everyone for your input... I am looking at all trailers and will make a decision on what I think is best for our needs... Thanks Eric for the offer of the tour. If I am able to come that way, I will take you up on that tour!
Posted 2012-02-15 1:53 PM (#141012 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Figure out what you need then what you want. There is a difference. Keep in mind the more wants makes for a higher price. If you have a budget you can always approach a dealer with that and see how they can fit a trailer into it. Or buy used- in many cases you can get more trailer for the money. When you start asking peopletheir opinions everyone will have some problem with any make of trailer. I owned a Trails West and it was a good trailer. I now have a Exiss and its been great for me. I have had it about 8 yrs now and its still doing the job. My next trailer will be any make that fits my needs/wants and budget. I prefer all aluminum just for the rust issue we deal with here in Northern Mi.
Posted 2012-02-22 11:01 AM (#141314 - in reply to #141220) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
You might also want to look at Adam trailers. Very nicely engineered and manufactured. I have several friends that own them and they have held up very well.
Posted 2012-02-23 8:10 PM (#141373 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
You should take a serious look at Featherlite too, we are the largest and one of the oldest trailer manufacturers. One of the above mentioned us as a mid-range trailer line. Not exactly true, we have a trailer to fit almost all price points with our "Perfectfit" system. We make some of the most beautiful and well built trailers in the industry. Trailers that weekend trailriders pull 6 times a year to the professional that demands the highest quality that is on the road all year long. We have a dealer over in Decatur, Tx "Agvantage Farm & Ranch", not far from you. Feel free to contact me if I could assist you in finding the right Featherlite trailer to fit your needs!
Posted 2012-02-23 8:28 PM (#141376 - in reply to #140732) Subject: RE: 4 Horse Trailers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Looks like your getting a lot of opinons---mostly by dealers, but hey, this is a free forum.
To me, you start by determining how much your going to use it, where you will go with it, where you store it, how handy you are at fixing minor things, local dealerships and of course, budget. What is the best brand for someone sure can be the worst for someone else.
If you pull it 20k miles a year, a top of the line, all aluminum will hold it's value where a lower budgeted trailer will depreciate faster.
If you take it on narrow mountain gravel roads, you will possible want a steel trailer, say 6'6" wide max.
If stored outside 100% of the time, you would probably want the best paint (or no paint ie aluminum) you can buy, where if inside, you might be able to get by with just a sprayed on paint as example.
If you struggle in changing a light bulb,a LQ might drive you nuts. There is always something to fix no matter what type you get. More budget friendly, more possible repair issues if used.
Dealership is very, very important to me unless you can or are willing to fix it yourself. Our last one, we bought from a dealer 600 miles away. Have needed a few things repaired, but just fixed it ourselves. They are great about sending parts as needed.
If you trade often or plan on keeping it for your estate makes a lot of difference also. Just be open, educated, and opportunistic.
4 Horse Trailers
