Posted 2014-11-10 9:11 PM (#161498) Subject: Buying a 3-horse BP slant load in So Cal
New User
Posts: 4
I am in the process of trying to purchase a higher end 3-horse bumper pull horse trailer to haul both short and long (700+ miles) distances on about a monthly basis. We live in Southern California, and there are only certain brands sold locally here that I am aware of. I am primarily looking at either getting an Elite custom all-aluminum trailer or a Logan Coach Razor (steel frame, aluminum body and flooring) in a 3-horse slant-load bumper pull (I was also considering a Cimarron but the dealer is a bit further away). I will be pulling the trailer with a 2015 Suburban 4x4 with the max trailering package that can tow up to 8,000 lbs. I will be using a class 4 weight-distributing hitch (tongue weight not to exceed 1000 lbs). I plan to get a 7'6" tall trailer, with a width of approx. 7'3".The Logan trailer will weigh about 4000 lbs empty, and the Elite will weight about 4,400 lbs empty. I will haul 2 to 3 1,000 lb horses in the trailer (typically only 2). I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on my trailer purchase. Safety, quality, and weight are major considerations in my purchase. :)
Posted 2014-11-11 8:00 AM (#161505 - in reply to #161498) Subject: RE: Buying a 3-horse BP slant load in So Cal
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Memphis, TN
I know this does not directly answer your question, but I thought I would offer this input. Please feel free to take it for what it cost you, which is not a darn thing.I have pulled a two-horse 4-Star bumper pull with a half-ton Suburban for a couple of years. While the Suburban pulls the trailer just fine, stopping/braking in traffic can be a little worrisome – even when I have the trailer brakes fully tightened up. I worry that the truck is so light, the trailer could push me right through a changing red light. It is particularly noticeable, because I have never had the same worry when pulling LQ trailers with 1-ton trucks. Given my experience with a 2-horse trailer, my concern for you would be that a Suburban would be too light to pull and safely STOP 3,000 lbs of horses, plus 3,500 - 4,000 lbs of trailer, plus feed, hay, and tack. Even though the truck CAN pull up to 8,000 lbs, doesn’t mean it SHOULD pull that amount on a regular basis.
Posted 2014-11-11 9:12 AM (#161506 - in reply to #161498) Subject: RE: Buying a 3-horse BP slant load in So Cal
Elite Veteran
Posts: 803 Location: Tenn/Ala.
First- I am not giving an opinion on your possible purchase, but rather further comment on the second posting.
For years, I have watched as folks wrestle with towing ratings, and "what can I tow". I have also seen the same exact vehicle carry two different tow ratings from one year to the other. I had a product engineer tell me once that the towing ratings had a large part to do with maintaining suitable acceleration and traffic flow- that's why the higher gear ratios are rated for more weight when all else was equal.
Now- I see folks that have been carrying 4 big motorcycles in a 16' bumper pull trailer, go to carrying 3 horses. Same weight, same length. But- the bikes carry a low center of gravity, and do not move in the trailer. Horses- well they stand much taller, and even in a regular divided trailer can shift their weight substantially enough to cause some noticeable rocking. And when the comparison is all done- there's a large difference between the two loads that look the same on paper. The addition of a high quality weight distribution hitch with sway control can make a large difference as well.
All of that to say, no conclusions drawn, just more discussion to consider.
Posted 2014-11-11 6:58 PM (#161510 - in reply to #161498) Subject: RE: Buying a 3-horse BP slant load in So Cal
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
The Elite is an excellent trailer. I own a 2006 Logan XTR GN and it has been a great trailer. I've towed all over Utah, Idaho and Wyoming and it has held up very well.I would buy another Logan. I've had nothing but good experience with mine.Look at both and weight the cost difference and follow your heart. Both manufactures build quality products.
Buying a 3-horse BP slant load in So Cal
