I’m going to look at a 2015 Lakota Charger. It has a 7’ LQ. Does anyone have any experience with this brand? I plan to trail ride out state hauling 8 hrs some days, most days 3-4 hrs with rest breaks. Does this trailer offer a comfortable ride for horses? My horse is 15 H.
Posted 2017-12-05 7:49 PM (#170897 - in reply to #170891) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
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Posts: 88 Location: Washington
I have a 2016. I like the trailer but if I had it to do over again, I would look for something wider. We had a Trails West previously and never had an issue with room for the horses. The Lakota Charger is a few inches narrower. Between the narrower width and steeper angle of the stalls (because of the living quarters installation), it is pretty skimpy on stall space. We haul two horses that are in the 15.1 h range and it's okay. Your one 15 h horse should be fine. In fact when we haul one horse, we tie in the middle stall and leave the third stall divider open. Trailer pulls good, is reasonably well built but if you're looking for long term flexibilty, I'd give it some more thought. The last horse I bought, I gave consideration to how it would fit in the trailer and ended up buying a little smaller horse than I ordinarily would have looked for. The good side of a smaller horse is that getting on from flat ground is getting to be an issue! Another plus is the trailer is easy to see behind as you're going down the road. My 2 cents worth. Good luck.
Posted 2017-12-05 9:25 PM (#170898 - in reply to #170891) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
2 more cents.............if you had a chance to pull the trailer and load a couple of horses in it, you could make your own, well informed decision. Don't get me wrong........we like the trailer but for us, it was definitely a downgrade in stall space.
Posted 2017-12-05 10:07 PM (#170899 - in reply to #170891) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
RayRocks - 2017-12-05 2:10 AM I’m going to look at a 2015 Lakota Charger. It has a 7’ LQ. Does anyone have any experience with this brand? I plan to trail ride out state hauling 8 hrs some days, most days 3-4 hrs with rest breaks. Does this trailer offer a comfortable ride for horses? My horse is 15 H.
You might look for a trailer with an air suspension if you are going to make such long hauls to trail ride...
Posted 2017-12-07 9:36 PM (#170913 - in reply to #170897) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
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Posts: 13
Thank you so much for your 2 cents worth!!! My 15 H horse is the smallest horse I have and he is medium build. The other one is stout and 15.2 or3. He won't be doing any more long hauls tho. Tomorrow I am looking at Lakotas in the morning and found a 4 Star that looks pretty good (in the pics) Both are 2 H. Fingers crossed!!!!
Posted 2017-12-07 9:48 PM (#170914 - in reply to #170900) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
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Posts: 13
As for the air ride......... I bet that would cost more than the trailers I'm looking at! I rode in the back of my trailer once, briefly. I drive very carefully, but doubt that helps a lot. If I had to chose I would get air in the trailer for my horses before the truck.
Posted 2017-12-08 2:29 PM (#170915 - in reply to #170891) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
I hate to dwell on this post but first of all............hope you get a trailer you love. Nobody forced me to buy mine. I love it. I would sit in it and watch the TV all day. The other brand you mentioned is pretty darn well regarded.
What I do like about my Lakota Charger is the weight. That was a big factor in my purchase. Great clearance under the trailer for the drain connections. That was another big deal. My limited dealings with the company have been excellent.
Posted 2017-12-09 4:06 PM (#170928 - in reply to #170891) Subject: RE: 2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
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Posts: 13
I looked at the Lakotas (2018) and ended up buying the 4 Star (2004). The stall next to the LQ in the Lakota didn't have padding on the LQ wall and the hinges really stuck out on the pass thru door. I was concerned my horse might ding himself somehow backing up. I loved the Lakota LQ finish package, and standard options. The 4 star is older LQ wise/a bit dated. Cabinetry is excellent. The 4 Star was smooth and so very solid in the horse area. 71/2 feet wide or more. The seller loaded one of her horses similar build to mine and with the built in manger it still had comfortable room. Height wise there is no issue. Stall width seemed fine. The tack area is stationary. I'm not used to that but I guess I will adapt. I was quoted weights on both trailers and the 4 Star came in lighter than the Lakota. I find this hard to believe and have to double check out of curiously. I guess I will be pulling the 4 star and it's a moot point. There is quite a difference in the clearance of the two trailers. My horse will like the 4 star step, but no doubt I would like the Lakota clearance. I can always trade if it's an issue. I have to get it home and get the wheels lubed or whatever my guy says he recommends. It is in excellent shape and I love the extruded (wavy) aluminum protection around the outside and the stall divider inside. Just beautiful, solid quality. I'm still not sleeping tho, turned into a trailer junky!
2015 Lakota trailer Charger Edition
