Posted 2009-03-20 5:33 PM (#101836 - in reply to #101819) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
Member
Posts: 30
Location: Fort Jones, Ca.
I think you would be very happy with a Trails West model trailer. I have a 3H Classic model with the warmblood package (as I have a very large Appaloosa) that I am very pleased with. It is well constructed, has a very good warranty on the unit and paint, and is well thought out. I especially like the jailbar dividers and the side, swingout tack room. I never really cared for the rear tack that takes up half the back end of the trailer. When I was looking for the new rig, I looked at Exiss, Featherlite and Sundowner units. I was not real impressed with the overall construction of the Sundowner interiors as compared to older models and the amount of money you had to pay. On the Exiss and Featherlite models, there were fewer options that you were available and the price was about $5 - $7K higher than the Trails West. I did buy at a time when fuel prices were real high, at the end of winter, and the dealer had a lot of inventory on hand, so was able to get a real good deal. As to the weight difference of steel vs. aluminum, I don't notice any at all when towing. I think my rig weighs about 500 pounds more than a comparable aluminum unit. About the only thing I had had to adjust to is that the unit does take a much wider turning area so yu have to bear that in mind. Construction is first rate and customer service is very good and prompt. All the doors and dividers close solidly and there is not a lot of rattling and banging when you tow the rig. I pull with a '99 Dodge diesel, and am real pleased with the combination. I don't think you would be unhappy with your choice.
Posted 2009-03-26 7:41 PM (#102177 - in reply to #101819) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
I've roped with guys that had them. The body and paint were very good and seemed to last. The problem was that on all of them, and several others that I've looked at, the axles became bent and ruined tires. Weight was very compariable to aluminum. But please remember, these were team ropers and most put 5 horses in a 3 horse!
Posted 2009-03-26 10:16 PM (#102194 - in reply to #101819) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
I think they still use OSB for the floor in the LQ but I'm waiting for info from the company before I make up my mind for sure. I'll also look into getting heavier axle's put on as I don't want to run into the same problem as your roper friend's but I also won't be over loading the trailer either with extra horse's.
Posted 2009-03-26 10:34 PM (#102197 - in reply to #102194) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Originally written by kurtk_287 on 2009-03-26 10:16 PM
I think they still use OSB for the floor in the LQ
While you are pondering the single layer of OSB flooring for use in your Canadian weather, you might want to also consider the floor joist material, sizing and spacing, installed under the LQ.
Posted 2009-03-27 6:34 AM (#102209 - in reply to #101819) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah
If I left the gates in the open position (against the wall) I could easily get 6 horses in a 4 horse trailer. I've never tried it. But i do frequently load two horses in the last stall. Which makes 5 horses in a 4 horse trailer. I just put the 3 biggest horses in the individual stalls and load the two smallest together in the rear. But Logan trailers have a very large rear stall.
Posted 2009-03-27 12:06 PM (#102227 - in reply to #101819) Subject: RE: Trails West trailer's
Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas
I sure could not do it in our Sundowner, but we have mangers too. Plus horses are a little larger than avg.! We checked the weight of 3 at the last vet check and my rope horse that is 15hh is 1375lbs, the better halfs barrel horse (my other rope horse is 15-2hh is 1280lbs and the pasture pet ex race horse is 17-2hh and is 1475lbs! And the better half thinks they are skinny!