Posted 2010-12-09 11:16 PM (#127930) Subject: Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
New User
Posts: 2
Location: lexington,ky
Hello everybody, I am in a process of buying a 3 Horses Trailer and I need to choose between the 3 following trailers : Trailers West, Circles J and Logan . Can anybody give me advises about quality and resale value, as I am not an expert.
Many thanks, Mary
Posted 2010-12-10 9:27 PM (#127949 - in reply to #127930) Subject: RE: Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Logan Coach is built in Logan Utah, Trails west is across the border in Preston Idaho. So the two companies are just 15 minutes away from each other. They have been long time builders of trailers here my part of the country. They both have been long time hold outs for trailers built of steel. Logan does build a Steel frame, Aluminum skin trailer.
Logan had some financial problems a while back and merged with another trailer builder from the midwest. Folks that I have talked to say the merger has worked out well for them and they are stable now. I have a 2006 Logan 4H XTR gooseneck trailer that has held up very well. I use it a lot. I drag it down all kinds of Forest Service and BLM roads. It's not a Rodeo or horse show trailer. So I think it offers a lot of bang for the buck. Its not in the same league as a 4Star or Platinum or high end trailer, But it's definitely a great middle of the road trailer. Their XT and XTR trailers come in a 7'3" or 8' width. With most of the non LQ's being 7'3" and the LQs coming in both 7'3" and 8' widths. The non LQs are usually 7' tall, While the LQs are 7'6" tall. But the trailers can be built either way depending on how the dealer orders them.
I've called and ordered a few parts. usually for drop windows, tie rings etc that the horses break. They ship them out promptly.
The Logan have a really large rear stall if you don't get a rear tack. I often squeeze 5 horses in my 4H trailer. Because the back stall is so large.
I thought that Circle J had gone under last year. But their website is up and running, So maybe they also merged or sold out to another company to ensure the survival. They also have been around a long time and are built up near Boise ID. So they are common around here. Again the started out as Steel trailer company and have evolved to offer a all aluminum trailer, Although of a lighter aluminum than the preminum trailer companies.
Look at the axle ratings, I think some of the dealers order the base axles when they really should step up one axle size. I notice that if I were to buy my trailer today it would come with 7000lb axles, where my 2006 came with 5200lb axles. So maybe the engineers just spec'd it out heavier as they improved the models.
Since I like the look of an aluminum or aluminum skinned trailer, I've not payed much attention to Trails West. But there are a lot of them on the road around here.
Posted 2010-12-11 7:39 PM (#127971 - in reply to #127930) Subject: RE: Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
I still have my first Circle J, which we got new in 1974. Then had a 1994 Circle J that was going strong until I wrecked it. BUT, I understand it is a new group / company making them under the Circle J name.
Have a Trails West, and am happy with the quality, and customer service when I emailed them, wanting the trailers blue print, to find the support beams. Needed to attach some hi-ties to the trailer. They sent me the blue print the next day. So far, very happy with them
Posted 2010-12-25 7:05 PM (#128280 - in reply to #127930) Subject: RE: Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: TEXAS
I was very happy with my 2004 TW but our 2006 not so much, TW has cheaped out on alot of there hardware and now mine about every door leaks no matter how they are adjusted. I can only get new weather stripping from TW and it is high dollar. I will be replacing this trailer as soon as I can and it will NOT be a TW.
Posted 2010-12-27 9:46 AM (#128299 - in reply to #127930) Subject: RE: Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Logan Coach is now owned by the highly regarded Titan Trailers of Kansas. Dave Smerchek and his wife and family own Titan Trailers; and these folks are a class act all the way. They are ranch folks that knows what kind of useage that horse and stock trailers take; and build them to the different standards of useage.
They also own Titan West; which manufacturers all types of cattle and horse handling equipment. Here again, they know what it takes to build equipment that is user friendly and will hold up to rough use.
I would not hesitate to own a Logan Coach product; as this company will be around for a long time under the ownership of Titan and the Smerchek family.
Buying advises needed on Trailers west, Circles J and Logan
