Trailer reviews

[SugarCubes]

It’s time to trade in my old beloved Kingston trailer for something new and after shopping around the past few days I’ve realized I’m not very familiar with any of the trailers dealers in my area carry. Ideally, I’d buy a new Kingston, but the nearest dealer is 800 miles away. I’m looking to buy a 2H straight load WB bumper pull with dressing room.

Has anyone had experience with any of the following?
Shadow, Twister, Trailers USA, Bloomer

I’ve also seen a couple of Merhow and Sundowner trailers…not sure what their reputations are like these days?

[LCDR]

I understand the desire for NEW. But an option is to spend far less money and have your Kingston restored. Are there problems with your Kingston that have made you decide to get rid of it?

[OneTwoMany]

@SugarCubes

It’s time to trade in my old beloved Kingston trailer for something new and after shopping around the past few days I’ve realized I’m not very familiar with any of the trailers dealers in my area carry. Ideally, I’d buy a new Kingston, but the nearest dealer is 800 miles away. I’m looking to buy a 2H straight load WB bumper pull with dressing room.

Has anyone had experience with any of the following?
Shadow, Twister, Trailers USA, Bloomer

I’ve also seen a couple of Merhow and Sundowner trailers…not sure what their reputations are like these days?

I’ve had Kingstons for years. Sadly our local Kingston dealer is a little on the pricy side so I ended up purchasing our last two Kingston trailers from a dealer that was out of state. In one case I hired someone to pick up the trailer for me, in another case I negotiated delivery into the price of the trailer. If you are worried about service, we have ours serviced by the local Exciss dealer who has a large established service business. Just a thought.

[SugarCubes]

@OneTwoMany

I’ve had Kingstons for years. Sadly our local Kingston dealer is a little on the pricy side so I ended up purchasing our last two Kingston trailers from a dealer that was out of state. In one case I hired someone to pick up the trailer for me, in another case I negotiated delivery into the price of the trailer. If you are worried about service, we have ours serviced by the local Exciss dealer who has a large established service business. Just a thought.

I’ve already contacted Kingston’s customer service department to see what delivery options I might have, and also to see if there’s any way I can trade it in…still waiting to hear back.

In the meantime, I wanted to find out more about what is offered locally - it would certainly simplify the process if I could trade in my old trailer locally.

[cutter99]

Twisters are built like tanks and beautiful trailers. Top of the line, especially when compared to the other brands you listed.

[OneTwoMany]

@SugarCubes

I’ve already contacted Kingston’s customer service department to see what delivery options I might have, and also to see if there’s any way I can trade it in…still waiting to hear back.

In the meantime, I wanted to find out more about what is offered locally - it would certainly simplify the process if I could trade in my old trailer locally.

You might want to consider servicing your Kingston (check wiring, floor, brakes etc.). Hose it off really good inside and out, clean the windows, make any minor repairs. Take tons of clear pictures (this is key) and post it for sale on a local FB group. I did that last year with our 2001 Kingston 2H bumper pull. I got 2.5K more than what the dealer offered me as a trade in. I’m sure I could have gotten more. You’ll be surprised how well Kingston’s hold their value. I received a half dozen inquiries the first day the ad was posted and sold it to the second person who came to see it. Nice family with two young girls that ride.

Yes, it is a little more work to sell on your own versus trade-in, but in my case, it was well worth it as I netted a couple of thousand dollars more for about a day’s worth of time.

[SugarCubes]

@cutter99

Twisters are built like tanks and beautiful trailers. Top of the line, especially when compared to the other brands you listed.

That’s good to hear, I’ve never heard of them before! I’ll put those on the list to check out in person.

[NoSuchPerson]

I looked at Shadows before I bought my Equispirit. My impression was that they were nice, well-made, mid-grade trailers. And the salesman indicated that there was quite a bit of flexibility in customizing them. In the end, I just liked the Equispirit better.

I also looked at 4 Star trailers and really liked them, but they were way out of my price range once I tacked on the options I wanted.

[caevent]

I’m in love with my 4 star. Also really like some of the Hawk trailers, Eby, and Lakotas.

[Arlomine]

I love my Equispirit, but am selling it because I bought a larger Turnbow. I LOVE the Turnbow. A super-solid, beautifully designed trailer.

[SonnysMom]

My impression of the Trailer USA is that they are a nice entry level trailer. Solid but not fancy. A friend of mine just bought a used one in nice condition. My two complaints: The ramp is very steep compared to my Trail-et. He escape doors don’t have windows.
The inside is a nice bright white. She says it tows nicely.

[Double_D_Trailers]

If you’re in the market for a new trailer, we can definitely help. Finding a reputable company you can trust is important! Also, we have a tool on our website where you can search for a trailer owner near you to view their trailer in person, and ask any questions you may have about their experience with us. If I can be of any more assistance, please let me know! Thanks, and good luck in your trailer search! Brook at Double D

[DMK]

I really like my Trailers USA trailer, it’s a custom design, I had it delivered in January and it’s been in steady use ever since (I think it has 6000 miles on it already).

If you do order a custom version, you end up talking to the Tay, the owner/designer (or at least I did with my dealer), and that was great since I had a general idea of things I wanted, things I must have and things I was willing to lose to save $$$. Tay was great, educated me on what and how all that stuff would/could be done, and really went the extra distance to make sure I was happy with the trailer.

[DMK]

@SonnysMom

My impression of the Trailer USA is that they are a nice entry level trailer. Solid but not fancy. A friend of mine just bought a used one in nice condition. My two complaints: The ramp is very steep compared to my Trail-et. He escape doors don’t have windows.
The inside is a nice bright white. She says it tows nicely.

I think you CAN get an entry level trailer if that is what you choose, but I would compare them more to 4 star in build/quality/custom options.

Mine is a 7’6 high, 8’0 wide 2H straight load BP with 103" in front of the stud gates (no tack room, that IS the tack room), sides/ceiling insulated, side and back ramp, grooms door, loading lights, electric hook up package with lights and outlets inside, sliding divider with 3 settings (full box, 50/50 and 65/35), lined walls, floor tie downs and loads of windows. In short, very much NOT an entry level trailer! But yes, the ramp is steeper than my old trailet…

[SugarCubes]

@DMK

I really like my Trailers USA trailer, it’s a custom design, I had it delivered in January and it’s been in steady use ever since (I think it has 6000 miles on it already).

If you do order a custom version, you end up talking to the Tay, the owner/designer (or at least I did with my dealer), and that was great since I had a general idea of things I wanted, things I must have and things I was willing to lose to save $$$. Tay was great, educated me on what and how all that stuff would/could be done, and really went the extra distance to make sure I was happy with the trailer.

Thanks for this info, I’m glad to hear they have so many custom options! I think I’ve narrowed it down to Trailers USA or sticking with a Kingston. I’m getting my current Kingston serviced and then will try to sell it. I’ve spoken with a Kingston dealer who can have a trailer delivered, but it will be several thousand more than if I buy a similar Trailers USA trailer locally. So, that’s what I need to decide…

[CLB15]

I had a Kingston- super basic, older 2 horse, but was solid when I got it & still looked good when I traded it in. I replaced it with a used but like-new Trailers USA- there are the older ones from the company that folded and the newer ones from the company that is now active. They are, from what I could tell, very much geared towards custom orders- or dealers who order them with specific features to have on their lots. I was seriously considering ordering one new when the layout/features of mine weren’t ideal, but after comparing trailer size/features, the delivery options swayed me to another brand. The Trailers USA was bright, light, low maintenance and held up really well.