Posted 2014-05-31 10:43 AM (#159303) Subject: Considering a 98 Bee 4-horse slant trailer...
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Stafford, VA
First-time poster, long-time lurker.
I am considering buying a 1998 Bee 4-horse slant-load gooseneck trailer. It is about 1-1/2 hours from me, so before I take the drive, I have a couple questions and was hoping someone might be able to give authoritative answers on them.
My biggest concern is that I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 4wd. It is not jacked up, but modern trucks all sit higher than the older pickups. I have found that many older gooseneck trailers sit too low for my bed. They don't leave enough bed clearance unless I jack the hitch to the max, making the trailer ride very high in the front, which loads the rear axle and is uncomfortable for horses on a long trip. Will that be the case with the 1998 Bee gooseneck trailer? It appears to me that current Bee trailers of the same model are made with more bed clearance, but I'm only judging from photos at this point.
Second, I have been unable to find any reference for horse trailer values. This one appears to be in good condition, with a few surface rust spots, here and there, but nothing serious. The horse compartment looks to be in very good condition, all the dividers are there, pads appear to be in decent shape. Owner says he has had the bearings repacked and brakes checked annually. Any suggestions on value?
Third question is the windows. I will be using this trailer out west, Utah, Arizona, Colorado mostly, With the windows not being the removable or hinged kind (they slide open, but only half-width), will the trailer be too hot inside for horses during the summer months? Will I end up having to install an AC for the horse compartment?