Bison Stratus Express-2009 (new) 10 ft sw, 3 horse, 8 ft wide/mangers
Cimarron VP-2008 (new) 9 ft sw, 3 horse, 8 ft wide/mangers
Hubby and I went to look at trailers this weekend and I am glad we did. The Cimarron is built better but the Bison has alot more options and room. The Cimarron is about $4,000 more than the Bison. We will more than likely be keeping this trailer for a quite a while.......frustrated....My gut is telling me the Cimarron but hubby likes the Bison for the comforts.
Posted 2009-05-03 5:44 PM (#104391 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
Member
Posts: 15
Location: NH
Besides the evident construction superiority of the Cimarron vs. the Bison, you may want to consider that Bison is a bankrupt company; therefore there is no warranty from the manufacturer, and who knows how it will affect the resale value in years to come.
Posted 2009-05-03 6:11 PM (#104393 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 15
Location: NH
In the case of Chrysler, the government is backing the warranty, after considerable investment. To date, although there is a buyer for Monaco Coach, they have not indicated they will re-start the Bison company. Individual dealers may offer to warranty their customer's trailers, but as previously stated on this forum, the manufacturer itself cannot. Some repair facilities and dealers have had difficulty obtaining parts for Bison trailers, as there is some tension with Bison vendors as well.
That being said, the Bison certainly offers a lot of room for the dollar.
Posted 2009-05-03 7:10 PM (#104394 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
Thats a tough call. You obviously recognize the quality differences in construction and LQ. You are comparing apples to oranges. Your choice should be based on affordability (can you comfortably afford either?), and how long you intend to keep it and how often you use it. Cheaper isn't always better though. Bison trailers are known for corner cutting and they cover problem areas well (but they are cheaper). My choice of those two would be Cimarron, I see better value in paying alittle more for superior quality.
Posted 2009-05-03 7:44 PM (#104400 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 15
Location: NH
Navistar has agreed to purchase Monaco Coach assets, however, the 2009 Bison inventory was recently liquidated at pennies on the dollar, and there is no indication that the Bison Horse Trailer line, which is a small portion of Monaco Coach, is going to be resurrected.
Posted 2009-05-04 11:58 AM (#104420 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 10
I imagine Bison or Monaco wanted to sell off that inventory before the purchase took place to put what ever cash was available into their bank instead of Navistar? Seems like a reasonable thing to do. I would also bet that as large as Navistar is, they will keep all profitable companies under Monaco. I hear that Bison is and was a profitable company. I think that says a lot about them as look at all the failures we are seening withing the MFG's today.
Posted 2009-05-04 12:38 PM (#104421 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 274 Location: MO in woods
Cimarrons quality made trailer and Bison alot cheaper made.Is given that Cimmarron was hold value and Bison will not for people who know trailers is easy choice.Invest money in quality that hold value and be worth extra $$$.JMHO and friends of ours have Cimarrons and sadly know people who taken by buying cheaper made trailer Bison.
Posted 2009-05-04 1:15 PM (#104426 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
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Posts: 10
I don't really think anyone trailer MFG is holding a better re-sale value in today's world! I had a 2007 4-Star trailer that cost me $80,000 and change new. I got a good deal on this trailer as I priced the same trailer with 4 different 4-Star dealers... Went to trade it on a new lager trailer, looked at Bloomer, 4-Star, and Hart and they all were pretty much going to give me the same trade allowance of $60,000... Wheres the re-sale in that? I will be keeping my trailer for $20,000+.
Posted 2009-05-04 1:38 PM (#104430 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Alberta, Canada
I just bought a Bison trailer and I LOVE IT. Yes, it is not a Bloomer, but for what I paid and what I got...wow!
Resale value? I know someone that sold their 2008 Bison and got MORE then they paid for it one year later.
For what I bought, a Cimmaron would have been 40,000 dollars more.
Bison must be doing something right, they sell A PILE of trailers.
As far as bankruptcy goes? There are many companies in a level of bankruptcy, not just GM, Chrysler and Bison. Oh and the goverment isn't backing the auto companies, you are with your tax dollars. LOL!
Posted 2009-05-06 4:04 PM (#104557 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
Veteran
Posts: 148 Location: Harrisburg, OR
Bison will be resurrected. Whether Navistar keeps them or spins them off there are plenty of takers. In the mean time your dealer should take care of you. We've not had any issues getting parts or warranty work approved thru Bison to date. If you have questions or concerns feel free to call me directly. Thad Akins
Wonder what the weight difference is between these two trailers...? Bet the Cimarron is a is the heaviest of the two, it looks like it just a stouter built trailer.
Posted 2009-05-07 11:34 AM (#104612 - in reply to #104386) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
I know, I think the GVWR was 12,300 or 12,600. I can't remember what the Bison was..Cimarron is 1 foot smaller, no bathroom sink (but does have an extra storage area along the side of the shower for towels etc.) Hubby and I both stood in the smaller shower to see if it would be ok and it is as long as we don't drop a bar of soap...he, he,) the ducted heat does not run into the bathroom which really is not a big deal, just keep the door open. Overall, you have a bigger fridge and extra cupboards to compensate for it. There are cupboards running along the left side of the bed area as well. The hinges are even stronger....more solid of a trailer. I'd have to add a hayrack rack which is $$$$$. I do like the big awning. I just have a gut feeling about the Cimarron....but I do like the Bison's set up. I like all of the extra's it has.....
I made an offer on a 4-star that was listed on here a while back and I guess it wasn't meant to be.....I have plenty of time to buy.....We do have two trucks and a bumper pull rv so we are, fortunately, able to camp. It will happen when it happens...
Bison Stratus Express or Cimarron VP
) the ducted heat does not run into the bathroom which really is not a big deal, just keep the door open. Overall, you have a bigger fridge and extra cupboards to compensate for it. There are cupboards running along the left side of the bed area as well. The hinges are even stronger....more solid of a trailer. I'd have to add a hayrack rack which is $$$$$. I do like the big awning. I just have a gut feeling about the Cimarron....but I do like the Bison's set up. I like all of the extra's it has..... 
