Posted 2018-07-13 7:20 AM (#171715) Subject: Trailer Dilemma
New User
Posts: 2
I'm looking at buying a bumper pull for long hauls....... rodeo to rodeo !!!, my dilemma is what stall width, length etc to get that way my horses don't need a chiropractor. when I reach my destination. ..... currently looking at trails west Sierra II specialite with drops on both sides as well as mangers. I feel structurally the platinum, hart, bloomer etc are better made and cost more. but as for $$ value, what Aluminum trailer should I stay away from for long hauls vs runabouts??....... i had a 91' featherlite 2h str8 load Aluminum, with a single axle..... LOVED it, I just wanna switch to slant load. Any suggestions ???
Posted 2018-07-18 5:29 AM (#171722 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
You aren't getting much help, are you? Call a few dealers that have repair shops too and ask some questions. Most will be willing to share their opinions and after you talk to a few the really good brands will float to the top and you will also know which brands to be cautious about for a variety of reasons..
Posted 2018-07-18 2:57 PM (#171724 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
It all depends on how many miles, where you travel, how you take care of it, etc on what I would advise. IF you are putting on 20k miles or more a year, I would go with one of the higher end trailers such as Hart, Bloomer, older 4 stars, C&C, Platinums, older Cimarrons (stay away from 2009s), Elites, etc.
IF you take great care and store them inside and plan on less miles, you could get by with Featherlight, Sooner, Exiss, newer Cimarrons, Twister (they have improved a lot and might need to go first group), etc.
As far as the one's I would not even look at, would be Larado, Lakota, Silverado, Shadow, and any steel framed, aluminum side wall trailers.
IF you are looking for steel, Titan, makes the best steel trailer that can take abuse/misuse IMO. Trails West is mid line in my opinion as they typically have axle problems as they try to cheapen them up by putting on less capacity axles. IF you can get one with heavy axles, they would compare with Titan. Lots of other steel trailers are available, but again, depends on your use.
Posted 2018-07-19 7:35 AM (#171725 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
New User
Posts: 2
Thnx for the reply Spin Doc,
I'm looking at an 05' Platinum on here right now...... the only steele frame i looked at was trails west siera II, but now need to look at siera select...... ( ALL ALUMINUM )....... I've always wanted a platinum but always WAY out of my budget....... so older it is !!!!!!!
Posted 2018-07-19 7:52 AM (#171726 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Expert
Posts: 1871 Location: NY
I would not do slant load the stall are not big for long hauls Eby is a great trailer for the money price but it will be the last trailer you buy I have one and love it
Posted 2018-07-20 6:36 AM (#171728 - in reply to #171726) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
There are many experienced horse folks who travel very long distances using slant loads. You just need to make sure your horse fits. Yes, if you have a long bodied horse it can be a challenge. But most typical horses fit in a regular slant load just fine. Too much room can be as large an issue as too little. For me- a snug slant stall is like my seat belt. Keeps us from getting jostled as much. Just my opinion.
Posted 2018-07-20 9:22 AM (#171729 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Regular
Posts: 56 Location: Shawnee, Oklahoma
We have been in the trailer sales and repair business for nearly 15 years and we've seen it all. We are Platinum dealers and I agree that they are high priced but they are well made and hold their value well too. I would absolutely look at used 4 Star trailers, and the year won't matter! That will be the best bang for your buck. Normal size stalls are 40" measured on the head wall from divider to divider. If you have at least a 7' wide trailer, your horse should ride comfortable unless he's warmblood size, and then I would recommend 7'6" wide and tall. The older 4 Star's are tanks and they can stand the hard hauls and they hold their value well.
Posted 2018-07-20 12:47 PM (#171730 - in reply to #171715) Subject: RE: Trailer Dilemma
Veteran
Posts: 185 Location: riverside ca
I personally dont like a dressing room on a bumper pull trailer, that being the case I would go for a striaght load trailer. where i live, in so cal, I have no problem with a steel trailer. cheaper to buy, cheaper to fix, and will last a long time. YMMV I prefer a straight load trailer it is easier to make a big horse fit. mind you if you are not hauling horses a slant load may work for you, but I like being able to walk through either stall and be able to unload any horse without having to pull others out. horses like light and air, keep that in mind when buying a trailer, the more bigger windows and more height and width will keep horses happier.
Trailer Dilemma
