Ok, I am opening up to everyone my troubles...  why can't I find an afordable trailer in my price range, close to me?  When I set my mind on a "type" of trailer, everyone has their own opinions and makes it known to me how horrible the other trailers are.  I know each person has their own opinion and my opinion might not be similar to others, but it is so hard.  I have not been happy with my current trailer since I got it 5 years ago, and continue to look but never find one that is "perfect" for me.  My next trailer I am going to keep for a long while, and want to make sure I get the right one. 

I am looking at many different types of trailers.  I used to be set on 4-star until I went to congress and looked at the inside of the new ones.  They have rivits that are not "flush" with the roof, any dumb horse will flip their head and hit it, it hangs down at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch and bugs me... so I have changed my mind on them.  Which opens me up to searching for more trailers. 

Basic wants:

I want a step up, I like the 2 horse size, getting to a 3 horse, you have a drastic step up and down which being short, I don't like myself. 

I want a rear tack - Perm or remove not a big difference, have pros and cons to both.

I want drop down all the way around - know that gets expensive.

I want drivers side door entry and door between horse and DR and braced for AC.

It has to be ALL ALUM because I have a 1500 shortbed and I am NOT getting another truck as I only haul a handful of times compared to normal driving of the truck.

Any one else have these issues with the "good and bad" of trailers?  Anyone else confused on what to get?  PLEASE go ahead and post why and why not you like trailers also!

I want a step up, I like the 2 horse size, getting to a 3 horse, you have a drastic step up and down which being short, I don't like myself. 

I've never noticed a big height difference between the 2 and 3 horse trailers.    I've got a 4 horse and it is alomost the same height as my neighbours 2 horse.

Depending on how big of a dressing room you want and if you were to get a 3H that might get a bit heavy for your 1/2 ton truck.

I agree with Terri, I haven't noticed much of a height problem in the step up between a 2 and 3 horse.

What don't you like about the current trailer you own now? Make a list of all the things you don't like and compare it with other trailers.

Personally the trailer I used to have, had a list of things I didn't like about it so I looked at trailers that didn't have those bad things. Trailers are changing all time for those reasons.

Finding a trailer without special ordering it with the drop-down windows all around option could prove difficult and expensive. Do you really need that option?

There really is no perfect trailer out there. And once you buy one and use it for awhile you will probably start picking that one apart as well.

This website is certainly a  good place to shop for trailers. Contact some dealers even if they aren't in your area. Delivery is always an option.

I think I also said that ....was it 3 or 4 trailers ago?....They all end up being a compromise here and there. Sounds like you are looking and you know what you are looking for... Good luck! 

Oh I have and searched this site since it started.  I remember when it was just a site that had a few things on it.. now look at it.

I am not 100% needing drops all the way around, just face side.  That is a "compromise" that I am willing to change.

Can you give me ideas on different brands of Alum Trailers.  Oh and I am only looking at trailers that are max 18 feet total, so I think that will be ok to pull with my truck.  Looking around 14-16 feet really.

Give me your thoughts on:

* C and C

* 4-Star

* Merhow

* Hart

* Sooner

* Elite

This conversation is happening on another message board I belong to.  We have concluded that there is a Consumer Reports for just about anything we buy in this life-------except a horse trailer.

If there is one out there, please post a link to it:) 

If there isn't a consumer reports on horse trailers, some enterprising person needs to compile information and start selling it.  There's a lot of folks (new and old timers) that would happily pay a small fee for a "Consumer Reports of New and Used Horse Trailers"

Well I agree, but that is NOT an option.  My truck can pull my steel/galvinized just fine right now, so getting an all alum is not going to be worse. 

GH...Mine has drop downs on the head side and "bus windows" on the butt side. I believe you will have better luck finding that compromise..Good ventalation! I personaly would own a Stock combo trailer but my wife wants all the padding, windows and all that stuff that costs more. Guess who won... 

I have seen the brands you listed..but can't give you a personal opinion. I bet some of the folks out there will post there preference...I own a Featherlte no structure problems...just a few I wonder why they did it like that?! Good luck!

Have you looked at Platinum or Elite?

I don't know what Platinum has in a 2horse but I searched for every and paid more than I thought I should but am in love with my 3H Platinum Coach, and my fussy hubby who is knowledgeable about welding and construction wouldn't have anything but a Platinum and Elite.

KR   

What do you call an affordable price?  Maybe that's the sticking point.  If you buy a quality trailer like a Platinum, Elite, 4-Star, C&C, you will pay more.  Since you want it to last a long time, I don't think you would be happy with an entry level trailer.  Call your local dealers and price a new trailer custom built to your specs.   A new Platinum with all of the options you describe will probably cost you a little over $16,000.  That sounds very reasonable to me for all you want.

Thanks everyone.  I normally ask what people like and don't like about their trailers and why someone who ordered a trailer, ordered it with those "options"! 

I used to want rear tack - removable, but I sort of like the idea of no dirt and wet getting into it.  I would like being able to haul "more things" in it, but honestly I have my current trailer with no rear tack and have never had to haul anything in it... so the thought that I would really use it that way is prob few and far between.

I like the slat windows, but know after having mine for so long, the slat itself is a pain to "store" somewhere else...  plus I like the idea of being able to shut the windows or open them if needed (drop down windows) to allow more air flow.   Indiana gets hot, but it also gets just as cold!

THANK YOU ALL.  I am still looking, I guess when I find it I will know!