I've read a few of the threads on here regarding the Bison Trailers but I didn't see anyone refer to the Bison Stratus Express which is all aluminum. I looked at these trailers last weekend at a dealer in Oregon and was very impressed with the quality for the price. Not everthing is perfect on them but the dealer is very interested in helping me make the trailer perfect for my needs. The things I didn't like were the hollow dividers (noisy!), rubber straps holding the ramp in place and the small windows in the horse area. Otherwise, this trailer seemed great and roomy for the horses. I am looking at the 3H, 8ft living quarters. This trailer has a great warranty as well.
I am not knowledgable about all aluminum trailers. How do they hold up? Are they safe and strong?
Posted 2010-10-13 3:29 PM (#125728 - in reply to #125722) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express - All Aluminum
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
Well, mine is going on 14 years and I have a horse that strikes in the trailer. It still looks great. I wouldn't have anything else but all aluminum given my experience.
Posted 2010-10-13 11:45 PM (#125740 - in reply to #125722) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express - All Aluminum
Member
Posts: 10
I think it depends on when the trailer was made...
I recently decided to get a living quarters trailer too. I looked at two of the bison stratus trailers (and pics of another one).
the ones I saw in person made me a bit uncomfortable- for some of the same reasons you mentioned. the fit and finish was just not as good as some other trailers that I was looking at- with simular vintage (2005 and newer) and simular use...
Bison has recently been purchased by a larger company- and the salesperson I talked with was a little "hedgey" about how warranty issues would be handled...
that being said- I ended up purchasing a "silverlite" (which- as they have gone out-of-business) has no warranty... but the craftsmanship on these trailers was amazing.
A previous poster has a 14 year old bison- and they have had good luck... I can't speak to that- The ones I saw made me "pass".
Posted 2010-10-14 8:33 AM (#125754 - in reply to #125722) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express - All Aluminum
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
I would like to set your mind at ease about the strength and structure of the Bison Stratus Express models. If you look under the neck, you will see a very strong neck structure which is patterned after the one Sundowner uses; which is one of the strongest in the industry. This same neck is used in all of their Stratus models, no matter what size the unit.
I personally purchased a Stratus Express model that had been in a severe jackknife situation while on the way to being delivered to a dealer. The dually truck pulling it, was totalled due to the damage sustained from making contact with the trailer. However, because of the way the neck structure is built into a Stratus model trailer, this trailer only had damage to the skin and couple of wall posts. The trailer was repaired and looked like new. It pulls great, and I made up my mind that this is one very beefy framed trailer.
Posted 2010-10-30 11:15 AM (#126451 - in reply to #125722) Subject: RE: Bison Stratus Express - All Aluminum
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Miami, FL
Bought a brand new Stratus Express (8' s-wall/3-H) in 2007 and feel it's a great built trailer!Only had some few minor cosmetic adjustments but were all taken careof with their warranty.