I'm Down sizing from a 3 horse GN with weekenders Pkg. to a 2 Horse Slant in a Bumper Pull. Looking at the 2010 Calico 2 Horse Slant Delux Bumper pull. can any one tell me how these trailers are or have any kind of a experience with them ? I will just be be going on Day rides and no long distance hauling. Thank You for any help
Posted 2010-05-25 11:30 AM (#120535 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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That brand of trailer is made here in Arkansas.I've heard comments against the paint jobs but for what you are wanting to do with it,that will be a nice trailer for the $.
Posted 2010-05-25 1:13 PM (#120548 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Calico stopped used "bad" paint about 5 years ago. They have used Val spar auto paint since with no problems. They are great trailers for the money and can be completely customized with larger stalls, rear tack, drop down windows, etc.
Posted 2010-05-25 9:07 PM (#120578 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 23
Location: GA
I just bought one, pulled it home on Saturday. It was a 105 mile drive and I felt like it towed very well. I really liked how wasy it was to customize it and I feel like the construction is decent for the price. The tack room is great, we have already loaded it up! LOL
I will be using with a horse this Saturday, i will weigh in afterwards.
Posted 2010-05-25 10:55 PM (#120584 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Bought a new one in 99' and it had the bad paint. Have since sold it and moved on up. Have looked at the new ones and am impressed with the "new" paint.Have thought about a two hors stock trailer for day trips and would be definetly looking at the Calico.
Posted 2010-05-27 12:46 PM (#120654 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 11
Location: AR
We quit using Sterling Paints in 2002 because of the paint failures we had with them and now use Valspar as mentioned above. Valspar is a top of the line paint and one of the only finishes that has a division dedicated to trailers only. I have mentioned some of this here before. We have also made several upgrades to our trailers since 2002 other than the paint, the latest being to the 2008 models and up. In 2008 we added the Low Profile Roof and did away with the tail light gussets on the rear. This makes for a cleaner more aerodynamic looking trailer. Also Calico and Ranch King are two of the best seam sealed steel trailers on the market. Please take a look at Calico and Ranch King. They are very good trailers for the money. Thanks for reading. Sean Johnson-President, Calico Trailer Mfg. Co. Inc.
Posted 2010-05-28 10:09 AM (#120675 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
If you don't mind me asking, (BTW, thanks for your input) what brand of tires, and bearings, do your trailers come with ordinarily? Thanks again for posting, appreciate it.
Posted 2010-05-28 2:52 PM (#120699 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 201
Last time I looked they used Provider ST Radials 235/85R16, 10 plys. They have gone to Dexter Torsion axles standard, so I'd call Dexter to see what bearings they use.
Posted 2010-05-28 2:55 PM (#120701 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 11
Location: AR
The tires we are using are ST235-80-16" Super Trail Radial S/T. We some times use a couple of different brands of tire in a given year due to the quanity that we use. As for the bearings, we buy all of our axles already assembled. We are now using Axis brand torsion axles and have found that they are far eaiser to work with on the few warranty issues that we have had than the previous brand that we used (I will not mention the other brand as this is a public forum). I hope this helps. Calico Trailer Mfg. Co. Inc.
Posted 2010-05-31 4:45 PM (#120766 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 23
Location: GA
I used my trailer this weekend for the first time. it pulled great with two horses in it and the little tack room was great. I did need to spray WD-40 on the trailer door, it made an awful creaking/groaning noise when opened all the way. Other than that, it was great. The horses seemed at ease on the ride, we stopped to check on them a couple of times just to be sure.
Posted 2010-06-03 8:17 AM (#120873 - in reply to #120766) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 11
Location: AR
Originally written by calli on 2010-05-31 4:45 PM
I used my trailer this weekend for the first time. it pulled great with two horses in it and the little tack room was great. I did need to spray WD-40 on the trailer door, it made an awful creaking/groaning noise when opened all the way. Other than that, it was great. The horses seemed at ease on the ride, we stopped to check on them a couple of times just to be sure.
WD is the best thing to use on your hinges. Just be sure to wipe it off of the paint quickly becuase we actually use it here at the factory for removing fresh paint. WD is a far better option than grease on a trailer. Grease will usually just make the situation worse as the grease will bind with dust off the road and make a thick mud that will eventually seize up, not to mention that if you use grease it will eventually get everywhere, like on your clothes, in your truck, etc. Grease is just a very messy option for a lubricant. Hope this helps! Sean
Posted 2010-06-06 9:07 PM (#120936 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 23
Location: GA
Thanks Sean, I appreciate your posting here.
I have to say I am pretty impressed with this trailer. Granted, it is my first and I am a little over the moon about it but everyone I know likes it too. I am thinking about having vents added to the tack room and horse compartment just to get a little more air flow. Is that something the dealer can do after the fact? Do you have suggestions about placement, etc?
Posted 2010-06-30 9:23 AM (#121745 - in reply to #120936) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 11
Location: AR
In reply to your question about the vents, several of our dealers would be able to do this for you. You can use the dealer locater on our web site at www.calicotrailers.com or if you want to you can give me a call toll free at 866-972-1359 and I could recommend the dealer nearest to you that can do the job. Thanks for buying Calico. Sean Johnson President, Calico Trailer Mfg. Co. Inc.
Posted 2010-08-03 12:40 PM (#123138 - in reply to #120512) Subject: RE: Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
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Posts: 30
I have been using a 2006 (but purchased in 2007) Calico trailer of my grandfathers. I consider myself the primary user though. I had problems with the stainless stamped plate on the front coming off and had the front section of the trailer rust into at the seam. Just this past week we removed a 6" or so section at the base of the front and re-welded/bolted a thicker plate onto it. I have since primed it, but I'm thinking about spraying bedliner across the front to help prevent future rust instead of trying to match the paint. Or is there any way to get the paint code if I give the VIN?I have SERIOUSLY tried to maintain this trailer. The floor is kept with shavings on it and scooped and cleaned until a removal is needed. So the floor has kept up quite well. I did have to have the back door (with the sliding gate on it)re-welded at the top to keep the sliding gate from falling off(grandfather uses this gate at cow sales). Also when the door was blown open by heavy wind- the panel that goes from top to bottom on the sides where the tail lights are in-set came loose and was flexing. Had that redone also. I don't know how the hinge(s) on the back sagged, but the door became hard to shut. This is a bumper pull stock/4 horse straight load trailer. Hauls well. It still has original tires on it (with only one being plugged). Someone stole our spare tire off it so we had that replaced. Other than the front paint/rust problem, the only rust it has on it is where the floor meets the wall just in front of the wheel wells. We did replace the jack, but my grandfather is terrible on them..... I don't know how, but they only last 1-2 years and I replaced it myself last time when he started using a bumper jack to lift the trailer and I hate those things.I have been happy using this trailer except for the rust and plate coming off the front. The back gate stuff was incidental and due to wind damage/heavy use on the gate part. I'm sure the 2010 has much more improvements!You now have my honest opinion. His first Calico was purchased in the 80's. Floor was replaced twice, then rusted out (NEVER CLEANED). But it lasted through a HARD LIFE!
Calico 2 Horse Slant BP
