Posted 2010-08-07 11:20 PM (#123273) Subject: HELP - need to pick brains out there
New User
Posts: 3
Location: TX
OK guys if money were not object (within reason) what kind of trailer would you choose? I am leaning towards a platinum 4 horse with 18 foot SW -- 12 ft slideoutWhat about Bloomer? Elite? Reverse load? Gas/Diesel Gen?The conversions are endless -- thoughts?
Posted 2010-08-08 8:56 AM (#123278 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I agree with your 3 top choices. I've had a Platinum and now own Bloomer. Always have liked Elite. I don't care for the slideouts just because of the weight and something else to go wrong. Reverse load is nice but once again adding a little weight and length. I like my gas generator, I've had propane and wouldn't care to go back to it. Gas is easier to refill if you're sitting somewhere for a long time. I've had two Outlaw conversions didn't care for the first one, absolutely love my current one. Also like they're 24 hour hotline, it works!! Extra advice, buy a hay pod, as big as you can reasonably get, I absolutely love mine. I prefer mangers also, but that can be debated all day. 17.5" tires are a must don't let anyone sell you 16". Also small item don't buy crank out windows in the LQ, get the sliders. Hope this is some of the info you're looking for. Also agree with other poster Hart is a good trailer to consider.
Posted 2010-08-08 11:14 AM (#123281 - in reply to #123280) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I've owned a 4 Star, loved it, now own a Trail Rider and love it even more! Best bang for the buck in my opinion. It is a steel frame trailer but has been completely undercoated top to bottom before anything else is put on. You might be concerned with weight, but ours really isn't that heavy. Three horse, 17' SW, 12' slide is about 14,000 empty. I'd stick with a gas generator, diesel gens are so much more expensive and you really aren't gaining much. I agree with previous poster, stay away from propane gens, there not as efficient more to go wrong with the fuel system and you have go bigger horse power for the same wattage as a gas counter part.
Posted 2010-08-09 7:21 AM (#123317 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: Gallatin, TN
We LOVE our 4 Star but we are looking at a Blue Ribbon. The holding tanks sit up higher underneath and the construction looks really solid. Go to the Trailer News forum on this site and take a look at the Blue Ribbon thread.
Posted 2010-08-09 8:13 AM (#123319 - in reply to #123317) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I have never seen the conversions installed in the Blue Ribbon trailers. However, I have seen every component used in the fabrication of their trailers, and the quality and attention to detail their construction entails. Their trailers may not have the bling of the higher priced units, but their structural quality is not lacking in any way, and exceeds many well known brands.
Each trailer is custom built and every measurement and every option is available just by by asking. With their CAD programs, you can sit down with the engineer, and in minutes have a print out of the exact trailer you want.
There are many variables in the construction of a trailer. The first part is deciding what you want. The next is finding a builder that will work with you. Among them you must then decide which has the best materials and build quality. High prices and big names don't automatically buy you the best trailer. Blue Ribbon is an excellent company, one well worth your time to investigate.
Posted 2010-08-09 10:31 AM (#123327 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Veteran
Posts: 229
kkschiller, I don't thing that you can go wrong with any of the manufacturers that you mentioned. All three are tops and were on my trailer short list. Also, add the 4 Star in there. I took a good look at the Platinums and really liked what I saw. I had a check list of requirements, and I found an Elite that met my needs so I bought it. I must admit, it pulls awesome. If you are buying used I've noticed that there are some very good buys in the larger LQ trailers on the Horse Trailer World site.
Posted 2010-08-09 12:25 PM (#123329 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
With the ones you have listed, any would be great, but the size you listed in my opinion the Ford F-550 you talked about upgrading to will be too light and under powered for that size trailer. (by under powered I am talking more about your braking than pulling) Just about anything (within reason) will move that size trailer but STOPPING it is 90% of the battle.
Just guessing you are talking about a trailer that is around 45' (+/-) overall hitch to bumper and with a 12' slideout I guessing it will have to have 3-7-k axles to carry the weigh of that trailer. Just a shot in the dark here, but I'm thinking that empty weight is going to be somewhere around 14-klbs or so. This is justg based off of the wieght of the 13'SW 4 horse we had with no slideout, it was just over 10-k empty weight and 40' hitch to bumper.
Posted 2010-08-09 7:01 PM (#123334 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Location: Central Arkansas
I prefer two 10K axles over the three 7K axles. I HATE triaxle trailers because there always ends up being a issue with that 3rd axle. Been there done that and still paying for the tshirt!
Also, if you want a Ford, get the 650 Supercruiser and stay away from the Ford 450 or 550. The 450/550 is just a 350 on steriods with a lower geared axle. My 450 had a 4.88 which seems to be the one I supposely needed for the weight but horrible performance issues. Best speed for the 2008 Ford 450 with the 488 rear end was 50 mph! The 650 Supercruiser I drove had the Allison tranny. But I picked the Sportchassis FL because it was more fun to drive and had a CAT engine (which 90% of all school buses have).
Posted 2010-08-10 7:46 AM (#123341 - in reply to #123273) Subject: RE: HELP - need to pick brains out there
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
In response to the last post I will say this. I have and F550 and an M2 Freightliner sitting in my yard. If it's my choice the F550 pulls it. My daughter prefers the M2. We have a large trailer and the F550 handles it fine and is within weight specs. Fuel mileage is the same on both, I just like to have 4WD with me and I like the extra power of the 7.3 Ford (full Banks power) I'm sure there will be plenty of nay sayers, that's just what I prefer. The kid could get on here and give a whole different opinion. Nothin like lot's of opinions and a little confusion!!
HELP - need to pick brains out there
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