Posted 2007-10-13 9:49 AM (#69300) Subject: Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI.
If you're budget allowed only 35k to spend on a trailer with living quarters, what would you buy? I like 4 star and Cimmaron but they're expensive. I want a three horse, 8 wide, 7'6 height, 10-12 foot sw. Any ideas?
Posted 2007-10-13 10:04 AM (#69301 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
With that criteria, you can probably get a new Bison, Lakota, or some other brand in that tier, or buy a 5-7 year old pre-owned Elite, 4 Star, etc. Your choice. You might have a hard time finding a 7'6" tall 5-7 year old trailer. Most were 7' tall then.
Posted 2007-10-14 1:15 PM (#69338 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
what I have done in the past is to look in the used trailer section of HTW and buy used trailers for about half what a comparable new one costs. Plan on a few fix ups and repairs, upgrading it to your tastes.
I was able to find our two LQ's that were in almost new condition that exactly suited our needs. The two together cost about what one new one sells for.
There are many good brands available. Don't look for just the biggest names. By reading the many threads in this forum, you can get a sense of what the satisified owners are using.
Make a wish list, spend some time on line, compare apples to apples. Inspect the structure first, how pretty it is second.
Posted 2007-10-14 6:29 PM (#69354 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362
Location: Allegan, Michigan
You can get an ALL aluminum shadow with a slide for around that price range. I have been doing ALOT of shopping lately. I got to see a Shadow trailer and I like them. They are not fancy on the outside, but the LQ's were very nice material. Right now hubby and I are deciding between a Featherlite, a Lakota, and a Shadow. We have a bit larger budget than you do, but for the money I would say check out the Shadow, granted they are a new company, but what I have seen I am impressed with. There is a Shadow dealer in Lake City, MI. Seems to be decent priced, right along what other dealerships are charging.
Good luck and maybe see you on the trails sometime!
Posted 2007-10-15 1:18 PM (#69400 - in reply to #69324) Subject: RE: Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI.
Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2007-10-13 11:59 PM
Originally written by Gone on 2007-10-13 10:49 AM
If you're budget allowed only 35k to spend on a trailer with living quarters, what would you buy? I like 4 star and Cimmaron but they're expensive. I want a three horse, 8 wide, 7'6 height, 10-12 foot sw. Any ideas?
Is that 35K currently available funds or is it a projection of available monies based on current budget?
Is there some more available out of your monthly budget?
How much are you budgeting for a contingency fund?
To fix flat tires...electrical problems...grey water events...and the like...
Also...how old and what model is going to be your tow vehicle?
Finally, if the 35K is a projected amount...How secure is your job over the next 12 years?
You don't have to answer some or any of these questions because they are rather personal, but you should at least consider them in the priacy of your own home...
What will 35k get me? That's all I asked. You wandered into an area that doesn't concern you and there's absolutely no need to go there. Your right, I DON'T have to answer any of your questions and I won't. You speak down to me as if I haven't a clue to understanding and managing finances........How insulting. Oh and by the way.....You spelled privacy wrong.
Posted 2007-10-15 1:51 PM (#69404 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Location: KY
Hey Derek
That is a good looking trailer on that ad.
As to your question, Gone, you can get quite a lot of trailer for 35k. Personally I really like the Merhows. Diamond J (on this site) has a nice selection. They also have my dream trailer but I can't do that yet.
I have a Merhow that is 7.5 tall and 7 wide but it has a slide out which makes it quite liveable, but there are no storage mangers. Our horses seem to fit fine in it.
Posted 2007-10-15 2:42 PM (#69413 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500
Location: West TN
Hey Jan
I agree.. There are several good trailers for that kind of money. You can find alot of good used ones that really would not need alot of "fixing up." If you really like the 4 star then you can go from there and see what is available in the price range. May I also suggest a C&C which will be very similar to a 4 star. Best of luck in your search.
Posted 2007-10-15 3:32 PM (#69414 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Veteran
Posts: 129
Location: Northwest Ohio
Relax Gone. I'm sure Paul was only kidding (evidenced by the ). You need to get to know the folks on here. Everyone is very willing to offer their opinion and to help everybody out...sometimes with a little humor too.
We found our all aluminum, 3H 1999 Sundowner, 12' sw with full LQ and mid-tack plus lots of options for not much more than $35K just this past winter. Everyone says it looks new. Use the Advanced Search feature on this site. You can really nail down your wish list and see exactly what you can get.
Posted 2007-10-15 6:00 PM (#69423 - in reply to #69414) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 2614
I'm with CandyGirl about Paul.He didn't mean anything by it.He is from Vermont and they are notorious for being conservatives with money,so,he was just giving you some extra food for thought,I'm sure he wasn't trying to get "in your business".
You'll find him and most of the regulars on here are pretty good folks that are helpful and like to kid around some with no harm intended.
I'd think for that you should be able to get a nice trailer like you're looking for.I saw a nice 4Star with a very nice LQ probably a 6' SW this weekend,only thing: it is a 2H.2003 model.
Posted 2007-10-15 6:40 PM (#69427 - in reply to #69423) Subject: RE: Trailer
Regular
Posts: 97
Location: Kansas
Originally written by crowleysridgegirl on 2007-10-15 6:00 PM
I'm with CandyGirl about Paul.He didn't mean anything by it.He is from Vermont and they are notorious for being conservatives with money,so,he was just giving you some extra food for thought,I'm sure he wasn't trying to get "in your business".
You'll find him and most of the regulars on here are pretty good folks that are helpful and like to kid around some with no harm intended.
I'd think for that you should be able to get a nice trailer like you're looking for.I saw a nice 4Star with a very nice LQ probably a 6' SW this weekend,only thing: it is a 2H.2003 model.
Can you point me to that trailer? I am looking for a 2H. Thanks!
Posted 2007-10-15 9:24 PM (#69434 - in reply to #69427) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 2614
I do not have the phone # but I can tell you where it was at,and you can more than likely find out from the folks there where it was: I saw it at Hartshorn,MO at Big Creek.Their phone # will be on their website:www.bigcreektrailrides.com. It is operated by the Howell family.
Posted 2007-10-17 11:43 AM (#69510 - in reply to #69354) Subject: RE: Trailer
Member
Posts: 33
Location: OUT OF TOWN
You mentioned Shadow trailers and Merhow but one that caught my eye was the Blue Ribbon. I went by a dealer this weekend in OK and he priced me a 3 horse, 10' lq, 8' wide, mangers, 7'6 tall, stainless nose and upgraded tires to "boot" with a nice lq for what you have budgeted for yourself. They looked really well made and looks like you really get a lot of trailer for your money. I have seen some on this website so take a look at them if you get a chance and HAPPY HUNTING!
Posted 2007-10-17 1:25 PM (#69520 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 1723
Location: michigan
Ditto what the others have offered up- I'd be buying used to get more for my money. You can get quite a bit for 35K buying used. Much less if you want new...
Posted 2007-10-18 5:15 PM (#69594 - in reply to #69334) Subject: RE: Trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI.
Mr. Christenson, you honestly don't think that any of your comments were even a little out of line? You're obviously upset by my justified reply. Oh well, do what you need to do.......It's all good.
Posted 2007-10-19 1:53 AM (#69607 - in reply to #69594) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Originally written by Gone on 2007-10-18 6:15 PM
Mr. Christenson, you honestly don't think that any of your comments were even a little out of line? You're obviously upset by my justified reply. Oh well, do what you need to do.......It's all good.
Justified reply????
You have been on this forum asking about this trailer and that trailer and never making any decisions...
If you refresh your memory...you will note I gave you advice without any issues the last time...
This time I just assumed you CAN'T make a decision for whatever reason...therefore I gave you some free advice that would hopefully help you decide one way or the other...and I told you you were free to do with as you see fit...
I didn't ask you your income...
I was trying to clarify why the magic number of $35000...this is because most living quarter units I see are 50K and up...
The simple fact that you implied there was an upper limit on you purchase...would say to me....if I were a saleman...that there are unstated economic concerns...
I was just making observations that you may or may NOT have considered...because I have seen some whoppers in my life...where events have many people affected because certain people in positions of authority did NOT consider all of the options...
Just an FYI: a sticking keyboard will drop characters while you are touch-typing, so pointing out a spelling error, makes you a Pretty Petty Person...SAY that ten times fast...
And you give me back a ration of manure...
If I say anymore to you, DAVE will suspend me...You may consider this our last communication on this board...
But I'm willing to bet a coke, that before too long I'll see another posting from you asking about yet another trailer...
Posted 2007-10-19 10:03 AM (#69620 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Veteran
Posts: 142
Location: KY
35,000 is a awfully small price for an 8' wide 10 or 12' sw what you will find is you're going to get a lot lower quality trailer. You may be better off finding a used, quality trailer or if you could go above that budget just a bit you could also look into Kiefer Builts I have a new 2008 8' wide 3 horse with a 10' sw that stickers for 48,500 that I could do for 44,900 it has everything and a 3yr hitch to bumper warranty and an 8 yr structural warranty. So for 10,000 more you get that extra piece of mind. If you buy a used 4 star, elite, bloomer, or cherokee you'll be getting a great trailer, but you could also be buying someone elses problem 'cause you never know how that trailer has been treated. Look it over good and never buy before seeing the trailer.
Posted 2007-10-19 2:19 PM (#69623 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362
Location: Allegan, Michigan
dixie: I beg to differ. I recently saw the Shadow trailers and you get ALOT for your money. I have talked to others who have owned Shadow trailers. They are very comparible to Featherlites in construction. It wasn't so long ago that Exiss came onto the market and everyone was skeptical of them, and they were wayyyyy below the prices of other brands (ie: Kieffer Built, Sundowner, Featherlite).
We will be ordering ours in December. So I wouldn't say someone is going to get lower end quality for 35k. Just lots of shopping and comparing. I recently saw a Sundowner for over 50k at Millbrooks in GR that was very very very crappy.
The LQ decor in Shadows are much nicer!
I think it is a matter of perspective. To me the Sundowner decor I saw was cheesy and cheap looking.
Posted 2007-10-19 3:38 PM (#69634 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Expert
Posts: 1723
Location: michigan
I bought a used trailer from Uncle Bob's and it was a great buy. Everything worked AND they delivered it. I saw a few good pictures of it and it was all that was advertised. So you can buy without seeing it in person.
You can generally find something in your price range if your willing to compromise on stuff. Naturally a used trailer isn't new and shouldn't be expected to look and smell brand new. You might give up some stuff you wanted ,oh say, like a plasma TV and fire place. A good friend of mine bought a huge 4H with midtack and 10'LQ ( no slide out) its a bit older but still solid. Got it for 20K. if you must have new, your probably going to spend much more but if you're willing to get something with a few miles, just keep shopping..........
Posted 2007-10-19 3:45 PM (#69635 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544
Location: Claxton, Ga.
Take your time and don't get frustrated. You can find a deal on a good used one from time to time but they don't last long. I got tired of searching and got a new one. In the winter time is the best time to buy.....
Posted 2007-10-19 3:56 PM (#69638 - in reply to #69300) Subject: RE: Trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544
Location: Claxton, Ga.
Here is one I found in 2 minutes searching from this site that fits what you asked for. It is a little more expensive but it will show you the power of the search function on here.