Does anyone have a Shadow trailer? I’m considering a 2017 model, and am interested in how the quality has been the last couple years. I don’t have a huge budget, and need a two horse straight load, taller than 7’, with a ramp and no mangers. Do any of you have current experience with Shadow? Or are there other brands in a similar price range whose quality you prefer more? As a first-time trailer owner, your advice is really appreciated!
I just purchased a new Hawk after hunting for what felt like forever. My options were limited as I wanted it at least 7’6" and wider than 6’ which is standard warmblood. I looked at a couple shadows because they were close and the price seem so so good. But I read a couple bad reviews and ultimately was worried I was compromising quality. I was choosing between an Adam and a Hawk. Adam was a little less expensive but Hawk has a fiberglass roof which cuts down on heat so I went with that.
The brands I was looking at new and used knowing I needed a large straight load bumper pull that wasn’t solid steel (I like the aluminum skin) were Hawk, Adam, Merhow, Turnbow and Equispirit. And actually on FB’s English Tack Trader I saw a perfect Equispirit that was older for 7900 in like new condition which is a great price! Not sure if it is sold, it was in Florida but I can find the listing for you if you like.
Good luck!
Maybe someone will have some input on Shadows, I just couldn’t find enough positive feedback.
Not sure where you’re located, but Traveled Lane in MD has my like-new Merhow 2H straight xtall, xwide going up for sale fairly soon (I traded it in) it likely would be the price range of a new Shadow but I personally felt the Merhow was heads above the Shadows I looked at.
At an event last fall I peeked inside a competitor’s Shadow trailer however it was a slant load, a model which I have been considering purchasing. The welds were all smooth, the door hardware was solid on the trailer and tack room doors. The gal said she had owned it a year and had no complaints about it.
Shadows are popular here since they are manufactured nearby. However, a nearby dealer has a reputation of being horrific to work with so I’ve seen people try to buy a Shadow then buy another trailer elsewhere.
I’d looked at them on paper and in person when I was trailer shopping. They have “Equa fax” spring leaf suspension on the axels and not torsion axels. I felt that for the money the Hawk was constructed better.
Thank you all for the replies!
I think we’re going to have to rule Shadow out.
SoLoud - I’m sure I’d LOVE your Merhow, but we need to go new in order to allow the balance to be financed.
Mine is a 2014, and should be financing eligible. It was financed through Southeast Financial when I had it and I know they finance used. Just has to be newer than 20 years old. If that helps at all.
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SoLoud thank you! Another dealer I was going through said they only can finance new trailers. I’ll email Traveled Lane, maybe they have other opportunities! Thanks for the advice!
Do you mind if I ask why you traded in your trailer, or what you chose instead? Did you go with another Merhow? Or a different brand?
I traded it in for a Bockmann - my truck is older and when I priced out new trucks, and I only have one horse now, it made sense to downsize while the trailer was still new and move it on to someone else.
My guy will not back off a trailer so I also needed something with a front ramp. Bockmann was the only brand that offered something towable with a half ton that had that feature, so there I went. Price was of course much more than a Merhow, but my (former) trailer is fully loaded - all the extras - and someone’s going to get a super trailer for a really nice price.
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Check with your bank or credit union about a used vehicle loan.
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Thanks Christa! Will do! =)
I hope you’re enjoying your day off! 
I am. I was already scheduled off today, that school is on spring break. We’ll see for tomorrow, I have a class tomorrow night.
