Posted 2016-09-21 6:58 AM (#168416) Subject: Merhow vs Elite trailers
I am looking at purchasing a LQ trailer and would like any opinions on both of these brands, not sure if it would be worth the addional money for the Elite
Thank you
Posted 2016-09-21 3:34 PM (#168424 - in reply to #168416) Subject: RE: Merhow vs Elite trailers
Tex V.- From reading your posts over the years, you obviously know a lot about trailers. Thanks. Unfortunately, not all horse folks are very mechanical and may or may not appreciate the quality materials, fit and welds Elite does. All too often nowadays, quality is judged by the pretty of the cabinets.....
With that- to the first poster: I believe it is our opinion that Elite is an absolute top shelf trailer. They do not do interiors, so any LQ has gone to an interior company of the new buyer's choice to get the interior. I believe Merhow recently changed ownership and personnel, and is charting a direction for themselves. I cannot judge the quality as I've only seen a couple. But I have my suspicions that the structural elements will not be on the same level. Thus Tex V's comment may make more sense now.
Money difference- just depends on what is important to you.
Posted 2016-09-21 5:23 PM (#168427 - in reply to #168416) Subject: RE: Merhow vs Elite trailers
One I did not post this to be chastised. Yes I have looked at both trailers and the "Elite" is complete eye candy. I am more concerned about structure and Longevity incorporating costs, I thought that both trailers in the horse area are well made. I don't want to be trailer poor and am not comparing a bison to the Elite either. I know the living quarters on the Elite is amazing, but the methow is nice with decent quality. If the main difference is in the finishes then I'd like to save my money. I don't really know that much about merhows and the reviews are good. I currently own a hart trailer and would love to stay with that brand, but not in my budget with LQ options. Just trying to do my research, used elites are slightly higher than a new merhow, but then you are not getting a warranty.
Thanks
Posted 2016-09-22 12:42 PM (#168441 - in reply to #168416) Subject: RE: Merhow vs Elite trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
Merhow makes a decent trailer for light use. It does not compare to Hart or Elite.... look underneath. Get on the ground and see how the floors are strung, and how the welds are, and the weight/gauge of the aluminum in the structure. Pull one before you buy... I know they are less expensive.... you get what you pay for... its not just a saying.
Posted 2016-09-29 7:31 PM (#168504 - in reply to #168416) Subject: RE: Merhow vs Elite trailers
Working within your budget is important, and some trailers are just unaffordable to some folks. Simply looking at the pro-trainers, professional rodeo cowboys, etc... you'll see a very short list of trailers used because the less expensive, lower quality trailers simply self-destruct after a number of miles and hard use. Here's the list that we suggest our veterinary clients start with, there are others of course.
Platinum Coach, Elite, 4 Star, Hart, Twister, Bloomer (especially the older Bloomers). We don't recommend the Featherlite, Exiss, most of the Sundowner line, etc... because they are not engineered or built with equivalent materials to the tougher trailers.
Sometimes the best choice is to go with a tough, albeit heavier all-steel trailer that fits your budget. The living quarters quality increases the cost dramatically. Some of the manufacturers install camper-trailer quality cabinets consisting of fiberboard with wood-look vinyl. That is going to be a lot cheaper than a solid hardwood custom interior from someone like Outlaw Interiors.
Merhow vs Elite trailers
