Instead of asking what the best trailers are, find out how to determine quality in the specific trailers you are looking at. I bought the best, most sturdy trailer I could find out there and havent regretted it one bit. I adore my trailer and have people ask to look through it constantly.
For the trailer shopping neophyte, here are a few things to look at.
The very first thing I look for in a trailer are door hinges. Are they welded or screwed together? Some brands (like sundowner) use Plastic which break on the regular. Seems like no big deal that you have to have the dressing room door fixed, but when it happens constantly it would be a pain in the ass. Welded door hinges mean the trailer is already bumped to my “inspect further” list.
Next, What size tires come STANDARD on a trailer? 14" trailer tires are insufficient for hauling large horses (standard on Sundowners).
16" tires should be used for any livestock trailers.
Next I look Underneath the trailer. How far apart are the floor supports? A well-made trailer would have supports ever 10" or so. Lesser-made trailers will stretch those supports out over 16 to 24" (or more! :eek:) The more support beams underneath, the better the integrity of the frame.
Walk inside the trailer and find out if it is at least partially insulated. Exposed beams are something horses can get injured on. Can it be fully insulated?
Open and close all doors and windows. Do they close and open evenly and firmly or do they seem flimsy? What would happen if a horse kicked the door with full force? Especially important is opening doors and windows while the trailer is on uneven ground. Do the doors and windows still open and close effortlessly? If not, the frame is weak and would crumple in an accident, not to mention being a pain in the butt and letting water leak in.
Check the construction of the tie-bars (where you would attach a lead rope or trailer tie). Are they screwed into a plastic piece, or are they welded into place?
Check how the doors tie-back for travelling. Are they secure or do they look as though they could break with a good wind or branch?
Check the floor mats–are they slippery when wet?
Open the back ramp and look at the construction of the hinges. Are there three or less points of connection between the ramp and the trailer? Crippity crap.
I could go on and on, but truthfully If the trailer cant get by the Hinges and support test I dismiss them.
Regarding the Aluminum frame trailers not being as strong as a steel framed trailer it is simply not true. WELL MADE Aluminum trailers are not much lighter than steel trailers, because the guage of aluminum they use is very thick, and very very strong. Poorly made aluminum trailers would fold like a bag in a wreck.
Brands I would never consider for my own horses are Sundowners, Featherlites and Exiss.
If i were looking at aluminum over steel I would go with a Hawk.
