Hi!
I searched the forums but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I’m hoping for more insight!
I am going to be buying a new horse trailer within the next month. I need a 2h gooseneck straight-load with a ramp. Right now I am deciding between a Hawk and a Shadow as they are both in my price point (under 25k) and have dealers local to me. Does anyone have experience with either? Which would you choose? Basically I’m looking for pros and cons of either!
Thank you so much!
Hawk all the way. Have never been impressed with the quality of Shadows.
I’ve had two Hawks, and would recommend them.
I had that exact trailer in a Trail-et (later Equispirit), and I like the Hawks, too.
go in both jump up and down - bang on walls - big difference in structure
Risa
Things I’d consider are warranty (what does it cover and length) and ease of service. I live in the trailer capital of the world (Elkhart, IN) —some of the trailer manufacturers will pay to have a trailer under warranty repaired at YOUR local trailer repair shop (if you have one!! not everyone is in proximity of high quality trailer repair --me? there’s one on every corner). But other manufacturers expect you to return it to the dealer for repair --does your local dealer repair trailers??? not all do. And some manufacturers expect you to return the trailer TO THE MANUFACTURER for repair —I was in the local restaurant and met two folks from TX who had to drive from TX to IN to have their new RV repaired at the local factory --otherwise, they would have “violated the warranty.” –
When I had to choose between Hawk and EquiSpirit, I went with EquiSpirit (same price) as it had a 7 year warranty over what I recall was Hawk’s 5 year warranty. And I did use the warranty a couple of times --once for a broken window, and once for a feed bag that came apart --both were immediately replaced. Shadow is made not far from me --and I see a lot of their trailers —when you go to look at the trailers --look at welds, hinges, handles and bolts. One problem I had with a new trailer from a local manufacturer was that they used SCREWS instead of RIVETS to hold aluminum seams to the frame. I was forever taking my screwdriver in and tightening screws inside the trailer and tack room. The second trailer, a Merhow, had rivets in the same place --never tightened another screw! But I will say that the hinges and welds on a 4-Star are superior to a Merhow (but 4 Star is more costly). Even a lay-person such as me can tell a good weld from a less than good --or look on the www for how welds should look. Other things I notice are hinges —low end trailers use a “piano hinge” on the doors --it’s ok, but a pin -hinge is stronger. Look at latches --most use a plastic paddle-latch, but metal are longer-lasting. Look at ventilation --the Merhow and some Hawks allow for the tack room in the nose to have the windows open that take air to the trailer through a window in the bulk head at the horses’ head —this allows a wonderful breeze on a hot trip (but true, you need to make sure your tack room stuff doesn’t blow around or get wet if it rains.) —I also look for ‘finish’ —the edges at the back of the trailer and on the sides, should be ‘edged’ or rounded —should a horse put a leg or foot under the edge (slipping while unloading or striking when tied) you don’t want horse’s leg cut. Look at pads --some use 1/4 thick, good trailers use 1/2. And, take your own measuring tape --the advertised measurement may be outside to outside —but your horse is inside which might be 4 to 6 inches smaller. There is a good book about buying a horse trailer by Neve Scheve --it’s on Amazon. Might save you a lot of money —oh, and finally, look at the resale value of your trailer —when I sold my EquiSpirit, five years after I bought it --I got almost what I paid for it (but then my husband is a great negotiator). You have missed the best month to buy a trailer --January --when the factories are at a stand-still and trying to keep workers busy --they will sell spec models cheap or make you one at a reduced price --or they did for us --but then my husband made a good living doing negotiations in the trailer world for many years --still --ask! Sometimes calling the plant directly will save you money over a dealer. I know Lakota (3 miles from me) still has a real person who answers the phone –
I’m a Hawk fan. Had a 2 horse gooseneck, straight load, dressing room for several years and it is really a good trailer. Pulls good and the horses are very comfortable inside. It has held up well except the paint on the top/roof has peeled, but it is stored outside.
I have a 2H GN Straight Shadow. I bought it new in Ocala and have had it for close to 6 years. I love it. No issues at all. I do keep it clean and well maintained.
Current Shadow owner here. Yes, the Hawk is a more well-built trailer. But my Shadow was less than $8k new, and has held up just fine. Yes, it has some ugly welds. No, it’s not falling apart. Cost IS a factor on these things. If all features are equal and you’re one of those people that takes good care of your trailers/inspects them regularly, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a Shadow and save the $$$.
Between the two, I’d vote for the Hawk. I’m a fan of buying great quality and maintaining it carefully, especially when it comes to horse trailers. These are simple machines. You will get out of them what you put into them.
If you are in the Southeast, OP, of have a chance to look at and Adam trailer in person, may I recommend you do that? They have some design and manufacturing quality to them, kinda like a 4Star, but without the price. I have been really impressed, and I am the person that would buy a top-brand trailer.
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