Posted 2013-07-09 12:12 PM (#153241) Subject: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Member
Posts: 49 Location: NC
Looking to buy a 3 horse with a weekender package or living quarters. Don't want a really extensive living quarters want to keep it compact so its easier to haul (ie not too long. I keep running across CM/Cimmeron, Sundowner, Exiss, Double D, cherokee, sooner, featherlite, hart, Adam and Bison. Not sure how they compare. I know to stay away from Sundowner Valuelite but thats it.
Posted 2013-07-09 2:11 PM (#153242 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
My wife and I recently purchased a LQ trailer. During the search we learned a great deal on the features & amenities that are offered. We narrowed down our search at the start by finding trailers that are compatible with our truck. Many of the trailers we looked at were heavy and required a DRW ( dual rear wheel) truck. Finally "I" picked several top of the line trailers and started the negotiations with my wife and the prospective sellers
Posted 2013-07-09 4:36 PM (#153246 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
IMO- its not the brand as much as a trailer meeting your needs and wants ( as well as budget) Sundown valuelite is a good trailer but priced in a lower price point- much as a chevy is a good car but not in the same league as a BMW-they both will get you where you want to go just one has more comforts.Figure out what you want in a trailer, what you need ( that is a different thing) then how much you can spend. You might have to compromise a bit but overall you should be ok with just about any trailer make. I own a Exiss and its served me well..some people don't care for them but thats not a issue for me.As long as its suited to my needs and wants is the only issue.
Posted 2013-07-09 5:39 PM (#153250 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Member
Posts: 49 Location: NC
I haul with a 2003 6.0 f250 diesel. What should I look for to make sure it isn't too much trailer for my truck? I don't want a lot of trailer just some basics to make camping and show weekends more comfortable. I saw a valuelite trailer that I liked the look of but was afraid to call about because I read they had issues. But I can't remember what about them is the issue?
Posted 2013-07-09 6:05 PM (#153251 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Location: KY
With a 250, you should be able to pull any 8' shortwall 3 horse trailer. I pulled my Merhow Equilite (3 horse 8' shortwall with a slide) with a Dodge 2500 regular cab long bed with no problem (wanted more room in the truck so went to a dually). Some friends just bought an 07 Bison 3 horse with a 13' shortwall and are pulling with an F250 with no problems. It is a very nice trailer too.
Posted 2013-07-09 7:26 PM (#153254 - in reply to #153251) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Member
Posts: 49 Location: NC
Originally written by rose on 2013-07-09 6:05 PM
With a 250, you should be able to pull any 8' shortwall 3 horse trailer. I pulled my Merhow Equilite (3 horse 8' shortwall with a slide) with a Dodge 2500 regular cab long bed with no problem (wanted more room in the truck so went to a dually). Some friends just bought an 07 Bison 3 horse with a 13' shortwall and are pulling with an F250 with no problems. It is a very nice trailer too.
We have seen some bison trailers that look really nice esp for the price but had never heard of them before and wasn't sure about their quality? And resale just incase?Thanks for the info, we wanted to keep it 8' or less so that's good to hear.
Posted 2013-07-11 8:28 AM (#153290 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
If you keep a trailer well maintained and clean that will effect your resale more than anything. Even a high dollar trailer won't fetch much if its falling apart. I have known people who bought a Bison and they were well pleased.I have a F250 v10 that I pull a 3H Gn with midtack and weekender...about 27ft on the box. It works out very well for me. Easy to haul and stop.
Posted 2013-07-11 5:54 PM (#153301 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: iowa
So much depend on your expectations. I see brands of trailers that I think are entry level and people post that they like them. So if you have never had a quality trailer nor know what quality looks like you will have different expectations as someone who is more particular.
Posted 2013-07-12 7:58 AM (#153307 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
My Exiss 2H with 4FT shortwall LQ is what you would call entry level. I bought it new in 2001, and maintain it very well. I have only had one complaint...had to replace the dropdown windows due to faulty hinges, and the manufacturer provided those and paid for them to be put on.
I expect to have this trailer for the rest of my life. It may not be big, or fancy schmancy but I have redone the LQ to suit me and it works well.
If I am not mistaken, there are certain Sundowner models that have aluminum skin and steel frames, and the frames rust badly, to the point of being dangerous. If you do a search on here you should be able to find out which models they were.
Posted 2013-07-12 2:13 PM (#153310 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Austin
I'm looking for a 2-horse trailer w/tack room. I have heard different opinions on aluminum versus steel. The current trailer I have is a CM steel combo-4 horse that has lasted 20 years, and the two aluminum trailers my friends have don't seem to hold up very well. So I would like advice on aluminum versus steel and also what brands to steer away from. I prefer the style with air vents all the way around as that's the style I have now and my horses have never over heated.
Posted 2013-07-13 11:10 AM (#153326 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Member
Posts: 15
Location: Missouri
I have done alot of trailer research before ordering our expected 3 horse Cherokee with 7'10" deluxe package. You can go to the Cherokee site and look at the specs on the different models. We are finishing out the living quarters ourselves because we wanted to save money and didn't want a cramped bathroom taking up space. Plan on putting a cowboy shower and port-a-potty in the first stall. Tobruk Trailer sales has been excellent so far to work with getting financing set up and helping to design the trailer to our needs. We expect the trailer to be delivered in about a week and will post pics and a review then.
Posted 2013-07-14 8:00 PM (#153355 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Member
Posts: 49 Location: Central Florida
Be sure to research customer service.
My horse trailer company doesnt seem to give much of a flip about you if you dont buy your trailer brand new from them. Long term customer service equates rude treatment if you get any response at all.
Posted 2013-07-15 2:04 PM (#153363 - in reply to #153355) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by horseygirlFL on 2013-07-14 8:00 PM
Be sure to research customer service. My horse trailer company doesnt seem to give much of a flip about you if you dont buy your trailer brand new from them. Long term customer service equates rude treatment if you get any response at all.
Posted 2013-07-15 4:54 PM (#153366 - in reply to #153363) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by retento on 2013-07-15 2:04 PM
Originally written by horseygirlFL on 2013-07-14 8:00 PM
Be sure to research customer service. My horse trailer company doesnt seem to give much of a flip about you if you dont buy your trailer brand new from them. Long term customer service equates rude treatment if you get any response at all.
Posted 2013-07-16 11:54 AM (#153386 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Regular
Posts: 54 Location: cleburne texas
I know they are on the cheaper side, but when talking about customer service, I think Calico is a winner by a long shot. They honor the warranties. I pull a stock combo, and needed one little thing fixed, and it was done immediately.
Posted 2013-07-25 9:24 AM (#153550 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Graham, WA
I currently own an 04 Exiss and I love it. It is a 7ft on SW, fully self contained and I bought it new. Awesome for shows or short stuff. I go for longer periods of time in the woods, dry camping. I am looking to purchase another and it will be my last trailer. I tried Exiss again but they will not put a slide out in smaller than 10ft LQ. I also must have the bigger fridge. LOVE my Exiss and its weight. Now looking at Lakota or Shadow. Would love any feed back anyone could give on either.
Posted 2013-07-25 6:56 PM (#153558 - in reply to #153241) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Akron NY
I own a 2011 Sundowner Horizon 6909 RS 4Horse and we love it. I pull it with a 2011 Chevy 2500HD diesel Single rear wheel, but wouldn't mind a Dually lol. Sundowner Is what we wanted. My wife and I sat down picked which one we liked and didn't like. I started with a Shadow... But sundowner seemed to have better quality. My trailer weighs 7900LBS empty. its 27ft long on the floor. it pulls great with single rear wheel. At the end of the day, like everyone else is saying its what you want. Just stay away from LQ trailers with Leaf spring axles. Torsion axles all the way!
Posted 2013-07-26 11:50 AM (#153570 - in reply to #153513) Subject: RE: What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Do a search as Cim as they had roof issues in that time period. Have an '09, nose had to be rebuilt, now side sheet is coming off in another spot...need to investigate. Great to work with on warrenty, but still a pain. Great trailer other than that. Probably will not be buying another one due to these issues.
Going back to Hart or might try an Elite is the plan.
What trailer brands to look for which to stay away?
