Posted 2010-02-09 9:06 PM (#116340 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If you go to all the web sites of the major trailer brands, you will find that each one rates themselves as being the "BEST". If that were in fact true, then all the rest would be in second place....
Posted 2010-02-09 10:21 PM (#116344 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
Oh wise ones, I should have researched the forums before posting. I have found several threads about trailer rating and they have all been quite helpful.Thank you.
Posted 2010-02-10 9:55 AM (#116360 - in reply to #116344) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Expert
Posts: 2614
In defense of what Gard was trying to say to you,anytime you ask such a broad based question of such a broad based group of people on a public forum such as HTW you are going to get 100's of different answers.most of these types of quizzes that I've read (and I've read a lot of them on here) are started with good intentions,but the creator of the thread has designed something that winds up #1: confusing them,and,#2: getting arguments out the wazoo started.
I know you meant well by your question but so did he when he replied.Hope you found the answers that you need.
Posted 2010-02-10 9:57 AM (#116361 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Pilot Point, TX
I think there are only 3 brands that have all the things you want.
1. Elite
2. Platinum
3. 4 Star
My 3rd use to be C&C until they went out of business and then 4th 4star. The models on the 4 Stars have significantly changed in the last 3 years. I always say kick it, feel it, use it as much as you can at whichever lot you are at.
Posted 2010-02-10 10:20 AM (#116364 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Location: Central Arkansas
I have personallygone over with a fine tooth comb and crawled thru and under all of the brand name aluminum horse trailers made. My choices are as follows:
Posted 2010-02-10 10:45 AM (#116368 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
crowleysridgegirl, please don't think I was being rude, I just felt silly for not going back thru the archives. Before I asked that question I should have looked thru previous forums. That is my bad!
Posted 2010-02-10 12:43 PM (#116373 - in reply to #116368) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Expert
Posts: 2614
I see.I've done the same,too.I've even asked Gard questions about treating aluminum flooring in trailers and he has posted this over and over on the forum,which he kindly pointed out after answering my questions!
We own a nice Exiss Event.I believe that brushycreekranch has owned more trailers than just about anyone on the website,and,some of the top rated brands,too.She's probably right on about the information she has posted.
I think my top choice of a trailer,if money were no object (which is the case with most of us,it IS) but if I could afford it,I would own a Hart.
Posted 2010-02-10 12:55 PM (#116374 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
I have those if money were no object fantasies, too!!! Mine involve not only a big huge new trailer, but a driver and a stable boy!!! I went thru the archives last nite and learned alot about winterizing, conversion pkgs, etc, etc. Really appreciate all the good info.
Posted 2010-02-10 1:50 PM (#116377 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Veteran
Posts: 229
yoyo63, you are in trailer country! My short list, dictated by both qualilty and the availability of trailers in the PNW, was 4 Star, Elite and Platinum. To me, the best buys out there are the lightly used older high quality trailers like 4Star, Elite, Eby, Jamco, Hart, Turnbow, outfits that have been around long enough to have a mess of older trailers out there. I've "shopped" HTW for 7 years and purchased two trailers from this site. I've seen some awesome older barely used 4 Stars for really right prices. There is a big difference in usage between pleasure users and commerical (rodeo or show commerical) users and some of the older trailers that I have seen looked almost new.
Posted 2010-02-10 2:15 PM (#116378 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
Believe it or not, we have been shopping for a used trailer for about 3 months now. We must be really picky, we can't find any around here with all we want. We can find one in Maryland, but as much snow as they are getting I'm afraid I would be stuck there for the rest of the winter. Found a couple in Texas. Are trying to find 4 or 5 that really suit us, then taking a road trip and coming back with one. We hope!!! Would you all kick me off the site if I told you I was a reiner and not a barrel racer????
Posted 2010-02-10 5:42 PM (#116381 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Veteran
Posts: 182
I have an elite and am very impressed with it. I ordered one last feb and knew it was a good trailer but after I got it I was very much so impressed with the quality of it. Was looking at various brands.. for 3 yrs or so before I bought it.
Posted 2010-02-10 7:42 PM (#116390 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
Hey reiners!!! What do you ride? I have 2 Smart Like Juices, a Marthas Mega Jac and a Rooster. Too many!!!Used to barrel race and still love to watch it!!!
Posted 2010-02-10 8:15 PM (#116393 - in reply to #116368) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Dallas, Texas
I am looking for a used goose neck, 3 horse slant load, either aluminum or steel but aerodynamically built for ease with a Ford F-250. Aluminum is better for the Texas climate though I do want to keep the cost down as much as possible. Do you have a manufacturer preference for this? Thank you.
Posted 2010-02-10 8:22 PM (#116394 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Member
Posts: 11
Location: windsor, mo
What we are looking for is an aluminum (elite, 4star, hart, twister,bloomer, or platinum) used with a 12' or longer short wall. Would like a dinette and a couch. Don't care how old it is as long as it is really slick. I live with Mr. Anal, he will notice any cosmetic damage right off. Would like a remote start generator and managers. Forgot size either a 4 horse or a 3 horse with a midtack. And now the impossible.....would like to stay under $50,000.
Posted 2010-02-10 10:26 PM (#116402 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
There are many trailers that are good values, feature excellent build qualities, and have enjoyed sterling reputations. To not include them in a wish list, would be a disservice to those who are less interested in owning the most bling, and instead, are looking for a reasonably priced, serviceable, long lasting trailer.
In addition to the previous listings, I would include in no particular order, this list of "BEST" trailers. Featherlite, Merhow Alumastar, Kiefer Genesis, Exiss Event, Sooner, Eby, Blue Ribbon, Lakota, Jamco, Dream Coach, Sidekick, and Cherokee. This by no means, is a complete list. But each one of these trailer brands can be the best, for the owners that find them exactly suited for their needs. I've said it many times; the most expensive trailer may not be the BEST one.
Posted 2010-02-11 10:54 AM (#116422 - in reply to #116336) Subject: RE: Rating Trailer Brands
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Gard did say it well. Each has bought there trailer for different reasons. Some of those reasons would include the best trailer we could afford, availability of service, a dealer we really liked, bling, horse comfort and safety and even just the general layout of the trailer and/or living quarters. Each of us has to dance to the tune of our own piper and should not be looked up to or down upon because of the trailer we own or use. Just revel in the fact that we all share the common bond of loving and enjoying our wonderful horses.
Rating Trailer Brands
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