Posted 2005-08-01 6:21 PM (#28758) Subject: Need help with first purchase
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Austin, TX
I've been researching trailers for a first time purchase and have basically gotten information overload.
What I'd like is an aluminum, extra tall, extra wide, 2 horse, bumper pull, straight load with dressing/tack compartment. I think that's all the necessary info.
The Sundowner 777 fits the bill, and I have friends who use them, but I have also seen similar models from other manufacturers with various feature and price differences. The Featherlite 9406, for example is almost the same. I've also seen a similar Trail Et model.
Then there's the used verses new question. I've seen ads for used Sundowner 777's--a 1997 model for $8000 and a 2003 model for $9950. Also know of a new 2004 model Featherlite for $10500.
I'm sure there are other manufacturers I haven't even considered, so I thought I'd see if anyone can help point me in the right direction.
Posted 2005-08-02 10:22 AM (#28777 - in reply to #28758) Subject: RE: Need help with first purchase
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
I have also been looking at trailers and I can tell you that resale on Sundowners is great. If this is a trailer you are planning on having for less than 10 years and then upgrading, you will not lose a whole lot of money on a Sundowner. The other brands I have found around this area that retain value well are Sooner, Hart, 4 Star, Platinum Coach, Keifer, and there are a few others that I know I am forgetting. I think because everyone in Texas has a BIG TRUCK, the appeal of Featherlite is not as great in this area although they do OK on retaining value and I think it is a good product. I have seen various other brands who have recently burst onto the market around here and are well made trailers, however I don't see many for resale yet to know how they will hold value. Another thing to remember is where the local dealership is located. A few of the newer brands don't have dealers within 50 or 100 miles of the Ft. Worth area.
Good luck in your search. Hope you find exactly what you're looking for.
Posted 2005-08-04 11:31 AM (#28873 - in reply to #28758) Subject: RE: Need help with first purchase
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Do both of the trailers have the tack storage under the mangers ? If not, I would definitely lean towards the one that DOESN'T have it or see if you could get an additional saddle rack added on the wall. My last trailer had under manger saddle racks and it turned out to be a big inconvenience with western saddles. A friend of mine has a 4-Star Straight Load with walk through to the DR. She LOVES the walk through feature but also wrestles with the under manger saddle racks. Just thought I would throw that out there.
Need help with first purchase
