2+1 Trailer = Adam v. Kiefer v. Sheetron v. Sundowner?

[SidesaddleRider]

So, I have been trying to find a used 2+1 trailer w/a dressing room with little success. The only used one somewhat close by has been an '06 Sundowner 777. For a couple thousand more, I have found new 2011-2012 Adam, Kiefer Built, and Sheetron trailers available.

Does anyone have any comments on those makes in a 2+1 w/dressing room?

For background, I would typically haul 2 horses in it, but need the +1 to haul a third on occasional long-distance hauls. While most of our horses are 16-16.1, we have a couple that are 16.3-17.2 hh, and the biggies do not fit comfortably in a slant load (we currently have a 3 horse slant load, and I have to use 2 stalls for them to fit). I would have LOVED to get a 4-horse head-to-head (more available used, and CHEAPER!), but it is too long to get in and out of our farm. Two of our friends have a 2+1 Kiefer, and they can make it in and out without a problem, so I know that will fit.

[horsetales]

I love my Adams. My friend has been watching me with my adams for a couple of yrs and this past yr she was ready to upgrade and she looked at everything and went with the Adams 2+1. She hauls all over the place and both of us are very happy with our choice.

[ponygirl]

I love my Balanced Ride 2+1! They are very, very well made(made by Hawk) and reasonably priced. I’ve had a 17.2 hand horse in this trailer with no issues. Risa is the best to work with too. Link is: http://www.balancedridetrailers.com/

I would never own a Sundowner. Two friends of mine had massive issues with their trailers.

[Nipntuck]

I have a Hawk, bought through Risa at Happy Trails, that I’ve been extremely happy with.

[Fred]

I have an older 2+1 Sundowner (steel!)) with a dressing room, and I love this trailer.
I have put a lot of miles on it over the years, and love the configuration.
It is ideal for me.
I’m not sure I would be comfortable with a big horse in the +1 section, though.
I find that part ideal for some bales of hay etc

I can’t comment on the other brands, but I can say I have had no complaints or problems with my Sundowner in the 12 years I have had it.

[AKB]

I also love my Sundowner 2 horse. The stalls are so much more roomy than most other trailers. Just get it checked out carefully before you buy it. My 2001 needed the floor replaced, which Sundowner did for free a few years ago.

My daughter wants a 2+1 Sundowner but can’t afford it yet.

[WildBlue]

We looked at trailers from a bunch of different brands, and liked the materials and workmanship of the Adam trailers best. Many of the features seemed to be a bit more thoughtfully set up, as well. So, that’s what we’re saving up to get.

If you ever get a chance, it’s very illuminating to go to an event like Equine Affaire or QH Congress with someone who does metalwork, and do a really detailed comparison of trailer brands.

[Jleegriffith]

I also have a Hawk 2+1 that I bought from Risa and I can’t believe I ever lived without it. We do quite a bit of hauling especially picking up loads of ottb’s at the track and it makes my life super easy!

[vxf111]

JLeegriffith’s trailer is my dream trailer. I say Hawks! I have ridden in a Sundowner 2+1 and I like a lot about it except I just don’t love the concept of aluminum floors.

[SimpleSimon]

Had a Kiefer (Genesis SSL2) now have a Hawk. Wouldn’t go back - 'nuf said.

[Lindsey-Rider]

Don’t mind me.

I just enjoy spending other people’s money.

http://www.horsetopia.com/for-sale/local/trailers/l375005

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=414682

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=427440

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=422260

http://www.horseclicks.com/2006_sundowner_777_2_1/trailers/305990

http://www.horsetopia.com/for-sale/local/trailers/l373442

http://www.crossroadstrailers.com/1995-sundowner-sunlite-740-head-to-head-used-horse-trailer-nj-i627049

[Dance_To_Oblivion]

I have a Kiefer and have been very pleased with it.

[kimball56]

I love love love my Adam 2+1! I added 2 feet in the front box (9 ft) and a foot in the dressing room. So I can haul a huge warmblood up front if need be and I have room for trunk in the dressing room. I went to the factory in Virginia and was shown how they are made. The are a family owned and run company and take great pride in their work. Adam himself installed my gooseneck hitch in my truck while I was picking my trailer. I looked an numerous brands and for the price the Adam could not be beat. I have had it a year now and don’t have one complaint. The box is 24 feet long.

[Lindsey-Rider]

Oh - and just to add…my personal experience with Sundowner trailers was…let’s just say “less than favorable”

I bought a three horse angle haul living quarters.

[skip_rainy_shi]

Love my keifer. I have had it 4 years now I think and have not had any problems with it. I camp out of it and usually have a friend with me who puts an air mattress in the box stall. I just love it

[Twinki]

What year was your Kiefer built?

[shetroncts]

Shetron Custom Trailers are built to last, the owner is from Australia and builds the trailers to suit the rough roads and terrain of the Australian outback. They also offer a 10 year structural warranty, no other trailer company does that cause it would put them out of business…

As far as a 2+1 it is a great option for someone who normally only hauls 2 horses but may occasional need to take a third horse along. The trailer can be customized with removable and movable dividers, ramp locations and sizes, escape doors, different window and ventilation options, dressing room options, anything you can think of can be done.

Here is an example of one that was custom built: http://www.shetroncustomtrailers.com/windowsticker.php?UniqueID=2255

[judybigredpony]

Love love my 2+1 Hawk…it’s a custom bumper pull with a dressing room…put 3 full size OTTB in it pulls like a dream…Shetron…no a fan of quality and finishes…

[ChocoMare]

Also check out the 2+1 from EquiSpirit. Awesome trailers.

[besttwtbever]

I have a 2005 Sundowner 2+1 with a dressing room (I think it’s the 777 as well) and I haven’t had any issues with it. It’s the steel framed aluminum.

I bought it used in 2012 and it had already had the floor redone by the previous owner with steel cross beams and a Rumber floor. I have not heard good things about the factory floors so I would be very hesitant to purchase one that hasn’t been redone. I can’t say enough good things about the Rumber, I absolutely love it.

Mine is the taller 7’6" size and I have had 17.2 hand horses in there that fit very comfortably. I had a special slant load bar installed in my +1 section that is removable and I have had my 16.1 hand TB gelding in there very comfortably. He is built more like a QH than a TB so he is very bulky.

If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.