Enable Me: 4 Star Horse Trailer

[Miss_Motivation]

Just pulled my '87 2 horse slant steel trailer 4,400 miles and it may be time for something of this millennium (though it’s been a champ since I bought it new!)

Thinking of a 2 horse straight load with no mangers and a dressing room up front. I’m driving my mare some now and carts/carriages just don’t fit well in a slant (although we can-openered two openings in the slant wall of the old trailer which worked pretty well/shafts poke into the dressing room!)

Being able to quickly pull dividers, plus a ramp, means I can haul all kinds of stuff in the potential new straight load trailer besides carts and horses, too.

4 Stars seem to have a great reputation and resale value. This next potential purchase will last me far beyond my equestrian expiration date but the $22k purchase price kind of takes my breath away!

I have a 2017 F-150 10 speed that has plenty of power for the steel slant load; rated to tow 10,200#. But it’s the shorty 5.5’ wheelbase.

I’ll use the trailer a couple times a month, dry west coast climate.

SO:
WERM flooring- how to tie down a carriage?

Quiet Ride hardware worth the $800 upgrade?

Other thoughts and comments about 4 Stars or similar?

Thanks!

[Chall]

Get it. I know nothing about trailers.
You are enabled.

[Miss_Motivation]

Thanks Chall!

[bugsynskeeter]

4 Stars are the best. Used ones don’t stay on the market for long. I tried to buy a 15 year old one for $15k and was beat to it.

[OneTwoMany]

It is a great brand with a fantastic reputation. Used ones hold their value well and like an earlier poster said, they don’t stay on the market long.

[cutter99]

You can have tie downs installed by 4 Star or the dealer for your carriage.

One thing to check is what the tongue weight of the trailer is and what the maximum tongue weight your truck is capable of towing is. I had a 2 horse straight load with a 4’ dressing room that I pulled with a short bed supercab F150, and it was definitely a case of the tail wagging the dog. I had a weight distributing hitch and sway bars installed, which most did help, but it was always a two hands firmly on the steering wheel situation, especially when tractor trailers would pass me.

You cannot go wrong with a 4 Star. They might seem expensive, but they are a well built tank.

[melula]

I rode in a big trailer (not a 4 Star) recently on the way to the vet with a sick foal. I was amazed at how loud it was. Would definitely go with the quiet ride package.

[poltroon]

My first trailer was a 4 Star and I really loved it. I definitely recommend having the floor coated.

[Corey94]

I am on my second 4Star, and the new one is it for me. 4Star will install the WERM around any shackles/hooks you have installed to tie down your cargo. I recommend it. I have the Quite Ride and am glad for it. I do not make a habit of riding with the horses, but the old trailer, also a 4Star, was quite clangy and squeeky. This one is solid as a rock and very quiet. So much so that when my fussy horse gets close to home and paws a few times, I do not hear anything but a faint thud or two. Good luck with your search and I hope you have a helpful dealer that is close by.

[FatCatFarm]

I ordered a new 4Star 2+1 Goose last year and have not regretted it. It cost me what a snazzy little sports car would cost. [Gulp] Got it with WERM and Quiet Ride; did not get fans, cameras or a hydraulic jack. Thought WERM and Quiet Ride were the priority and definitely feel they are worth the extra money. If you order it, exactly what others have posted. Plan where you want the tie downs and 4Star will install them and then the WERM over/around them.

Love ramps; hate step ups. The EZ lift ramps are great. I had extra lights (all LED), bridle hooks and saddle racks installed as well. The ceiling in the horse compartment is insulated. This will definitely be my last trailer unless I decide to down size.

You will get your money back out of it if you take good care of it.

[crosscreeksh]

Our 4 Star is a “custom” /factory converted 2+2 or 3 made in 1992. It looks brand new…everything still works perfectly and I LOVE it!! Worth the money!!

[Halt_Near_X]

I hauled a 4Star with an F150 and never even knew it was there, even fully loaded. With a short bed, you may want a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway technology. I had issues with an aftermarket shop telling me they couldn’t install a weight distribution hitch due to the aluminum frame of my trailer. I’m not sure if they were blowing smoke or if that’s a real issue, but I ended up not pursuing it because it was incredibly stable behind my long bed. With a short bed, you may want to talk to the dealer about that and make sure you know your options.

And yes, they sell fast and for a good price when they go on the market. Mine had a buyer lined up within 12 hours of listing it.

[DMK]

I’m confused how you are going to fit a horse + carriage into a 2HBP since I have that set up now and it is a no how, no way kind of deal (carriage goes in the bed of the truck). I mean maybe a mini type cart in the other stall, but that’s all I could think that works…

Generally if you have a BP it’s something custom like this

http://centerlineequestriansports.com/trailer/

Or the stock trailer BP version, which might be easier, because the only way to get the carriage into the front is to tack out the center pole* and a stock center gate is so much simpler (I’m looking into the 4 star BP stock with some customizations for that exact purpose)

• I have seen some driving people put that center pole on a sliding track so they just push it aside rather than break it down, this trailer might have that but I’m not sure. For sure Hawk has done the sliding track, not sure about anyone else

(haltnearX - I think they were blowing sunshine - the trailer in the link is all aluminum and has a sway kit, and I’ve seen a few others with sway bars as well)

[mvp]

@FatCatFarm

I ordered a new 4Star 2+1 Goose last year and have not regretted it. It cost me what a snazzy little sports car would cost. [Gulp] Got it with WERM and Quiet Ride; did not get fans, cameras or a hydraulic jack. Thought WERM and Quiet Ride were the priority and definitely feel they are worth the extra money. If you order it, exactly what others have posted. Plan where you want the tie downs and 4Star will install them and then the WERM over/around them.

Love ramps; hate step ups. The EZ lift ramps are great. I had extra lights (all LED), bridle hooks and saddle racks installed as well. The ceiling in the horse compartment is insulated. This will definitely be my last trailer unless I decide to down size.
.

In which case you shall sell it to me.

Your trailer sounds yummy!

[Miss_Motivation]

Thanks everyone for the courage and info.
DMK: I’m not going to fit a horse and cart in a straight 2 horse… just will be able to get the darn carriage or cart in the trailer and horse will find another ride to the show.

But the straight 2 horse with no mangers and a ramp is the most versatile configuration, I think, for hauling a horse OR driving vehicle… not simultaneously!

[DMK]

Ok, that makes more sense! I think I would look at that track idea, that center divider is a pain to take in and out, far easier to move it over.

[IPEsq]

For removing dividers regularly, you definitely want the Quiet Ride hardware. 4Star trailers are great!

[FatCatFarm]

Yes, the Quiet Ride System makes popping out the center post, easy peasy.

[beau159]

You will not be disappointed with a 4 Star. BUY AWAY!!!

It is on my wish list someday!

[mellsmom]

I just bought a custom 4-star 2 horse with 5 foot dressing room. Mine cost me just over 31K with all the upgrades. But I don’t plan on ever buying another trailer. I got the quiet ride, the werm flooring, easy assist ramp, andAC with heat strip and hydraulic hitch. I didn’t get a few of the extras and no carpet or mats in the DR because i am finishing it so I can stay in it.