When we were first trailer shopping, we crawled thru one. Unless they’ve truly and HIGHLY improved their welding, run away. Oy
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Do they have enough ventilation? I don’t think the Champion Esprit will be big enough but the Portax lacks any kind of head windows. The Gore and Kingston no DR with a side ramp are currently topping my wish list. But the low tongue weights of the Bockmanns are very appealing as I just bought a Durango to eventually take over towing from my aging F250.
When we were shopping, we looked at Lakotas. The living quarters were very pretty but the nuts and bolts craftsmanship was very poor. I would run from them.
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No one likes Sundowners?
I had a 1999 Sundowner, 2 horse, straight load, 6’ dressing room in immaculate condition. I was lucky to sell it.
I’m happy with my Exiss stock combo. I thought I was getting a Four Star because that’s been my dream trailer forever, but on the lot I liked the usable bits (latches, handles, etc.) on the Exiss better and DH crawled under both of them and we could not really justify the extra cost.
I had a Featherlite ages ago and they definitely don’t make them like that anymore!
So I had Exiss swap the center swing gate in the stock trailer for the 2-horse straight load setup, and got two back doors so I can unload one horse or the other more easily. I did end up having to add a ramp because it’s quite high off the ground, but with a 4wd truck I need the height over the bed. (Next truck will be a flatbed!)
Some photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmoak…57704743630135
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I know CM isn’t top of the line but what are the general thoughts on the newer aluminum ones?
Gypsymare- the Portax has sliding windows and a roof vent, I think that’s what most trailers have for ventilation. I am always concerned about dust and debris from windows right by the head. The fibreglass roof does keep it cooler than an all metal trailer.
A butt bar that can be opened from the front of the trailer?? Sweet Jesus that’s brilliant. . .
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I need that butt bar. Really!
I love my Eby. The breast and butt bars have a button to release them. The latch is like a car door and when you hit the button the bar pops. Super fast open and close! So much safer.
My BO has dreamed about a Logan for years. They aren’t sold in this part of the country. We saw one live in person at a Buck clinic. Every once in a blue moon one will show up used. The dealers don’t put them in their systems. I don’t know what the attraction is, but you have to drive about 1000 miles to find a dealer.
Kingston. Bought mine new in 2004 and it see still looks new. Had it serviced/inspected last week and no issues with anything (typical for it). They have a great reputation and hold their value. Hard to find a used one as no one wants to sell theirs once they own one!
Well, my 4 horse Sundowner stock trailer with a dressing room is just great and I love it.
I owned a 1987 Logan coach straight load from 2018 to this last year. Those trailers are made to last. For a trailer of that age, that lived outside in the PNW most likely the majority of its life it was in pretty darn good shape. And the thing is I knew 3 or 4 other people with the same make of trailer +/- 5 years in age that were used regularly. Heck there is a market for fixing them up.
More modern Logan trailers are just as nice (if not nicer). Every one I’ve walked by I drool over. I can’t speak for the newest models but they are trailers to look at if you can. I think the fact they don’t come up for sale used very often is pretty telling.
One of the ladies at our barn just bought a Boeckmann. It’s gorgeous! Light and airy inside, with a high ceiling and plenty of room in front of the chest bar, plus a front unload ramp.
