Posted 2013-09-13 5:43 AM (#154716) Subject: Quality of trailers
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Grafton, Ohio
I'm looking into my first LQ trailer and want to know I will have something that will last and won't need a lot of work. My dealer suggested the new Bison, but I wasn't sure about the aluminum over steel construction. Also looking at the exiss sport '07--similar price for the two, I've heard negative comments about both. Is there another brand for under '25k that would be a better buy for my money?
Posted 2013-09-13 7:03 AM (#154717 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Welcome to HTW...!!
I would look for a 10+ year old Elite, 4-Star, C&C, Platinum or maybe a Bloomer all aluminum... Way better built trailers than alot of these new ones. You may have to spent a few buck on some touch ups to the LQ but you'll still have a better built trailer that will last for years.. Not sure if you'll find much of anything under $25K though... Your dealer probably suggest a new Bison because that is what puts money in his pockets..!!
Posted 2013-09-13 3:45 PM (#154719 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Leslie Mi
Curious as to why a trailer built in 2003 is so much better than a trailer built today. I am in the market for a trailer at this time (have been for awhile) can't seem to find the right one and when I do it's all ready gone. What I have noticed in looking at "new" trailers is the manufactures do not include quite as much as "standard equipment" as they did in years past but short of that is what I would be interested in what has changed. Wouldn't the materials have to be of the same specs? and wouldn't the people putting them together today possibly still be some of the same from 10 years ago? Not wanting to be a Sh$T stirrer but I have seen that same comment on HTW in several other threads. Tim
Posted 2013-09-13 4:08 PM (#154720 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
Not so much a difference in the quality as in price with an older trailer. Remember OP was looking for something under $25k. "Older" quality built trailer would be a better buy in my opinion too.
Posted 2013-09-13 5:30 PM (#154721 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
Go look at the "older" quality trailers- Elite, Platinum, Hart, 4 Star, even older Featherlite, Sundowners and Exiss trailers- and you'll see a huge difference in the quality between those and newer trailers. Look at welds, hinges, and all the "little things" and I guarantee you'll see a huge difference. I'll bet anything an older Elite is better built than a new Bison any day of the week. If you see a trailer in the price range you are looking for, you need to jump on it immediately. They sell quickly. Be prepared to put a deposit on it over the phone if need be. Be prepare to do a little driving to get to it.
Posted 2013-09-13 8:11 PM (#154723 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: illinois
Last fall we bought a 2003 Elite. 8ft W. with mangers. Full living quarters we love it and we have owned other brands in the past but for us to have what we wanted we bought one that was older it had been well taken care and the quality of workmanship shows. It did cost a few thousands over 25 and we had to travel quite a ways to pick it up but it has been well worth it. It took me weeks checking all the sites that I knew of and I found it on here. Happy searching
Posted 2013-09-13 9:31 PM (#154726 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Grafton, Ohio
Thanks so much everyone! My head was spinning with all the choices out there! Now to convince the hubby that all the bling of the brand new trailer isn't what it's all about.......
Posted 2013-09-13 10:04 PM (#154728 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
I would NEVER consider a steel frame trailer with aluminum skin. The two metals do not play well together. Something called "Galvanic action" causes corrosion in the two metal interface. Does not really make any diffrence if the trailer is stored inside in a dry climate, this corrosion still takes place. Run that trailer on a salty road surface and this corrosion happens really fast. Some manufacturers try to install a barrier between the steel and the aluminum but this only slows the distruction of the metals. As mentioned before you get what you pay for. I too would reccomend a older, quality aluminum trailer.
Posted 2013-09-14 3:44 AM (#154730 - in reply to #154728) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by gonzo1066 on 2013-09-13 10:04 PM
I would NEVER consider a steel frame trailer with aluminum skin. The two metals do not play well together. Something called "Galvanic action" causes corrosion in the two metal interface. Does not really make any diffrence if the trailer is stored inside in a dry climate, this corrosion still takes place. Run that trailer on a salty road surface and this corrosion happens really fast. Some manufacturers try to install a barrier between the steel and the aluminum but this only slows the distruction of the metals. As mentioned before you get what you pay for. I too would reccomend a older, quality aluminum trailer.
Posted 2013-09-17 8:11 PM (#154818 - in reply to #154728) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Watertown, TN
Originally written by gonzo1066 on 2013-09-13 10:04 PM
I would NEVER consider a steel frame trailer with aluminum skin. The two metals do not play well together. Something called "Galvanic action" causes corrosion in the two metal interface. Does not really make any diffrence if the trailer is stored inside in a dry climate, this corrosion still takes place. Run that trailer on a salty road surface and this corrosion happens really fast. Some manufacturers try to install a barrier between the steel and the aluminum but this only slows the distruction of the metals. As mentioned before you get what you pay for. I too would reccomend a older, quality aluminum trailer.
Galvanic action DOES NOT happen without the presence of an electrolyte. While horse urine has more than enough salt to make a decent electrolyte, it is not as big a problem as some people would have you believe. A steel and aluminum trailer properly maintained and cared for will give many years of trouble free service. On the same note an all aluminum trailer improperly cared for will have the aluminum floor rotting out pretty quick. It's really very simply. Find a quality built product (new or used) and take care of it. That is the key to many years of trouble free and enjoyable use.
Posted 2013-09-27 7:07 PM (#155003 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Member
Posts: 14
Location: SW Virginia
So we wouldn't want to even consider a steel Turnbow or other quality trailer? It's all about aluminum? I found one that is a great fit with my Dodge Duelly but it's all steel ... based on what everyone is saying here, I don't want it?
Posted 2013-09-27 8:23 PM (#155006 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Watertown, TN
The trend is toward all aluminium trailers. They are lighter and don't rust. They will corrode if not properly cared for just as steel will rust. The difference being aluminium tends to corrode out of sight and pop out when you least expect it. Steel is just going to rust in every corner not properly sealed and exposed to moisture. Everyone has to decide what fits their needs and budget. If you are looking for a weekender and are only hauling a couple of horses, then the weight of a steel trailer may not be an issue. Especially if you have a place to store it indoors when not in use. The lower cost will make it an attractive option. If you are looking to buy a 10' short wall full living quarter, center and rear tack and haul four horses; better be looking for all aluminium and maybe a bigger truck. (that is a whole other topic)Of course, the cost goes up considerably. If you are somewhere in between then a combo might be worth a look. Unlike some other posters that have responded, I don't have huge issues with the combo trailers, having owned a 1999 CM combo that has given years of trouble free service. Before that I pulled a steel trailer for many years that served very well. My stepdad has an Exiss all aluminium that he loves. The key to a trouble free life is quality construction (steel, aluminium or combo) and quality care. Pay particular attention to how the roof is assembled. One of the things that sold me on the CM was the one piece fiberglass roof. 14 years-no leaks!
Posted 2013-09-28 8:24 AM (#155022 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Member
Posts: 14
Location: SW Virginia
Thank you. I'm still looking but as I'm still trying to figure out what I need as to sizeand amenities dince its the first trailer I've gotten that wasn't just a two horse bumper pull.Anyway I figure ill have it awhile so want to have confidence in its longevity and quality of construction.
Posted 2013-10-05 3:22 AM (#155172 - in reply to #154716) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
I was given some very sage advise from this forum when I shopping for a LQ trailer. Many of the members here have "been there and done that". I asked about brands X,Y and Z I was advised to get brand Y and never look back. Im so glad I was given this advise AND I paid attention to thier advise which according to my wife is not something I do very often
Posted 2013-11-25 7:37 PM (#155970 - in reply to #154721) Subject: RE: Quality of trailers
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Valley Park, MO
Is anyone aware of a problem Sundowner had starting around 1998 where they had a problem with the "dust" (might be the wrong term) used between the metal & the aluminum? I am looking to purchase a 2010 Sundowner 3 horse slant with 6' short wall that has had little use at a price of $29,000. A friend mentioned this "problem" and I want to check that out.
Also I'm looking at a 2006 Lakota at the same price. Anyone have any thoughts? All feedback is appreciated - I'm new to all of this.
Quality of trailers
