Posted 2008-07-10 4:34 PM (#87230) Subject: Elite or 4 Star
New User
Posts: 3
I am in the process of purchasing a new trailer and have narrowed down my choices between two trailers - an Elite and a 4 Star. Both are 4 horses and have living quarters. What are the pros and cons of each trailer?
Posted 2008-07-10 5:57 PM (#87234 - in reply to #87230) Subject: RE: Elite or 4 Star
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Why, you couldn't GIVE me a.....................just kiddin'! Buy what suits you and be proud of it. I don't think you'd go wrong either way.... enjoy your new trailer!
Posted 2008-07-10 8:18 PM (#87243 - in reply to #87230) Subject: RE: Elite or 4 Star
Member
Posts: 27 Location: Santa Fe, TX
Hi, I bought my first new horse trailer (3HGN w/ 6' SW) last summer and also narrowed it down to 4 Star and Elite after looking at several other different brands (Bloomer, Sooner, Cherokee, Cimarron, Sundowner, Integrity, Merhow).
I went with the Elite because I liked some of the features and construction better on it than on the 4 Star. PLUS the fact the Elite's aluminum flooring supports are on 9" centers vs 4 Star's being on 12" centers giving Elite a stronger supported floor. There were a few other nice options on the Elite too that were not available with 4 Star. And I also tend to agree the older 4 Stars were a much better built trailer than the new ones are today.
In my opinion, the Elite is the best built aluminum trailer out there.....period.
Posted 2008-07-10 9:34 PM (#87251 - in reply to #87230) Subject: RE: Elite or 4 Star
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Way, Way Up North
Hands down--4 Star. Love ours and probably wouldn't even look much further if we were to buy again! And we shopped extensively before buying.
But as they all say, buy what suits you. There's also a big difference when it comes to who built out the living quarters--so it's not just all about the trailer manufacturer!
And remember to make sure you have a stud wall on that 4th stall--it will allow you a lot more flexibility for storage if you aren't hauling a full load of equines.
Posted 2008-07-10 10:16 PM (#87255 - in reply to #87230) Subject: RE: Elite or 4 Star
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Missouri
Just to be fair.....4-STARs' cross members are also on 9 inch centers starting with the 2008 models. Some of the custom ordered 4-Star trailers before 2008 may have supports closer than 12" if the dealer or customer ordered it that way.
Posted 2008-07-11 9:13 AM (#87271 - in reply to #87230) Subject: RE: Elite or 4 Star
Veteran
Posts: 201
Here's some questions you need to find out about: thickness of alum. floor sheet; size, thickness and spacing of floor braces; size ,thickness and spacing of upright posts (and style like full or 1/2 tube); and are rear posts welded to frame or to floor. I think you'll be surprised when checking out major trailer brands, to find out these differences
Elite or 4 Star
