Posted 2008-06-16 11:13 AM (#85739) Subject: Bison problems?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Marengo, IN
I was wondering if anyone had heard of the Bison's having problems. We are thinking of buying a new Bison and another dealer told us they had a lot of problems, such as catching on fire! I just want to know if this was just an opposing dealer trying to talk us out of buying one or if there really are problems with the Bison's. I would just appreciate any feedback, good or bad. Thanks.
Posted 2008-06-16 12:43 PM (#85743 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
dawnray, I just have to step in here & say a few words. I would if I were not a Bison dealer too. Any dealer that will stoop to that level to try to sell you a trailer does not deserve your business. I sell hundreds of Bison LQs each year and have NEVER heard of one burning. I've not heard of other brands burning either. I have no doubt some have at some point in the past, but it will not be because of their brand in any case. It is a dis-service to all the good folks that work for any manufacturer, or anywhere in the industry, for these rumors to be promulgated. Shame on the dealer, or anyone, that spreads any unfounded gossip. You will find very few "un-biased" opinions. Just find you a trailer that fits your needs and your budgett & buy it. Brand is of little consequence. They are all good products! DON SMITH, OWNER, DHMCO
Posted 2008-06-16 1:17 PM (#85745 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
First let me say I sell equipment for a living............ if a salesperson or dealer tries to sell you something buy downgrading their competitors product, they must not have anything to sell. The first rule in selling a product is to sell on the features and benifits(FABS) of the product that you represent, if your product cannot stand up to the competition then you try to downgrade their product. Looks like you got caught up in that game.
Posted 2008-06-16 1:57 PM (#85748 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Marengo, IN
Thank you for anwering me. It felt to me just like you said, but was still wondering. I have read past threads by searching "Bison" and overall I think we will by one. Thanks.
Posted 2008-06-16 2:05 PM (#85749 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: MO in woods
No wouldnt cross street for free tripped out Bison.We have friends who had some many problems they got 2 free Honda generators and stud wall to keep quiet and anyone from central IL would know couple as they are ALWAYS having troubles.Wouldnt ever camp next to one either.As two owners have have lp lines NOT connected propery.Run dont walk way too many nice trailers out there to buy.SORRY Bison owners but its BigLots trailer and wouldnt take free one.
Posted 2008-06-16 2:42 PM (#85755 - in reply to #85749) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Regular
Posts: 67 Location: Alberta
Originally written by Paints on 2008-06-16 1:05 PM
No wouldnt cross street for free tripped out Bison.We have friends who had some many problems they got 2 free Honda generators and stud wall to keep quiet and anyone from central IL would know couple as they are ALWAYS having troubles.Wouldnt ever camp next to one either.As two owners have have lp lines NOT connected propery.Run dont walk way too many nice trailers out there to buy.SORRY Bison owners but its BigLots trailer and wouldnt take free one.
So when everyone pipes in about their friends trailers that have had issues, that would leave us with what brand we can buy?
Posted 2008-06-16 8:56 PM (#85776 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
Only one thing worse than a dealer bashing a different brand of trailer, and that would be the imaginary friend bashing a brand of trailer. I have worked on a Bison and though it isn't a 4 Star ect........ it was a nice trailer for the price. Let me take time to remind everyone that if you want 4Star/Bloomer/C&C quality don't be looking at trailers priced like Bison/Trailswest/Trail-et ect...........
Posted 2008-06-17 10:35 PM (#85864 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Most of us all have friends who own various brands of equipment. Some of us are vocal about our preferences, some are reserved. For the best ideas about Bison ownership, I would go directly to the source; present owners.
By doing a search, you will find lengthy discussions about Bisons by owners who currently own that brand. They would be the most qualified source, from which you can glean relevant information.
With almost every request of information about a specific brand, you will find everything from realistic and intelligent discussions to histrionic dribble. Everyone has a favorite trailer. Fortunately there are some people who appreciate brands that they might not own, and are willing to discuss others.
With the exception of the one "friend" thread, these responses were mainly critical of the dealer you visited, that spoke poorly of the Bison. From this lot, you were unable to find any relevant information, to help determine if you wanted to make a purchase of a Bison or not.
Posted 2008-06-18 8:17 AM (#85887 - in reply to #85860) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
Don't be sorry for asking. There is no question about it, upper end quality costs more. That doesn't mean that you can't buy a lesser priced trailer and have it live up to your expectations. Your expectations on the trailer will be much different than mine or anyone else's on here.
Here are a couple of threads with opinions of people who have actually owned or used a Bison.
Posted 2008-06-18 8:25 AM (#85888 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: somerville,al
I own a Bison trailer and have been very satisfied with it. I have had it 5 years and wore out a set of tires. If I were looking for a new one tomorrow, I would look at a Bison again.
Posted 2008-06-20 12:34 PM (#86076 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: novinger, mo
We are on our second Bison, (up graded to get larger LQ) Got the first one in 03. We are very happy with the brand and use ours a lot. Last year we put over 10,000 miles with our '05. Nary a problem. No they are not Sundowners or 4 Stars. They are a good, basic, well-built trailer that we have put to good use.
Posted 2008-06-20 1:14 PM (#86078 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Veteran
Posts: 152 Location: Florence, SC
My husband & I purchased our Bison brand new from Dixie Horse & Mule in March 2007. We have the Trail Express 3H w/ 10' SW and are pulling it with a Dodge dually w/ diesel engine.
We love our trailer. We had only a couple minor issues with it in the last 15 months (seats on the saddle rack collasped (fine with me, I was going to have a local welder reposition them further apart for our western saddles), top portion of the antenna came flying off on the interstate, my mare sat back against the tie at a 45 degree angle from the trailer and snap it off (they had held every time she sat back straight against it)). The horses love the space in the back and I highly recommend getting the stud divider for peace of mind when hauling extra stuff to rides. The trailer pulls straight and true, is not hard to manuever at all, and with its clean white skin, looks brand new to this day.
Our trailer has tons of cabinet space. We haven't had any problems with the heat, A/C, stove, frig, microwave, pump, or anything like that. The trailer does not leak anywhere in the LQ or horse area. The space over the gooseneck is large enough for a queen size bed. I will say we added extra cushion from Walmart to the mattress b/c it was harder than what we liked.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I highly recommend DH&M if you are willing to purchase from a dealer a good distance from you.
Posted 2008-06-20 3:21 PM (#86084 - in reply to #85860) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by dawnray on 2008-06-17 10:13 PM
WOW! Kinda sorry I ever asked, but some of us don't have money growing on trees and can't afford to pay for a name.
Don't apologize...There is NEVER a stupid question...SOME STUPID RESPONSES SOMETIMES......But never a stupid question...
It's NOT the name you're paying for...It is the product that the company manufactures...
All trailer manufactures can have lemons...The companies with the top ratings solve their lemon problems better than others
You can buy the cheapest trailer out there and NEVER have a problem with it...
It just a matter of manufacturing statistics...
My take is one can buy whatever one can afford, but one shouln't go on some forum and then slam a cheap trailer for not measuring up to the more expensive brands...
Posted 2008-06-26 10:58 PM (#86468 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Veteran
Posts: 115
Just one more positive feedback from a Bison owner. I have a 2004 3H alumasport with a 6' slide. I've had it since '04 and am still very satisified with it. I've had a few minor issues which have all been resolved with help from my dealer. Great trailer for the money and I'll certainly shop the Bison's first when/if I decide to purchase another trailer.
Posted 2008-06-27 6:01 AM (#86477 - in reply to #85860) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Veteran
Posts: 140 Location: Ft. Lawn, South Carolina
Dawnray....between my riding friends and myself, we have owned 4 Bison trailers!! I have a 2007 AlumaSport, 3-H slant, 10' SW and LOVE it!! Most of these folks are right when they say that there are alot of really good trailers out there without the high price tag....and face it, price has to figure in these days. These trailers are well-made,pull great,and people are always commenting about mine (interior, room, etc.) wherever I am camping.I would buy another one! Of course, we all would like to write that check for the top Sundowner, but I have to put my head on the pillow at night too!! You can get a great , safe trailer for a good price with Bison. Shop for a good dealaer, as service after the sale is important. FYI: I bought mine from Ken Fagin in Fletcher, N.C.(outside Asheville, N.C.)PM me if you want/need more info. Happy trails!!
Posted 2008-06-27 8:37 AM (#86494 - in reply to #85739) Subject: RE: Bison problems?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I have a question for the Bison trailer owners. Has anyone of you had a discolouration problem with the "shinny" aluminum siding after using an acid wash? I was told by one owner, that his trailer's protective aluminum finish was damaged by the washing, which subsequently allowed the aluminum to discolour.
Bison problems?
