Posted 2010-04-14 10:15 PM (#118837) Subject: help with trailer purchase
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Illinois
Hi, I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 V8 (2004) and I am going to look at a 3 horse slant load aluminum Bison trailer(2001)in a couple of days. I have never owned a trailer and I am not sure what questions to ask or what I should be looking for. I have asked the trailer's seller if I would have any problems hauling it with the truck I have and he said no. I would hate to buy it and end up doing damage to the truck. I want the trailer for short trips to trails which are less than 20 miles, or for emergencies, which could be about 150 miles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks~
Posted 2010-04-14 10:46 PM (#118838 - in reply to #118837) Subject: RE: help with trailer purchase
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
I think that Bison is an aluminum skin, steel frame trailer. Pull the mats and look at the floor for any soft spots. Look at the tires for the amount of tread left and if there is any dry rot. Make sure the brakes work and don't make noise. Is this the 3 horse Bison bumper pull for sale in Elgin?
Posted 2010-04-14 10:53 PM (#118839 - in reply to #118837) Subject: RE: help with trailer purchase
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Illinois
Thanks for the advice. Yes, it is that trailer-how did you know that? I have wanted a trailer for a long time, and this sounds good. But considering I don't know too much about trailers, I am not sure if it is. Thanks again.
Posted 2010-04-15 7:26 AM (#118848 - in reply to #118837) Subject: RE: help with trailer purchase
Regular
Posts: 78
I had a steel straight 2H straight load Bison and a 2006 Chevy 1500 V8.
The truck salesman assured me that towing my trailer wouldn't be a problem, and the numbers from the trucks manual and trailer weight etc matched up. We were well below the maximums, and since I had pulled that trailer very well with a 2000 Suburban, I thought I'd be good to go.
The truck really struggled with pulling the trailer with one horse in it. I traded that truck for a 2500HD and it was great - and is great with my new bigger trailer as well.
I don't know squat about engines and all the numbers asociated with them, but from what I gather different model years can mean different engine power because of fuel economy issues, that older trucks are bigger than newer ones engine-wise. I don't know what the years of change are, but I throw this out to give you something to ask/research before you buy.
Posted 2010-04-16 2:25 PM (#118935 - in reply to #118837) Subject: RE: help with trailer purchase
Regular
Posts: 77 Location: Burleson, TX
Can't imagine buying a trailer, especially a used one, without pulling down several kinds of roads - freeway, city street, gravel road, all available. With horse loaded if at all possible.
help with trailer purchase
