Looking at upgrading to a LQ horse trailer, 3-horse with a 12' shortwall. Bison's sure are priced to sell, but I don't know much about them. Anyone have one? How is there quality? I don't want to spend that kind of money on a rolling death trap.
Posted 2005-10-21 5:29 AM (#32094 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Monroe WA
we have a Bison 14" shortwall 4 horse and love it. One of the main reasons we chose Bison was the quality of their living quarters compared to some trailers that cost much more. One thing to watch is the weight of the trailer as ours is 12,600 lbs completely empty. We have the Alumasport SE.
Posted 2005-10-21 7:48 AM (#32096 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Regular
Posts: 97
Hello,
I agree the Bison trailers are very affordable. I haven't heard much about them either. What I have heard wasn't expecially good. I'm also interested in knowing a little more about the Bison trailers. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2005-10-21 11:18 AM (#32116 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Rio Linda, CA
Yikes! So roof leaks seem to be the #1 issue. I wonder if they have changed that at all, given all the bad press? Aside from leaky roof issues, does anyone know of any other issues?
I've always loved 4 Star, but they are so out of of my price range. Does anyone have any recommendations for a well-built, and affordable, LQ?
Also, has anyone compared the cost to buying a LQ shell and have the LQ put in by an aftermarket company vs. buying it from the factory already done? Wonder if you get more bang for your buck in doing a conversion.
Posted 2005-10-21 11:42 AM (#32119 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
With that being said about Bison, why buy new? Why have your heart set on one brand? Look at others and see what fits you and your horse's needs.
You can surely find a nicely used 4Star or any brand for that matter that might fit your price range.
That is what I did. I couldn't stomach buying new(and neither could my DH) and I ended up finding a super nice LQ trailer that was just a couple of years old and well kept. I'm quite happy with it.
Posted 2005-10-21 11:59 AM (#32122 - in reply to #32119) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Rio Linda, CA
I actually was looking for used, but I could get the Bison w/ a slide out, new, for less than the price of the used 4 Stars and Elites w/o slides. I'm not married to one brand, but shopping around. I would love to find a deal like you found that is a good quality trailer at a reasonable price. I do like the amenities the Bison offers, and that was the reason we were looking at that brand. I really like the propane tanks, batteries, all under cover.
Posted 2005-10-21 1:58 PM (#32137 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Dixon IL
I don't have experience with Bison LQ but I did but a new Bison Aluma Sport in January of this year...and it has been a complete disaster. The doors don't fit, the trailer leaks, the entire trailer is bent out of square...and I just sold it cheap three weeks ago. You do get what you pay for. I will never buy a Bison again.
Posted 2005-10-21 2:01 PM (#32138 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Veteran
Posts: 115
I have a 2004 Bison with a 8' lq and slide and I LOVE MINE! No major issues, no leaks, no structural problems. Just a great trailer for a great price.
The leaking seems to be only related to those with a fiberglass roof. Simple, buy one with an aluminum roof. The old issues that Bison has seem to have all been fixed on the newer models.
The living quarters is all quality constructed with name brand components. Go look at one before you get scared of them. Yes, there have been a few widely discussed on here with issues....but that's also been the case with Sundowners and other brands. For the money you can't buy a better trailer!
Posted 2005-10-21 3:57 PM (#32147 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Colorado Springs
I too have been looking at Bison LQ's. My local dealer has 5 of them sitting on his lot, and I got to check each one out thoroughly.
Let me say first, the Bison roof leak problems are OLD news- that was way back when they offered sectional fiberglass roofs. Since the mid 2004 model year the standard roof has been seamless one piece aluminum. Two of the trailers sitting outside at the dealers exposed to all kinds of weather for over a year now, show no kind of leak whatsoever. Bison may have had a problem with roof leaks in the past (what, TWO mentioned here out of how many sold in the '99 model year?) but they have stepped up to the plate and corrected the problem.
Bison builds the LQ's inhouse, they are not shipped out to a converter. Bison's parent company is also heavily into the RV business, so they have access to ALL of the standard RV appliances, and build their own modular type cabinet work. Bison warrantys ALL of the trailer, inside and out.
Most converter companies warranty their own work, and usually have to go back to the converter for anything but minor work.
I think Bison is a good bank for the buck, and has overall quality of any RV you can buy out there.
I also visited a local Merhow dealer. I thought he was also a Featherlite dealer because he had 5-6 Featherlites out in the yard. The owner told me doesn't sell Featherlites, but he loves them because they keep his shop very busy with repair work- mostly aluminum welding of the frame.
I asked him about Bison, and he said he'd never had one in his shop.
The Merhow's were very nice, but were $12-15K more with a Sierra conversion than a comparable size Bison.
I'd call Bison the Ford/Chevy of LQ trailers, and the Merhow the Lincoln/Cadillac. It's all in what makes you happy, but the Bison's are not deficient in any way.
Posted 2005-10-21 8:10 PM (#32152 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 644 Location: Odenville, Alabama
I have a 2005 Bison Alumasport 8312 and I love it. I DO NOT HAVE LEAKS!!! I have personally toured the Bison Manufacturing plant in Milford Indiana and was impressed with their operation. They are building trailers left and right which tells me that their dealers are indeed selling them. My trailer pulls great, looks great (Black skin & Stainless), the horses are happy, and I have enought money left over to buy SHOES!! A girl can never have too many SHOES!!
Posted 2005-10-21 11:21 PM (#32154 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Veteran
Posts: 285
One of my best friends just got her horse vacation cancelled because of major frame problems. They have had nothing but trouble with it and when all of this is said and done and fixed I think someone can get it pretty cheap if they want. They said they will never buy another one. They bought it new two years ago, right from the factory. We have a Featherlite and love it. Hubby is a welder so he knows what to look for as far a frame and weld issues go and believe me did we look at a lot before we bought one. DK
Posted 2005-10-22 11:20 AM (#32163 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Fletcher, NC
kr8zykowgirl,
I have been selling Bisons for 5 years now and have seen just about all. Yes, they had problems with leaks in the past. Not now!!! Bison has come a LONG way since it was bought out by Roadmaster/Campmaster in March, 2003, especially the last 8 months.
I truly believe, for the money, Bison is the best value out there. The fit and finish is fantastic. Warranty work, when ever needed, gets handled easier as the trailer manufacturer and the LQ company are one in the same people.
I see others feel the same way as I do.
(Hi N2Ridin & PaintPony)
Sundown R
Posted 2005-10-22 12:57 PM (#32167 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Veteran
Posts: 285
I think trailers are just like any other thing you buy, that there can be lemons in every brand. Some who are happy with the Bison may have no trouble unlike our friends who has a lot. I have heard good & bad about every type of trailer. That is why we took our time to do research and did not rush into buying one. I know some people think that the Featherlite's are poorly made, but knock on wood we have been very happy with ours but not to say that we are 100 % sure we won't down the road. Life is a risk in whatever you and buying a lq trailer is a big risk with big money. Just have to decide what is best for you and go for it and hopefully things will work out. DK
Posted 2005-10-22 1:33 PM (#32168 - in reply to #32157) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: NW
Originally written by krys on 2005-10-22 12:25 AM
Originally written by kr8zykowgirl on 2005-10-21 10:38 AM
What brands do you all recommend? Elite, 4 Star, Sundowner? What are your thoughts on Exiss? Thank you.
Have you looked at Silverado, Silverlite and Charmac? Thise are pretty popular here on the west coast.
YES! I have a Silverlite & have had EXCELLENT customer service from them, even tho I bought the trailer used. Also, if you are looking at steel trailers, too, be sure to ck out Trails West.
Posted 2005-10-24 9:32 AM (#32216 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Veteran
Posts: 285
They purchased their trailer over the internet and the one they wanted was at the factory so they saved money by going to the factory and picking it up instead of it going to the dealer and then picking it up. I know this for a fact because they told me. They did this to save money.DK
Posted 2005-10-24 10:03 AM (#32220 - in reply to #32216) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720 Location: Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Just for the record . . . we have had roof leaking issues on this board for many trailer brands over the years. Find a manufacturer that will guarantee their roof from leaks. This could be one of the newest "selling" points for trailer manufacturers as the value of their contents escalate.
Posted 2005-10-24 1:29 PM (#32233 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
I had a leaky Bison. Still have it with no leaks now. It's a 99 and I have owned it since new. Only real problem is fiberglass roof leakage. I WILL NOT have another fiberglass roof. My next trailer will go straight to a truck aftermarket store and have a rhino/ziebart/whoever urethane spray coat, and I won't have the leak issue again. $1100 to keep me and the animals dry is worth wild to me. All trailers flex, therefore all the seams move and at somepoint WILL leak. It's just a matter of when.
Posted 2005-10-24 5:27 PM (#32256 - in reply to #32091) Subject: RE: Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
Regular
Posts: 61 Location: Indiana
" Find a manufacturer that will guarantee their roof from leaks. " Just wanted to mention that, as of 2005 all American Spirit Trailers have had a 3 year leak proof warranty. Plus not to mention we only have had one issue in the past 3 years of business with a leaking roof. Just thought I would throw that out there ... Now where is that hole I just crawled out of?
Bison LQ -- your thoughts?
No major issues, no leaks, no structural problems. Just a great trailer for a great price. 
