Featherlite vs Elite

[eventerdiva]

Okay, so I know we have done the trailer recommendations ad nauseum, but now it’s finally my turn and I need help! Or rather, I need opinions that will push me one way or another. I’m stuck in a deadlock here.

So, after walking through a zillion (or, maybe 10) brands at the AQHA World trade show, I’ve narrowed it down to either a new FeatherLite or an Elite.

They are both 2H straight load BP with ramps, escape doors and dressing room. The Featherlite weighs about 500# more, but is about a foot shorter than the Elite. Turnaround time is the same-looking at end of January.

Featherlite is about $700 cheaper, but would be $700 in freight to get it here, nullifying any savings.

So. Pros and cons of each? Experiences? I like that elite is made locally, so if I had problems I could get it fixed at the factory.

TIA for your help!

[Guilherme]

I don’t know anything about the Elite.

I’m on Featherlite Number 3. I do tend to vote with my dollars!

Good luck in your pick.

G.

[Gloria]

They are not even in the same league, Elite and Featherlite. I have seen old Featherlite that was well built. The new ones are just not up to par, cheaply put together, sharp edges, with a price of a premium trailer and the quality of low end product. If you can swing the money for Elite, do it. Actually I myself wouldn’t get a Featherlite if they were half the price. If you are local, go visit Elite’s factory. It’s very cool.

[Larry_Garner]

Elite for sure.

[workin_onit]

Since you are looking at a straight load, why not a Hawk?

[Angelico]

Elite trailers are works of art; the most beautiful welds you’ll ever see on a trailer. They are a good company to work with from what I’ve seen and heard. Their trailers pull amazingly.

I have a twenty year old Featherlite that I adore and wouldn’t trade for anything, but like Gloria, I wouldn’t touch one made in recent years.

[flypony74]

I would take an Elite over a Featherlite any day. They are not in the same ballpark quality-wise, IMHO.

[Herefordgirl]

I would go with the Elite because you are close to the factory. I bought an EBY two years ago for that same reason and I have taken it back a few times to fix minor issues. I just had the ramp springs replaced and while it was there they put a new mat on the ramp, fixed a light, and installed a new door latch free of charge. I love having the factory close by.

[eventerdiva]

[QUOTE=workin’onit;7870361]
Since you are looking at a straight load, why not a Hawk?[/QUOTE]

I’m not opposed, and have heard wonderful things about them, but as a first time trailer buyer I would like to see them in person. There aren’t any dealers nearby, unfortunately.

I really am leaning towards the Elite, I think. If they really are superior trailers and the factory is convenient to me it seems like a win win.

We also have Sooner and Cherokee trailers built in my area. Any thoughts on those?

Thanks for all your replies!

[cutter99]

I have a 1999 Featherlite stock trailer that you would have to pry from cold dead hands, but you could not pay me to take a NEW Featherlite unless it was custom ordered. I have also owned two Elites- one with living quarters one without- and they are a VERY high quality trailer.

Featherlite was sold around 2004 and it looks like the quality dropped with the new ownership. We did have a friend purchase a custom trailer through Featherlite last year, that is gorgeous, but he was very specific with every detail down to the number of door hinges and the quality of them.

I have been looking at older Featherlites with living quarters recently, but we will not look at anything more recent than a 2004. The older Featherlites were built like tanks.

Sooner and Featherlite are owned by the same company- Universal Manufacturing, and I am afraid the quality on a Sooner would be very similar to that of Featherlite. It is a shame because Sooner had a great reputation in the past as well.