My wife and I were kicking around ideas, of what features would influence the purchase of a "run around trailer". This type of trailer, we would describe as a non camping, non showing, alternative trailer used for trips to the vets, trainers, trail rides etc. It would be used for quick day trips, for one or two horses, instead of hooking up to a longer, larger, GN LQ.

The basic trailer we are considering, would be a two horse, BP, slant load with a minimal tack area in the front. The tack area should be large enough for buckets and water storage, along with a saddle or two and tack. It would not have to be large enough to be used as a dressing room.

The back door would either be a one piece stock type of tailgate with access, or a two piece door design with no center post. There would be no rear tack area in the left rear, only open flooring. Ideally it would be 7' wide and 7 1/2' high, not sure about the length, but as short overall as practical.

It would have to have a front stall escape door, and a door for the tack area. It would have conventional siding with drop down windows on both sides and a slider in the tailgate. Conventional overhead vents would be utilized. Interior and exterior aux lighting would be powered by a stand alone battery, in addition to being supplied by the truck's output.

It could feature 3500# axles, and 15" tires of a "D" range. A Galvaneal, Galvalume or aluminum construction would be specified, no soft steel. Depending on the construction, either a treated wood or aluminum plank flooring would be used.

I've never seen a trailer built to these specifications, and wonder if a custom one could be built. I would be most interested in what you folks would consider necessary, for your "run around", if you wanted one.

 BOL  Gard

That 7 foot wide and 7 1/2 foot tall is going to be scarce....

Something like this may be close to what you're lookin'...??  http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=208764

OR..... Have someone like "Double D" build one as you like it... Send a PM to DD_TrailerMan

Bartley Heath
bartley@DoubleDTrailers.com
Buy Factory Direct at DoubleDTrailers.com

Since my original posting, I've done some more research and received further information. We've also amended our requirements to delete the escape door. There are several companies building trailers already close to what we want. And thanks to Dave at Tobruk Trailers, I learned that both Merhow and Cherokee trailers have models that could be adapted to our specifications. I went through the HTW trailer for sale lists, always my first choice. I found several models that were close, and some features by various builders that really stood out. Here are a few samplings.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=227353

Apparently this is a new S/D "Sportman" model. It is appealing but lacking in height. I haven't checked with a S/D dealer to see if a 7 1/2' version could be ordered. The features I particularly like are the windows, and the swing out saddle rack from within the forward tack room. It has the dual rear doors with no post.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=234099

This trailer is by Eclipse, a company of which I am unfamiliar. They are located in OH, which is right next door. They have several models; this particular one apparently is the low end model. Their web site indicates fancier versions with rear windows, more goodies etc. Their trailers are 7 1/2' feet high, one of my requirements, and again has the double rear doors. I don't like the saddle racks as well as the S/D.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=230239

This trailer is built by Eby, which is highly noted for well constructed equipment. They are located in both PA and OH, and advertise that they can custom build almost anything you need. This one looks a little longer than I want, but has the height and no center rear post.

One more feature I learned of, during my hours long search through all the 1300 + two horse trailers presently being advertised, was one company had a moveable tack/bulkhead wall that can be opened. I had a stock combo like that and it was useful when carrying longer items. I can't remember the manufacturer that offered that option, but it would be a feature to pursue.

The bottom line is that it looks like we will, be able to have a trailer built to our needs. It won't be large or fancy, but it can be just what we want. We have an Equine Affair coming up in April in OH. By then we should know all our requirements, and can look at the many builders that usually present their wares at the show.

Gard

Hart Trailers builds the perfect Run-Around Trailer, and Stephenville Trailers has 3 in stock.  It is called a Short-Go and you really need to check it out.

www.stephenvillvilletrailers.com

Ask for Ty

Guard,

It is no problem to build the Sundowner Sportman 7'6" tall.  Turnaround time right now is 6 -8 weeks on non LQ's.

Thanks Gary.

According to the Hart web site, the "Short-go" trailer is a GN, not a BP. Their BP trailers are listed as "Medallion" and "Ultimate". Their "Short-go" model is not at all what I'm searching for.

I've been having fun shopping, something I've not done in a while. One problem is the lack of accessibility for certain brands in my North Eastern area. We have few local dealers, but I'll settle on a day's drive, which includes many more states. Fortunately there are many interesting makes and models that can be modified. The 4 Star BP trailers look as well built as the GN models. I can't wait to inspect all the interesting brands in person, and compare their build quality and specifications. It's much easier to look for a pure trailer; one not encumbered with a LQ and frills.

Thanks again,  Gard

http://www.altmeyertrailers.com

When I pulled up the dealers lists, I found out that Altmeyers was a dealer of both brands of which I was interested. They are only about two hours away and would be our closest dealer.

sundownerofaiken, thanks for that and all the other info you have been providing.

Gard

I've looked at the SD Sportsman as well as the new 737. They are nice little trailers. Yes, the one I saw was a 7 1/2' tall trailer. It even included the spare tire.

The 737 (I think that is the right #) is the same trailer as the Sportsman except it has slats on the rear instead of windows, and the rear gate was a stock type. My only gripe is that there doesn't seem to be large enough window openings for good ventilation, and there aren't any bars to allow for the windows to be dropped down when traveling.