Conference noted::equitation

    I HAVE A TRAILER WITH A FIBERGLASS ROOF AND WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER!
    I HAD THE ROOF REPLACED THIS YEAR. IF THE TRAILER WILL BE UNDER
    COVER THE PROBLEM IS NOT SO BAD, BUT THE SUN DRIES OUT THE FIBERGLASS
    AFTER A COUPLE OF SEASONS, LEAVING THE ROOF VERY BRITTLE.  ONE SMALL
    CRACK AND ALOT OF VIBRATIONS FROM THE TRAVELING LEAVES THE NEED
    FOR A NEW ROOF.  ALSO THEY TEND TO LEAK ALOT.  I'VE NEVER DRIVEN
    AN ALUMINUM TRAILER, BUT WOULD LOOK INTO ONE FOR MYSELF NEXT TIME
    BECAUSE OF THE RUST PROBLEM WITH THE REGULAR ONES.

    Very interesting...
    
    I had a Turnbow 4 horse with a fiberglass roof and it was quite
    satisfactory.  (In fact I saw the trailer last year--9 years old
    then and it had the original roof and was in good shape.  I was
    thinking about buying it back.  Also, the dressing room had NO water
    marks in it.)  It might have been stored inside
    during that time.
    
    The first aluminum trailers that came out had a problem after being
    towed for a while -- the rivets started pulling, leaving gaps in
    the aluminum around the rivets.  I have heard that some of this
    has been solved in some models.  Also it depends on how much you
    plan to haul.  The more time on the road, the more vibration and
    subsequent tearing.
                                                          

    
    	I was talking with a friend that knew someone that bought an
    	aluminum/fiberglass trailer who was in a accident.... that person
    	felt that her horse would of made it if it had been in her
    	other trailer (steel/whatever).  She was side-swiped by a drunk
    	and the trailer totally fell apart on that side.  She wasn't
    	going fast and neither was the drunk.
    
    	But, I guess if you worried about everything - you wouldn't
    	get out of bed in the morning.....
    
    	Susan

    Since you are considering a Trail-et, you might look at their stainless
    steel version.  (I think it is the SST.)  There seems to be lots
    of old Trail-ets around--makes me think that they hold up.

I recently purchased a 2-horse trailer.  After looking at aluminum and
standard steel I noted there problems.  The only benefit I found with aluminum
was their lightness.  This is good if you are concerned with gas mileage,
I'm more concern with my horse's safety.

There problems are numerous: Frame construction, if aluminum, is the gauge
thick enough to withstand an accident?   Aluminum trailers seem to make lots
of noise.  To the contrary, aluminum has its own form of rust, it's a white
powder formed by oxidation.  If the frame is steel and the skin is aluminum,
then you will have electrolysis.  This will corrode the skin and the frame
where they make contact.  Also, I would stay away from metal floors because
this will be corroded by urine.  Steel trailers have problems with rust only
because they don't protect their frames and skins.  Most trailer manufactures
will just paint the frames and skins without priming. Since it is a competitive
market, cost savings for the manufacture is a key factor.  You will find the
axles are marginal (1,500 to 3,000 pounds), light gauge skins and frames,
small escape doors, small mangers, non-ramp doors, etc.

My criterion for a trailer was that it had to be the best money could buy.
I settled on G&F Horse Trailers in Ontario, California because they use
all steel construction, extra heavy frames, jet coat skins, all metal is
primed, 3,500 pound axles, life time warranty, etc.  The total trailer weight
is 2,700 pounds and can withstand a rollover!  So if money is no object,
give them a call and ask them for their catalog (714)947-7513.  They ship
world wide, when I picked up mine, they were in the process of shipping
one to Brazil!  I have included my order to them below for your reference:

========================================================================
							May 12, 1987


G & F Trailers						12919 - 297th PL NE
1640 Bon View						Duvall, WA  98019  
Ontario, CA  91761					B (206) 865-8814
ATTN: George Liblin

Re: Estimate

Dear Mr. Liblin

Back in early March I stopped by your shop to see your horse trailers.  After
talking with you and looking at your construction techniques, it was obvious
that your trailers are well built and will last many years.  As you can
see, I live in Washington where Circle J trailers are the most common and
best built trailer in the area.  But, Circle J is not built with the same
quality or materials as yours, but there close by.  I still would like to get
a high quality trailer from you if the price were right.  Therefore, I am
requesting an estimate for the following trailer and options.  I understand you
would like 50% down, balance on delivery.


Description			LIST PRICE
-----------			----------

Queen Size			$4,695
48" Ramp with Dutch doors	   500
Extra escape door		   100
Extra saddle door		   100
Spare tire mounting bracket	    65
2 Removable saddle racks	    95
Deluxe padding			    75
Deluxe floor mats		    75
2 Radius windows		   100
Deluxe lighting package		   125
Deluxe chrome & gravel guard        75 Chrome on fenders & front 
Removable back post                 25
2 additional ties		    20 Behind escape doors & ramp
2 brush trays			    40

4 Shocks			   200
2 Water rings			    40 Each side
Imron aircraft paint		   200
2-tone paint			   200 I will give you the color code
				------
		LIST TOTAL	$6,730

NOTE: I will supply my own tires and wheels.  I understand that 15", 5 hole,
4 1/2" center (ford or dodge) will fit the trailer.

If the price is right I would like to order it ASAP and pick it up the first
week of July.


					Thank you for your time,



					Larry Backstrom

==============================================================================

							May 29, 1987


G & F Trailers						12919 - 297th PL NE
1640 Bon View						Duvall, WA  98019  
Ontario, CA  91761					B (206) 865-8814
ATTN: George Liblin

Re: Order

Dear Mr. Liblin

I received your estimate on May 19th and I would like to place an order
for the trailer.  I have enclosed a cashier's check for $3,240 which is
50% down payment and a signed work order.  I understand that the balance is due
on delivery. I would like to take delivery of the trailer during the first week
of July.


					Thank you,



					Larry Backstrom
    
    

    Sounds like you could buy two of those trailers (.5) for
    the price of one Classic (approx. $15,000) aluminum trailer.
    The safety factor is probably worth more than looks, I know someone
    who just purchased a Classic (eventor model) and it sure is 
    a nice looking trailer, but we'll see how well it holds up.
    The butt bars take more time to do up than conventional chain
    straps because you need to line up the holes of the aluminum
    tube with the side of the trailer and drop a pin through
    the holes - this doesn't help if you have a horse that likes
    to rush back to get off the trailer quick after you've just
    loaded him.  I've also heard people complain about the way
    the tailgate needs to be opened and closed - not as easy as
    the trailers that have the closings on either edge of the
    ramp.  

    As far as trailers go, I would never buy a Classic. They have extremely
    sharp edges on the fenders, etc. (they never bothered to round them
    off). They are also way out of my price range. I have received some
    literature on the Sooner and the Trail-et. The Sooner seems to be
    all aluminum and the Trail-et is 7 guage channeled steel frame w/24"
    centered cross member and undercoated undercarriage, rubber torsion
    axles, molded fiberglass fenders, pressure treated oak (#2 or better),
    extruded anodized aluminum running boards to eliminate foreign road
    matter, full height dual wall construction outerwall of brushed
    aluminum over welded struts of 16 gauge primed and sealed steel,
    inner walls are 18 gauge steel finished with aircraft primer and
    paint, gaskets or special sealant at all steel-to-aluminum contact
    points to insure no electrolysis of metal, 1" styrofoam insulation
    in walls and doors, dual wall automotive-type doors flush mounted,
    6-ply fiberglass flat radius roof with 1" steel tubing encapsulated
    in the fiberglass for strong rust-free no-leak roof, 7'4" height,
    smoked safety-tempered glass windows, etc.
    
    I havae almost definitely decided on the Trail-et but am looking
    for more info (especially some interpretation of the above!!!)
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Linda
    

    We had a steel trailer for 17 years...a Miley (don't make them
    anymore).  However, the first real signs of rust appeared in the
    last 4 years as it wasn't housed at any point in time.  We sold
    the trailer and the fellow who bought it did some cosmetic work
    and it is back on the road again.  We feel that if you keep it up
    on a yearly basis it won't cause you any problems.
    
    The one we presently have is a Tracer I believe out of Indiana...it
    is 7 years old and presently needs some cosmetic rust work which
    we will do this Fall.
    
    My husband is the authority on the trailers as he is the one who
    pulls them...the one thing he keeps saying about both of them is
    the sturdiness of the construction (easy to haul) and the fact that
    we have trailered some unwilling youngsters in them and they have
    held together very well with no significant repercussions.
    
    Good luck in your search.
    

    Okay, now I am one of those people who can absolutely everything
    go wrong but this past weekend was ridiculous! Picture this scenario,
    take dog out late at night, run inside to use bathroom, hear dog
    bark frantically, run downstairs and halfway down smell vaguely
    familiar awful smell and...
    
    you guessed it, warm, friendly dog has played with nice little black
    and white kittie with the white stripe down the middle of its back.
    Now getting doggie smell restored to dog is easy, 2 cans of tomato
    juice and a good bath, however 
    
    what does one do for the horse trailer and truck that nice little
    black and white creature also managed to stink up???
    
    Thanks in advance for any info (and I promise not to park next to
    anyone I know for the next few months!)
    
    Linda
    

    I have a trailer with a fiberglass roof, and I love it.
    I will get another.... I have had NO problems...  (my trailer
    has stell ribs in the fiberglass).
    
    	I find the trailer is much cooler in the summer, and the
    the fiberglass is a bit lighter.
    
    	Sounds like the person who had problems with the fiberglass
    	may have had one build differently than mine.
    
    	I am also in New England, the weather is not nearly as hot
    	or dry as it is in the southwest.
    
    

    
    
    Well, I finally went and bought a horse trailer after looking at
    trailers off and on for the last 5 years or so.  It is a three horse
    slant load with a front tack compartment and dressing room.  It
    is an all steel trailer with a wooden floor built on a 16 foot long
    frame.  It is a Diamond-D trailer out of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  The
    construction is of 1" tube steel throughout with a 5' ramp/storm
    door rear entry, an escape door for the front stall, 5,000 pound
    8 whole axles, and a built in closet in the dressing room.  This
    is the only trailer I have ever seen where they build in the closet
    in the dressing room.  I am very happy with this trailer and can't
    wait to start using it. I'm in the process of getting plates and
    getting the hitch adjusted so that the trailer pulls level.  After
    that's all done, away I go.  I want to take my mare up the the Pike
    National forest and go up into the mountains this fall and then
    we start on the show circuit next spring. 
    
    I was reading Western Horseman the other day and they had an article
    on trailers.  One of the things that they mentioned was to get the
    tires on the trailer balanced and to rotate them.  The tires being
    out of balance causes vibration in the trailer and can make horses
    unwilling to load/ride in there for any distance?  Also, what kind
    of routine maintenance is needed to keep problems to a minimum?
    I know that the wheels and bearings need to be checked and repacked
    spring and fall, but are there oother things that I should be doing?
    With such a big investment I want it to last as long as possible.
    
    
    Pat

                  <I finally did it, too!!>
    
    I also recently bought a horse trailer last summer (August 1988)
    and spent about 3 months looking around at all different kinds.
    I ended up purchasing a Steel-Kingston, X-Wide and X-Tall with
    extrawide (2) sidedoors which is wonderful for moving large tack
    trunks in and out!  It also has jalousie windows in the rear and
     one of the best hitches on the market (Bull-Dog).
    
    A note to the wise, make sure that you have a hitch of this kind
    (it has a collar that pulls back and slids forward to lock the
    the hitch in and has a safety lock for extra protection) and not
    the kind that flips down over the ball into place.  Because on our
    old Kingston we hit a frost heave and the impact of the bounce made
    the lock on the hitch flip up and we lost the horse trailer.  Our
    horse was okay and thank goodness there were snownbanks so the trailer
    had something to roll into.   Needless to say, we replaced the hitch
    with a Bull-Dog style!
    
    In regard to alluminum trailers, my riding instructor owns a Classic 
    Eventor and I looked at them,  BUT on a very limited budgeted I 
    thought $15,000.00 was a bit much to spend and I really hated the
    way it hauled on the highway.  It SWAYED very badly and she had
    an excellent hitch and swaybars (lift unit) on her rig.  The steel
    trailers haul like a dream, sometimes I forget I'm pulling anything!!
    It also makes a difference with regard to the vehicle you are using
    to pull the trailer.  Blazer type trucks (& Jeeps) have a short
    wheel-base which adds to the swaying and the uncomfortable pulling!!
    I recommend either a large Pick-Up truck or Surburban (these vehicles
    have a longer wheel-base and make hauling easier!!)
    
    Well, I must get going.  I hope some of this information has been
    helpful!
    
    CIAO FOR NOW.. KERRY
    

    
               
                  
                  

Trailer questions...

I have also been looking at trailers and was wondering why some trailers have
trays and walls in front of the horse and why others just have a chest 
bar.  How safe is this?  Do horses try scrambling over it (under it)?  
This set up seems nice and roomy (with plenty of room for me to get out of the
way) but - there's no storage space.  I've never shopped for a trailer - 
obviously.  Opinions?

Thanks,

	JB

    There are generally two styles of trailers;  Western and English. 
    The western style trailer has a step-up back instead of a ramp style
    and usually has the solid wall in the front with a feeder.  The
    reason for this is with the set-up loader the horse goes into the
    trailer by him/herself without anyone leading them in. The English
    style has a ramp and you have the option of loading them in yourself
    or letting them go on by themselves (if they are trained to do this). 
    The reason for the "bar" is so you can crawl under it once your
    horse is in the trailer.  The solid wall does not allow you to get
    out of the way if you are loading your horse onto the trailer.
    
    If the bar is set too low or high for your horse then he may get
    stuck under or over it.  But the factory setting for the bar, are
    for most "normal" sized beasts!!  If you are trailing a little 12.2
    hand pony you may want to have the bar repositioned lower so he
    doesn't go under it!!  Usually a horse will not go over the bar if
    they are cross tied in the trailer.  The only time I knew of a horse
    getting stuck over the bar was due to an accident the people were
    in while pulling their horse.
    
    With regard to storage, English style trailers have an extra area
    up in the front where you can place a tack trunk and misc. equipment
    or you can use the second stall if you are trailing only one horse.
    I think the English style trialer has more room for storage and
    has easier access to it.
    
    If you have questions or advice, please respond.
                                   
    CIAO... Kerry     
    

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good place to take a trailer for some
work? I need to have a back door latch re-welded, a fender redone and the 
spring replaced but I'm not sure if I should take it to someone who 
"knows horse trailers" or a good garage.

I know Packard's Trailer in Foxboro and they do good work (maintenance anyway)
but they are a little far and someone else suggested Ken Johnson in either
Londonderry or Derry New Hampshire. Any suggestions or other comments?

Also, does anyone have Ken Johnson's phone number?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Linda

    HI Linda, as for a garage I have always used Astro Welding in 
    Stow. They service alot of horse trailers. I've always had good
    luck with them.  Tammy McAlpine works there and is always promoting
    them for the horse trailer business..
    
    Marianne
    

Johnson's Horse trailers
South Range Rd, Derry, N.H.  (603) 432-9198

    
    I've never had any work done there, but I see a lot of horse
    trailers being worked on, waiting to be worked on, and pretty
    good looking finished products parked out side of, Shephard's
    d/b/a Joe's Auto Body, on Rte. 119 at the lights in Townsend
    (Harbor), Mass.
    
    Also, doesn't Blue Chip do servicing? They're in LoMar Industrial
    Park on Rte. 111 in Pepperell.
    
    Sorry, don't know phone numbers for either one, but they should
    be listed.
    
    -julie
    

>    Also, doesn't Blue Chip do servicing? They're in LoMar Industrial
>    Park on Rte. 111 in Pepperell.

    Yes, Blue Chip does servicing, mantainance, sales, etc... but no 
    painting (neighbors complained about the fumes).  Their number is
    800-VAN-INFO or (508) 433-5246.

				-Caroline
    

    Yered Trailer Sales in Milford is very good as well.  Did some work
    for us that we were really pleased with.
    

    The phone number for Shepherd Auto Body d/b/a/ Joes Auto Body (has
    always been owned by Shepherd)  54 Main St, Townsend Harbor, in
    Townsend Ma is
    
    		(508) 597-8481

    This is on the east end of Rt 119 1/2 mile from the Pepperell line.
    The building is an old wooden mill building that doesn't look like
    much but they do real good work.

Thanks for all the replies!

I've heard alot of recommendation for Ken Johnson so I gave him a call and he's
going to take my trailer up there this weekend. It's pretty minor work but I'll
let everyone know how it went.

Linda

Hi everyone,

I was hoping someone could give me a little advice about horse trailers..

I have a 69 eastern states (2) horse trailer in need of some new tires.
it has on it right now 15 inch regular tires.

I have some 15 inch radial tires, that are in good shape.

would you recommend putting on radials or should I stay with regular tires?

I'll be pulling/trailering a different types of horses then you people but 
the weight is almost the same.   I'll be trailering two IRON horses   (HARLEYS)


any advice would be appreciated.


thanks in advance......~~Paul~~

    
    
    It really doesn't matter if the tires are steel belted radials or bias
    ply tires.  The critical factor is that all four of the tires on the
    trailer be the same.  (I am assuming you have four tires, two axles.)
    Mixing radial and bias ply tires is asking for trouble.  They have 
    such different road handeling properties that you could lose control of
    the trailer on dry pavement and end up in a ditch.  
    
    Pat

    Radial tyres are less stiff than regular tyres which is an advantage
    in handling and cornering for a single vehicle but a disadvantage for a
    towing vehicle and trailer. The stability of the vehicle and trailer is
    critical so you are more likely to need sway bars between the two if
    you are using radial tyres. You may need sway bars anyway depending on
    the relative size of towing vehicle and trailer.
    
    Regular tyres are less expensive than radials anyway. I have regular
    tyres both on my truck and trailer.

reply: last two


thanks for info. I think I'll go for the regular tires and save myself some 
money...


thanks again.....~~Paul~~

    I own a Triggs Fiberglass trailer, and I wouldn't own any other.
     This trailer will look "excellent" years from now.  It is lighter,
    quieter (ever ride in an aluminum (sp) trailer? They make a horrible
    noise).  No sharp edges, the fiberglass is warrentied for 5 years
    against damage (kicking, scrambling ect.)  The extra wideth makes
    for a more comfortable ride for the horses, and the resale value
    is great.  There is no rusting, no oxidization, the fiberglass if
    it breaks has no sharp edges, they feather.  The construction is
    very strong because it is processed differently then the way they
    make fiberglass cars.   Easy lube axles mean I can do it myself.
     Rubber torsion suspension takes the bumps out of the ride.
    Some metal parts are stainless steel, and I especially like the doors
    that close fully in the back, and then close the ramp.  Extra
    protection for the horses in case you get rear ended.  I like the
    padding on the chest and along the sides.  The screens in the windows
    make for airy bug free comfort, and keep things from being thrown
    into the trailer as you are driving along.  A small hatch on top
    scoops air in and keeps rain out.  
    
    I got a very good deal from Dave Slade, and before I even got on
    the road, Dave undercoated the underneath for extra protection.
    
    I would recommend that anyone looking to buy a trailer should talk
    to Dave and let him tell you about the Triggs.  He also sells Sooner.
    Triggs will also custom design for special needs. 

    Have recently been looking at used 2-horse tagalong trailers.  (my
    refurb job paint/floors/frame/elect. on my 4-horse was taking a long
    time, so I thought I'ld see what could be had inexpensively)
    Here in Mass there are quite a few Kingstons for sale, but I noticed
    that they are made with a steel rectangular-section tube frame. And,
    the ones around here are quite rusted - even to the point of holes in
    the tubular frame member.  One I looked at had the rear member which
    the ramp is hinged to rusted through its whole length. My own trailer
    is quite old, but the frame is angle iron, which can be easily welded
    for repair and doesn't rot to pieces.  I don't know if other
    manufacturers make them with tubular frame members, but it points up
    the need to get the trailer to a place where you can jack it up and
    examine the underside with a drop light before you buy it. 

	I just had some lights fixed and my brakes re-adjusted on my trailer,
	and the person who did the work noticed that I have a pendulum-type
	brake controller in my truck. His feelings were that the hydraulic
	brake controllers are better because they give a smoother, more 
	consistent ride to the horse at all speeds because they work
	directly with the pulling vehicles brakes.

	So, my question is (being completely unknowledgeable in this area),
	what type of brake controller is the best to have and why?

	Also, what are the different types and what are the pros and cons
	of each type?

	Thanks in advance,

	Linda

    
    
    	We referred by one of the noters in here about a stock
    	trailer that was for sale.. I need to know more about stock
    	trailers I guess.. 
    
    	What are the best kind?
    
    	This was 1985 Circle J trailer with plywood sides and
    	new tires, and a brand new paint job..and a awning attached. 
    
    	How much is it worth.. 

    A new 2 horse stock trailer (all metal) goes for about $2200-2800
    right now.  No company that I know of makes a stock trailer with
    wooden sides.  They have a wooden floor, and the sides can vary
    with how "open" they actually are.  Mine has a storage section
    up front, a manger, an escape door,a removable divider, and is 2' longer
    than standard 2 horse stock size.  It has 3 slats on the side,
    and I believe they can have as many as 5-6(?).  
    
    
    
    

    Donna/Ed a stock trailer is for cattle.
    
    
    We have one (we can fit 3-4 horses at a slat)
    
    The plywood on the sides is proably something they put on themselves 
    to keep out the rain and wind.
    (stock trailers have the metal slants for air flow for the livestock)
    there is a divider (not down the middle ) but divides the front from
    the back , so you can tie one up front and one in the back. To put them
    both up front (if they are long/tall horses ) they would be too
    cramped.
    also a stock trailer is low.. its about the saem height as a 
    quarter horse trailer. Alot of people feel they need the added height.
    Some horses need it, most of them dont. If you are unsure, measure your
    horse from ground to the top of head, when they are in their stall
    and allow a 1-2 feet about them for a good rule.
    
    Extra- hi trailers  get wind resistance, less gas mileage, in
    crosswinds you can really feel it, etc.. (this is just personal 
    perference) ....  more money , etc..
    
    if you just need transportation stock trailer would be ok, however
    you dont have any place to put your tack if you are hauling more than
    one horse.
    
    	wendy o'
    
    
    
    
    

    THe stock trailer mentioned is 7' high.  THe owner added extras, like
    the plywood on the sides.  It keeps the horses from denting the sides
    when the move about (or kick).  It is enclosed about 5 feet or so from 
    the bottom and it has slats the remaining 1�-2 feet. 4 horses fit
    comfortably, (2 in front and 2 in back) although we've had up to 6
    horses in similar trailers loaded on a slant.
    
    Not having a tack area can be an inconvience, however when you have
    lots of horses to move you give a little to get alittle.  
    
    The awning is 16' I believe and probably worth about $1000 to $1200.
    
    This trailer is mint and ready to use.
    
    Michele
    

    
    
    	I agree the trailer is mint condition.. The people who own
    	it are just wonderful people.. I never saw a trailer as 
    	clean as this one.. 
    
    	I am interested in knowing more about the price range to 
    	know If I am getting a good deal.. 
    
    	thanks Donna

    Donna, how much is the trailer and what year is it?
    
    	and how many feet is it??
    
    			wendy o'
    
    

    personally i wouldnt pay more than 2500.00 
    
    
    you can get a new stock WW trailer i believe for 23-2800.00
    
    	wendy o'
    

    Size is a real consideration too.  I once almost bought a 4-horse
    trailer until I realized that I'd never get it into my driveway!  I
    lived on a very narrow street, with a narrow, stone-wall bordered
    driveway.  There just would not have been enough room to get it around
    the corner.  YOu probably won't have this problem, but check out how
    much room you have, just in case.
    
    -e

    Thanks,
    	But we live on a pretty busy road that is trash trucks go down.
    

    
    
    	Okay me and my husband have come down to two trailers.
    
    	Bison and Ponderosa
    
    	We would like opinions on what people like and don't like
    	about each trailer (we want to buy a 16ft stock).

    Mine's a 2 horse extra tall extra wide extra long
    stock Ponderosa...I am very happy with it...bought
    it brand new last year...
    
    Lynne

    donna, 
    never heard of them... 
    
    how makes them (stupid question maybe?) and where are they built?
    and how much are they and what are the features?
    
    
    
    wendy o'
    
    

    Does anyone have recommendations on a bank to talk to about a loan
    for a horse trailer?  I think I've decided what I want, but it's
    beyond my "cash" range (stainless steel), and the dealer doesn't offer 
    financing.
    
    So far the two banks I've called have been very reluctant to quote a
    rate for a horse trailer - I might as well buy it on my credit card
    considering the rate they're thinking about!!
    
    -Kate

    How about the DCU, Kate?
    
    L

    Although the DCU will allow a non-secured personal loan for up to $25K,
    I think the rate ir 16.9%.  Their credit card rate is 12.9% for
    amounts over $2.5K.  Most other lending institutions anly give
    personal loans up to $5K.
    
    Michele

    Gee that's weird...when we bought our trailer 4 years ago, we just went
    to our local bank where we had our checking and savings account. They
    gave us the same rate on a trailer loan that they did for car loans.
    
    Of course, that was before the big 5 bank failures and the economy was
    still good then. Our bank was a small town FDIC insured bank in NH that 
    had a good reputation for local investment and service...Have you been 
    hitting the bigger banks?
    
    FWIW, we talked to DCU about a loan for that trailer with the trailer
    as security like on a car loan and they wouldn't  hear it. As a previous 
    note said they do offer unsecured laons but at high rates.

    Yes, I did try DCU, and found the previously reported facts.  My
    "local" bank is Baybank, and they're useless for anything out of the
    ordinary...  I have started to call smaller banks, but find I get a
    run around.  I wish I had taped the conversation with the loan person
    at Fitchburg Savings.  When I explained I was interested in a loan on
    a horse trailer she said, "Oh...are they those ugly things things that
    look like big boxes, that cars pull behind them, sort of like a trailer?"
    (Really!  It was hard not to laugh...)
    
    If anyone has the name of a local bank they've been happy with and want
    to share, I'd be mighty pleased to hear about it.
    -Kate  

    
    Can anyone put in some PRO's and CON's on a Stock Trailer vs. a 4-Horse
    trailer?  There is 4 of us who go everywhere to gether.  3 of us want
    a 4-horse trailer and the 4ht person wants to get a stock trailer.  I
    really don't think I like stock trailers.  Aren't they windy and cold
    in the winter/fall time of they year?  there not fully enclosed like
    a normal trailer right??  A stock trailer is for live-stock like cows
    and such.. right?  Do horse usually like stock trailers better then a
    fully closed trailer?  If we buy a fully closed trailer it willbe
    X-long, X-wide, X-tall.  
    
    Thanks
    
    Louisa

    
    
    	We just bought a stock trailer 
    
    	Benifits.. 
    
    	I can use it for other things beside carring horses (hay etc).
    
    	It can fit four horses, but it's great when there is only 2 and
    	you can use them as box stalls.
    
    	We are going to be able to close in the stock trailer by putting
    	plexi glass on the sides.. 
    
    	Less expensive (stock trailers).. 
    
    	4-horse trailer (expensive)
    
    	Can't use it for anything else with out taking out the deviders.
    
    	I don't use the stock trailer in the winter it become unregistered
    	on DECember 1 and I will register it in may.. 
    
    	My horses go on the stock trailer without any trouble.  
    
    	my 2 cents
    

    
    
    Stock versus horse trailer...
    
    You need to consider how you intend to use the trailer.  
    
    If you are intending to use it for frequent hauling over long
    distances, the stock trailers tend to be noisier and not as smooth
    riding.  The suspension system on stock trailers tends to not be 
    as kind.  I have had a couple of shows horses that absolutely could 
    not stand the noise of a stock trailer and would be a nervous wreck
    by the time we arrived.
    
    Depending on the size requirements you have, many brands of horse 
    trailers come 7 ft high and wide with rubber mats by default.  Stock
    trailers tend to not come that tall by default.  And accessories like
    floor mats and wall mats must be ordered separately.  
    
    If you don't require the niceties of a finished horse trailer, there is
    an alternative.  Some trailer companies make trailers which are much
    like stock trailers but are more finished for horses.  They don't have
    the noise level of a standard stock, but have the spaciness of a stock. 
    
    My neighbor bought one of these and is delighted with it.  My horse is 
    not impressed because she doesn't have as much space as in my trailer. 
    And my trailer has rubber torsion suspension and screened windows and 
    padded sides (no rough edges anywhere).  But I use my trailer a LOT
    for showing. 

    I bought a modified stock trailer several years ago because of
    one thing....price!  It was my first trailer and I didn't have
    much to spend.
    
    I added mats, plywood and cushioning.  I like it, however I'm hoping
    to buy something bigger, better, and nicer in the future.
    
    My horses have never had a problem with it, loading or unloading (I
    have a ramp, not a step up kind), in fact horses that won't load
    in a regular trailer will load in this because it's extra wide, extra
    tall.
    
    I guess it all depende what you want.
    
    Michele
    

    I prefer horse trailers up to 2 horses.  After that I feel a stock
    trailer is easier on the horses.  We have a 4 horse trailer now and it
    is near impossible to load the horses in it because it is so dark and
    close.  One mare wont even get in unless we tranc. her and lift her in. 
    She does load by herself in a stock trailer.  We have fixed up the one
    we have now and are going to trade it in on a 4 horse stock trailer in
    the spring.
    
    Virginia

    The slant load four horse is very much like a stock trailer when it
    comes to room (you can get them higher).  We had no problem loading
    anything into ours...even the babies that we had to move because 
    of a fire.
    These are set up for horses with matting, etc.
    We have also had a four-horse shot gun style.  It is dark and sometimes
    hard to get horses to load into.  In addition the two horses in front
    can't get out until the ones behind them are out.
    With the four-horse slant we had a side ramp as well as a back ramp...
    two off the front and two off the back.
    
    Good luck...it is a big decision to make.
    
    Kathie
    

    My husband and I are looking to buy a trailer.  We have come across
    one that is manufactured by Shoop.  Can anyone tell me how good, bad
    or indifferent that brand is?  
    
    Faith_S
    

    
    DOn't go by the "brand"....go by how well it is or isn't made.
    Are the welds good?  The paintjob slapdash?  The tires cheap?
    The floor solid?....

    You've probably already bought the Shoop, but for "future reference"
    I'll put in my 2-cents anyhow. 

    I had a Shoop for a couple of years, and like anything, I found that it
    had its good and not-so-good qualities. This is what I remember:

	I had an X-tra High and Wide trailer, and it came with many
	little extras such as big haybags, padding around the stalls,
	crank-open windows in the ceiling.

	It was very heavy (made of steel), to pull; and the ramp was extremely
	heavy and difficult to lift.

	The paint peeled and the thing was only about 4 or 5 years old;
	I was later told that Shoope didn't prime the trailer before painting,
	and that this was common for Shoops.

	The trailer was in excellent condition structurally, and I liked
	it a lot. It had butt bars rather than chains, which I liked. It
	had a deep, padded gate at the front of each stall, rather than a
	bar.

	There was lots of room up front - between the stalls and the front
	of the trailer; the two front escape doors were quite large.
							
    I'd get a Shoop again if I had vehicle which I felt would have no
    problem towing it. 

    -j

    Yes, we did buy a brand new Shoop.  It's everything as you said, so far.  
    My husband used to borrow a friend's older Shoop - can't remember the year
    though - but he noticed that this new trailer is easier to pull.  Go
    figure, maybe because its ours. :-)  Anyway, we're satisfied with it and
    I guess that's what counts.  Thanks for you input.
    
    Faith
    
       

    I'm starting the process of purchasing a new trailer.  I know exactly
    what I want, and know I must be able to get it, 'cause I saw them out
    west when I was out there last week.
    
    What I want is a 4 horse, slant or stock, tag along, w/ a least some
    sort of dressing room (not the small tack area under the feed manger).
    
    I need the tag along cause my truck is set up for haulin' carts (ie. no
    gooseneck), and the road I live on currently sets a trailer length for
    me (so no 30' long triple axels in my future).
    
    Since this will be some sort customization deal, does anyone have any 
    good experiences w/ dealers in the NE area? 

    
    
    	I really like Henry Tinkham in Middleboro MA, We bought a Bison 
    	16 ft Stock.  He said we could have it any way we wanted it.
    
    	His phone number is 508-947-1887.  He also sells hand made buggies
    	and harness's - really nice guy.. 
    
    	Donna

    >What I want is a 4 horse, slant or stock, tag along, w/ a least some
    >sort of dressing room 
    
    Will your tow vehicle be able to handle such a beastie? Our 3 horse
    slant-load w/ dressing/tack room weighs a little over 3300 pounds
    empty. A 4-horse would probably weigh 4,000-4,500 plus the horses, hay
    and tack. Assuming "average" 1,000 pound horses, you're looking to tow
    about 9,000 pounds by the time you get hay and harness in there.
    
    Besides, the carts and whatever other stuff(e.g. passengers ;-) you have 
    in the truck affects towing capacity. 
    
    I don't even know that a big block V8 would deliver decent performance
    with that much load....
    
    john

    I believe my truck will handle this w/ no problem.  My hubby built it
    for me specially for towing.
    
    We're  assuming we'll have to go with the newer technology aluminum
    skinned beasties (some even use fiberglass).
    
    I saw your average 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks pulling these trailer out
    in Montana and Wyoming area.  I also believe they were not all steel so 
    they probably are not as heavy as a regular steel trailer.  My friend 
    has a nice new 3 horse slant w/ dressing room and her 3/4 ton pulls
    just fine.
    
    Since you're out that way have you seen any of them?  We flew into
    Kalispel MT and say a bunch on our way to Libby MT.   The only one I
    saw up close was all closed up, and the people who owned it left 
    before we could catch up with them.
    

    >the newer technology aluminum skinned beasties (some even use fiberglass)
    
    Our 3 horse slant is aluminum and weighs 3300 empty. But, it is about 7
    years old so they newer ones may be lighter. 
    
    >nice new 3 horse slant w/ dressing room and her 3/4 ton pulls just fine.
    
    The difference in towing isn't so much 3/4 ton vs 1 ton. Our Suburban 
    is technically a 3/4 ton but with the big engine and high rear-end 
    ratio it has about the same tow rating as the 1 ton pickup version. 
    
    Since your truck is custom built, you don't really have a factory
    spec for tow rating so you'll have to try it to find out what it can
    do. But, if it was built specially for towing, you'll probably be OK.
    
    I was just hoping you weren't planning on towing such a trailer w/ 
    a little sport utility thing like an Explorer. I've seen people towing
    a 3 horse with them but that is the absolute upper limit for 
    the biggest of them even if you'll accept lousy performance(45-50 on
    flat interstates and crawl up hills...people on bicycles pass you ;-)
    
    >have you seen any of them?
    
    Not close up. I have seen 4 horse tag-along slant-load stock trailers 
    on the road though. Your biggest problem *may* be finding the trailer 
    you want in the east. One thing we found when we came west is that 
    trailer brands are kinda regional. Nobody out here ever heard of a 
    Kingston trailer which are made in NY or even our trailer which was 
    made in Indiana.
    
    'Course, I didn't recognize most of the trailer brands out here either.
    So, even though you know what you want, the brands/styles that you saw
    in MT may not be readily available in the east. Happy hunting.

    I appreciate your concern, John.  We've learned over the years what the
    ultimate truck for us would be, and since my husband is in the auto
    business, he is able to build exactly what we needed.  I think this is
    our 5th truck.....so we've tried many combinations.
    
    My stock trailer was purchased out west, and brought out east, I'm
    hoping I can find the right dealer w/ the right connections.
    
    BTW-  While I was out West, some of the towns were so 50's like, yet
    just about every one had an Espresso shop....your p.n. makes me laugh!

    >just about every one had an Espresso shop....your p.n. makes me laugh!
    
    Only one? They must have been real small towns. The town I live
    in(population 5,000) has at least 7 espresso places! Most of them are
    "drive-through" stands but 2 are shops...and I'm not counting the
    McDonald's or Burger King franchises even though they have espresso! 
    
    It's kind of a "mania" around here. The coffee buzz is the only thing
    that gets us through those gray, dreary winters

John,

Just a minor correction: Kingston horse trailers are made in Kingston MA
(not NY).  I happened to be driving by it last weekend, otherwise I had
no idea where they were made.

Melinda

    Michele,
    
    Seems I remember seeing something similar to what you want at a ride
    recently.  I remember eyeing it because it was huge and I was surprised
    it was a tagalong rather than gooseneck.  I was defineatly a 4 horse
    slant, but I honestly don't remember if had a dressing room or not.  I
    do remember that the truck towing was a Cummings Diesel
    something-or-other.  A lot of people at these rides are regulars, if I
    see it again I'll approach the owners and ask what is it/where they got
    it.
    
    

    Thanks Linda....please do!
    
    BTW are you going to East Corinth?
    

    Michele,
    
    Not this year, at least.  My friend is working, and I really don't want
    to go to a ride that far away alone, camping, etc.  Plus, I am
    still behind schedule in the barn painting project...still have the
    second story to do plus the trim.  I have 3 more rides planned this
    year, all in southern NH (Mt Vernon, Pembroke, and New Boston).  Maybe
    next year, though, it does sound like fun!  I know I saw that trailer
    at Bear Brook in Allenstown, my friend was with me that time and it's
    the only one she was able to get to this summer.  I'll keep my eye
    open for it again.
    
    

    -re .60
    
    Check out the note I put in at 154.16 about Orchard Trailer Sales. I
    know they will be able to help you out, and if they can't they will
    find someone who can. They have alot in stock of all varieties and can
    get custom trailers also. There are phone numbers and names in the
    note.
    
    Hope this helps you out,
    Shawn

    I need some information from you trailer experts:  exactly what is the
    interior height of a "thoroughbred height" trailer and is that any
    different from a "double high" trailer?  Also what is interior width of
    a "double wide" trailer?

    
    I searched for trailers for 1yr solid, w/ my handy dandy tape
    measure in hand.  What I found, was Thoughbred height was between
    6ft 5in to 7ft.  Double high was ft7 to 7ft 5in.  I have yet to
    find an 8ft hight trailer (but I'm sure they are out there).
    
    I also found that TB width was 4ft 6in to 5ft, and double wide
    was 5ft - 5ft 6in.
    
    It all depends on the brand of trailer you buy - don't go w/out
    your tape measure.
    
    Louisa

    In skimming thru the WANT-AD, I noticed no two horse
    slant load trailers.

    Someone at my barn said they are fairly new.
    (she has a new one at > $8000.00)

    Is this true ?

    Bill

    
    They have been available for a few years out here (Colorado).  But
    folks that I know don't want to sell theirs.  A friend of mine
    just bought one--a Hart.  Another has a Logan.
    
    Mary Jo