Hi everyone

I have a quick question? What type of trailers do you like the best? All steel? All Aluminum? Combos of both? I have heard the aluminum trailers doesn't last as long but is easier on your truck but steel trailers lasts a longer time but is heavier to haul. I live in the mountains and get very different types of road conidtions and terrian.
Thanks for your opinions
AJ

There are some aluminum trailes well built for abuse, but I'd say in general, a steel one would be better for rough roads where you will also see narrower trailers.

Stay away from Pegasus, they are dangerous and expensive pieces of junk.

I bought a Sundowner aluminum just over a year ago and the panels are corroded all the way around, there are rust spots (on aluminum doors!!!) and Sundowner, which boasts the best warranty in the business bumper to bumper, refuses to honour the warranty for these problems.
So much for an aluminum trailer and definitely don't buy Sundowner!!!

They all have their pros and cons. A dealer himself told me all about what to look for in ANY trailer, from wire encasing, good lighting (LED's) how the brakes function, flooring choices, configuration choices and their pros and cons, places on some trailers where a horse might possibly get caught-up (on some trailers a fully open door smetimes creats a large opening on the hinge side) axle weight, he checked my truck and what it could handle, and all sorts of other things UNDERNEATH the "bling-bling" that first catches your eye about a trailer. Then he sent me shopping all over the state. And its true, they all look great... but you have to look beyond that.
Because I only transport horses, and not cattle or anything, I ended up with a Silverlite 3h GN, which is aluminum box on a steel frame, and has a wood floor. My horses learned to trailer in a STEEL stock so they would spread their legs and support themselves not lean on walls, they also found out (without ruining the trailer) that it hurts if you try to throw your head up! My horses also do not kick. I will not trailer-train a full sized horse in an aluminum, his head will bend the ceiling or a hoof could put a big dent in a wall!
Steel trailers are stronger in their own way, yet a few steel trailer makers try to cut out the weight and put the box right on the axles without a frame. Wireing in a steel trailer needs to be looked at more than you would think. Any shorts go right into the metal and will create more corrosion at other places on the trailer. Always keep it cleaned out and dont let any rust set in. So protect from winter weather and corrosion, especially if you are by the seashore. (The salt air will age a steel trailer fast!)
We really don't know which one lasts longer as aluminum, or a steel with aluminum skin, have not been around long enough to fully judge. Also, in what regard? Beauty, useful age, frame quality, what??? Resale value for an aluminum stay high, steel trailers plummet. Think of your own needs, what you are willing to spend, and what kind of animals you will be hauling. Twisty mountain roads, dirt roads, seaside camping, freeways, how my horses load and ride, my pick-up, how well the trailer is made, the warranty, the availability of service/advice, and my own personal preferences for dressing room, rear tack, etc, left me with the aluminum.

Corn Pro makes a great steel trailer. Good price, and excellent trailer. You get a great looking trailer with all the top notch components. Something you won't have problems with.

I have a steel trailer since '93. I have warmbloods. it is 7' wide and 7' high and 12'long. i decided that it was too short (height and width for my horses). All the horses I hauled in it rode well and arrived in good shape after 500 or so miles or shorter distances. It was balanced and hauled nicely. Watch where the wheels are and the trailer will haul nice. I have a new Brenderup and it is too narrow for my warmbloods and the rubber mats are slick...like ice for my horses. They hate it. go figure.

Has anyone heard anything about aluminum Silverlite trailers?

quote:

Originally posted by buttercup:
Has anyone heard anything about aluminum Silverlite trailers?

According to their web site, they warranty the structure for ten years and all their LQ are done in-house. Seems like a nice rig and company.