Posted 2005-10-11 3:56 PM (#31590) Subject: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 12
Hi everyone.. I was wondering what type of trailer would be good for a first timer? I want a gooseneck, and im hoping something with a dressing room.. What do you suggest??
Posted 2005-10-11 4:18 PM (#31591 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by tThompson on 2005-10-11 3:56 PM
Hi everyone.. I was wondering what type of trailer would be good for a first timer? I want a gooseneck, and im hoping something with a dressing room.. What do you suggest??
Hi and WELCOME to the forum.
It depends,,,,
How many horses ? What size(s) ?
Where you will be going, what you will be doing.
etc.
If you currently have ponies and will "move up" to horses as kids grow.
Lots of variables.
I think if I was starting over I'd look for one with a side ramp, 8ft wide, 7ft 6ins headroom, "ALL" (ok, mostly) aluminum, from 4-Star, Jamco, Elite, EBY or ??? somewhere in that category.
A 3 year old slightly used trailer might be a good first buy, to use and get used to for a couple of years while to learn what would REALLY be best - for YOU and YOUR horses.
At 3 years it will have depreciated quite a bit, but at 5 years it shouldn't have deteriorated too much.
Posted 2005-10-11 4:42 PM (#31593 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 12
HI again... I will be takin 1 horse with me but I will be hauling 2 during the summer(jackpots). My gelding is about 15.1-15.2 and weighs pretty close to 1200 lbs. I will either have a 1500 or 2500 dodge to pull it with..
Posted 2005-10-11 5:57 PM (#31599 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366 Location: Albany, Oregon
t.....1500 or 2500? That would be my first descision. If you are dead set on a G/N then I would recommend a 2500. A slightly used B/P or G/N 2 horse with D/R is easy to move (sell) when you want to move up to the 12ft living quarters with all the bells and whistles! Then you'll wish it was a diesel!
Posted 2005-10-11 8:13 PM (#31603 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
My first Gn trailer was a Trails West- 3 H gn with DR. Aluminum /steel. It was a well made trailer and brand new it cost less than 10K. I was pleased with it. I pulled it with a 1/2 T chevy.
Posted 2005-10-11 9:45 PM (#31611 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 33 Location: Ashland, Ohio
Well, we started with a basic bumper pull, used it for a year, then bought a "Thoroughbred style" gooseneck w/drssing room. I'm sold on the design for ease of loading and safety working with the horses. It's a straight load, with ramp, and walk-out doors from the horse area. We've had a couple of "interesting" moments with horses while loading, and / or unloading. Times like that you really appreciate the maneuvering room. We're looking to upgrade to something with a larger dressing room, but it will still be the same straight load design. MY daughter has been loading the horses since she was 9-10 yrs. old., and I never really worried "too" much with this setup.
Posted 2005-10-12 6:11 AM (#31616 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 48 Location: Just moved to Montana!
Hi!
Welcome to the forum. I am also fairly new here and am looking for my first trailer. I have done a lot of research, looked at a lot of trailers and asked a lot of questions! (many on this forum!)
It is helpful to me to have a list of "needs" and "wants"... For example, I need a pass-thru door, escape door, min 4' short wall. I will also be hauling 2 horses but am looking for a 3H GN slant. The empty stall (closest to the gooseneck) is a great place to keep hay, buckets... the escape door will give me easy access here.
I'm looking for a used trailer and have gone to all the local dealers with my list. If they get a trade-in, this is a good way to find a match.
Before I started this search, I purchased a (used) F-250 diesel to make sure that pulling a GN wouldn't be a problem. Good luck! The more questions you ask, the more you learn! Its very exciting!!
Posted 2005-10-12 8:10 AM (#31621 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 12
Thanks everyone!! I don't want a bumper pull, I don't like they way they pull, and I have always pulled a gooseneck. Right now my family has a 4H GN Exiss, and I really like that. But with the new 2 hrs Exiss' only have 1 axle!! I'd like to have a 3 horse, just to have a lil extra room, incase someone wants to ride with me somewhere.. It doesn't have to have a rear tack, but I'd like it too. I do need a dressing room type front, and drop down windows. I don't want a straightload. Is there a brand that any of you recommend? Am I being too picky??
Posted 2005-10-12 8:42 AM (#31623 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
You're on the right track. If you buy a trailer that fits all your needs the first time, it eliminates needing to sell it later and then buy what you really want.
Posted 2005-10-12 9:01 AM (#31624 - in reply to #31623) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Veteran
Posts: 133 Location: Indianapolis, IN
Originally written by Dunoir on 2005-10-12 9:42 AM
You're on the right track. If you buy a trailer that fits all your needs the first time, it eliminates needing to sell it later and then buy what you really want.
I agree 100%. I wished I would have bought what I wanted/picked out the first time cause that is exactly what I am searching for 5 years later... I have not been happy since I didn't go with my initial "want". The trailer I have now is perfect and great... but it isn't exactly what I wanted 6 years ago... and I regreted it since!
Posted 2005-10-12 10:14 AM (#31626 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I "wanted" a Aluminum Lq type trailer but I bought the Trails west instead- why? because at the time I could easily afford it and it suited my "needs". Looking back, I am glad I didn't buy the bigger trailer first. Using the TW for a few years gave me a better idea of what I really "wanted" and "needed" in a LQ type trailer. Since the TW was newer and still in great shape, I sold it easily. Then i managed to buy what I wanted without getting what i didn't.
Posted 2005-10-12 10:21 AM (#31627 - in reply to #31621) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Veteran
Posts: 202 Location: North Texas
Originally written by tThompson on 2005-10-12 8:10 AM Thanks everyone!! I don't want a bumper pull, I don't like they way they pull, and I have always pulled a gooseneck. Right now my family has a 4H GN Exiss, and I really like that. But with the new 2 hrs Exiss' only have 1 axle!!
Do ALL Exiss 2 horse GNs have only one axle? I just tried to go to there website and the "product" button isn't working so I can't see what they have there. I would be very surprised if they have stopped offering two axels on 2 horse GNs.
Posted 2005-10-12 1:09 PM (#31633 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Well, you're certainly going about this in the right manner. I, for one, didn't really know what I wanted in a trailer (never having hauled one before). I got a great deal on a used Sundowner 2H straight load bumper pull and I used it for 2 1/2 years. It was very easy to pull and worked out great. Well, I have recently upgraded to a new 4 Star GN 2H Slant with everything I now know I want and I sold my old trailer for more than I bought it for. It sounds like you already have a very good idea what you want and I agree with the needs / wants list if you are looking for a used trailer. I would highly suggest getting a "quality" trailer that has good resale value in your area in case you decide to upgrade in a few years. If you take good care of whatever you have, the trailer should hold it's value very well.
Posted 2005-10-12 3:28 PM (#31644 - in reply to #31627) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 12
Originally written by arroyoseccofarm on 2005-10-12 10:21 AM
Originally written by tThompson on 2005-10-12 8:10 AM Thanks everyone!! I don't want a bumper pull, I don't like they way they pull, and I have always pulled a gooseneck. Right now my family has a 4H GN Exiss, and I really like that. But with the new 2 hrs Exiss' only have 1 axle!!
Do ALL Exiss 2 horse GNs have only one axle? I just tried to go to there website and the "product" button isn't working so I can't see what they have there. I would be very surprised if they have stopped offering two axels on 2 horse GNs.
All the ones I have seen only have one axle.. I'd like to have a 2 Hrs. Exiss, but not with one axle, and I can't find a decent used one.. Thanks for all the replies.. What do you think about the 4-star trailers? I really like the look of them. Do they hold up, etc. Or Featherlite?...
Posted 2005-10-12 3:48 PM (#31648 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
You will hear a lot of opinions about various manufacturers of trailers but in my opinion, you won't go wrong with a 4-Star. It's hard to find many people who have had problems and aren't satisfied with theirs.
I looked at a lot of trailers before I bought a 4-Star for myself. The quality is excellent and the dealer was fantastic.
Posted 2005-10-12 4:07 PM (#31651 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
Exiss makes an excellent trailer, but in looking at the newer models I saw something that concerns me. The rear rubber bumper does not go all the way across on several models, leaving about a 6 inch gap where the post meets between the door and tackroom. The exposed metal and size of gap looks like a vet bill waiting to happen to me.
Posted 2005-10-12 5:07 PM (#31657 - in reply to #31644) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 12
Originally written by tThompson on 2005-10-12 3:28 PM
Originally written by arroyoseccofarm on 2005-10-12 10:21 AM
Originally written by tThompson on 2005-10-12 8:10 AM Thanks everyone!! I don't want a bumper pull, I don't like they way they pull, and I have always pulled a gooseneck. Right now my family has a 4H GN Exiss, and I really like that. But with the new 2 hrs Exiss' only have 1 axle!!
Do ALL Exiss 2 horse GNs have only one axle? I just tried to go to there website and the "product" button isn't working so I can't see what they have there. I would be very surprised if they have stopped offering two axels on 2 horse GNs.
All the ones I have seen only have one axle.. I'd like to have a 2 Hrs. Exiss, but not with one axle, and I can't find a decent used one.. Thanks for all the replies.. What do you think about the 4-star trailers? I really like the look of them. Do they hold up, etc. Or Featherlite?...
Ok.. Not ALL of them do.. I found one that has 2 axles...
Posted 2005-10-13 2:10 AM (#31683 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
Hi there tThompson,Silverlite makes a nice all aluminum trailer. Their base model goes for $12,550 (Freedom model GN)I just sold my '03 Exiss Sport.A couple of things I did learn:One: I want ALL white skin this next time(keeps cooler in the heat)Also makes for easier cleaning(my horses really scruffed up the extruded aluminum on lower half of trailer.Two: I didn't like the rear-tack at all.Too hard to remove rear stuff and remove floor mats underneath the rear-tack for cleaning was hell!I had bought the 3 horse,just too big!I too thought It would be great to have all that extra room but now want shorter,lighter trailer.If you decide to go steel, I think Trails West makes a really nice and affordable trailer.Hope this helps and Happy Hunting(JUST TAKE YOUR TIME THOUGH AND LEARN ALL YOU CAN)
Sooner makes a 2 horse GN with 4' short wall, Model is SE 215 and I really like my 4 horse 4' short wall Sooner! Nicer fit and finish that the Exiss , both are made by Universal Trailer, like Chevy and Pontiac or maybe Cadillac?
Posted 2005-10-17 11:21 AM (#31851 - in reply to #31590) Subject: RE: First Trailer..
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Vada, Georgia
If you are looking for an all aluminum, I agree that 4 star is probably one of the best. If your looking to save a little money and go with a galvanneal trailer, the "Bee" brand horse trailer is what I would recommend. Excellent quality and warranty.
First Trailer..
