WAHOOOOO...We're Getting a Trailer! - UPDATE: Got it! We're Home!!!

[ChocoMare]

I'm almost in tears cuz I'm so happy! :D Where's the Dancing Banana emoticon when you need it?!

Finally I can haul where ever I want, whenever I want. And it's 99% what I wanted in a trailer: An EquiSpirit BUT their new model, The EquiBreeze.

They have only bumper pull models for pictures, but mine will be a gooseneck.

Deposit goes out in two weeks and then it'll be four to six weeks while its built at their plant in Wisconsin. What's with me and Wisconsin?.... Penny mare was shipped to me from there too!

[BestHorses]

Completely bizarre timing - I was JUST looking at that new trailer design. I got an Equispirit gooseneck last year that I loff! Congrats!

[MunchkinsMom]

Congratulations!

And thanks for joining me in the ranks of horse owners that continue to do our part to stimulate the economy (bought my new trailer this past October).

[ChocoMare]

BestHorses: Alas, we just could not afford the 2hs GN in XXW/XXT that we'd need...almost $25K! :eek: So I politely told the nice lady at EquiSpirit "Sorry but no can do." That's when she let me know about this brand new model! :winkgrin:

Even in the XXW/XXT (that's 7' 8" tall and 6' 8" wide) version, it'll be about $12K (including delivery).....much easier on my pocketbook! :yes:

I don't show, so have no need for a dressing room or any of the other bells and whistles. I just needed a solid, well-built GN trailer, straight load with a ramp in the biggest height and widest width..... a full 17.3 Percheron and a 15.2 Clydesdale-X have to comfortably fit in there!

No other trailer manufacturer had what I wanted at a price I could afford. Until the EquiBreeze appeared. Best of both worlds! :cool:

[HydroPHILE]

Congrats! The girls are going to be ridin' in style!!!!!! :D

[IronwoodFarm]

Congratulations on your new wheels, Chocomare!

[Huntertwo]

Lucky you!!! I'm green with envy. Beautiful trailer - love how bright and airy it is. Didn't you get a truck recently too?

[KathyR]

Way to go!! I'm so happy for you.

[Dance_To_Oblivion]

Congrats! That new trailer feeling is awesome!!!

[4Martini]

Congrads! I LOVE having my own trailer - even if I don't use it all that much. (Sometimes I just go stand in it for fun...)

[Dakotawyatt]

Congrats! I need a trailer like crazy; hopefully I can snag me one at some point this year.:yes:

[snkstacres]

You so deserved this. Yup sure did. YOU GO GIRL

[BestHorses]

I just needed a solid, well-built GN trailer, straight load with a ramp in the biggest height and widest width..... a full 17.3 Percheron and a 15.2 Clydesdale-X have to comfortably fit in there!

No other trailer manufacturer had what I wanted at a price I could afford. Until the EquiBreeze appeared. Best of both worlds! :cool:

I was wondering what you were hauling in a XXW/XXT! :winkgrin: They are steep but I lucked out and got the previous year's model right as the prices were going up. And having driven it for a little while now I can say I think it's worth it. It's so much sturdier than my old 2H BP.

Did you work with Barbara? She's super nice. She made it so easy to add in fans and an extra battery and extra ties and... :lol:

[RNB]

Wonderful ChocoMare...simply wonderful!! I know you're thrilled!! Congratulations!! :)

[ChocoMare]

I was wondering what you were hauling in a XXW/XXT! :winkgrin: They are steep but I lucked out and got the previous year's model right as the prices were going up. And having driven it for a little while now I can say I think it's worth it. It's so much sturdier than my old 2H BP.

Did you work with Barbara? She's super nice. She made it so easy to add in fans and an extra battery and extra ties and... :lol:

Yeah, my mares are big girls. See: http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2788532880015305252oWOOQH
and http://pets.webshots.com/photo/1429941828015305252nnFPfK (she's 17.3)

And, yes, Barbara and I have been going back and forth with e-mails for a few weeks now. She's been super patient, answered all my questions (even some "quirky" ones) and never pressured me.

After careful thought this weekend, I've changed my mind and will be getting the dressing room afterall. Figured it'd only add to the value (trade in or resale) PLUS provide me a place of privacy for life's little nature calls or wardrobe malfunctions :winkgrin: :lol:)

I can't say enough good things about EquiSpirit so far. I was ableto get the deposit together, so it's going out today. Trailer should be delivered some time around March 16th. YAY! :D

[ChocoMare]

I'm putting the finishing touches on my Trailer Check Off List but wanted to see if there were other things NOT on this list that you couldn't do without. Here it is so far:


Spare Tire/Jack/Tire Iron
Three emergency triangles/flares
Chocks
Flashlight with spare batteries
Electrical tape and duct tape
Knife for cutting ropes in emergency
Water -- Enough for drinking, cooling the horse if overheated, or washing of wounds in the event of injury.
Buckets/sponge
Spare halter and lead rope
Spare bulbs
Spare fuses if applicable
Fire extinguisher
WD-40 or other lubricant
Broom, shovel, stall fork, manure disposal bags
Insect spray (Bee and wasps)
Kitty Litter (for when I can't find a restroom) & Bags.During winter months:

Shovel
Sand
Red flag (for antenna if stranded)
Horse blankets
Human blankets
Candle, matches and/or lighterFor the Tow Vehicle

Hawkins Guide: Horse Trailering on the Road
Hawkins Guide: Equine Emergencies on the Road
Registration for the vehicle and trailer and proof of insurance
Jumper cables
Spare tire/jack/tire iron
Tool kit
Spare belts and hoses
Tow chain
Cellular phone with mobile charger unit
Replacement fuses
Road Atlas
Work gloves
Portable air compressor
Extra cash/credit card
Coggins/Health PaperworkThanks!

[AKB]

Vetwrap (4 rolls) for cuts, sprains, and other injuries.

[ChocoMare]

Ah yes. I do have a complete and separate First Aid Kit for both human & horse. :D

[kookicat]

I always keep a couple of halters in the truck and trailer. Lunge line or two?

Congrats too- looks very smart!

[goodhors]

I would go with a Trailer Aid, the block thing you drive up on, instead of a jack, for tire changing. If horses are in trailer, and you need to change the tire, their movement can throw the trailer off the jack. That won't happen with the trailer aid under the other wheel.

Husband made my trailer aid of wood. Took two pieces of wood, fastened them together, then cut the curve for tire, angle to drive up on. He made them wide enough for the wheels of trailer, so 6" x 8", to give enough height for tire removal. It works WELL! I am not a fan of plastic, they can get brittle over time, sure don't want it breaking under a load! The wood trailer aid is nice.

I did not see flashlights that WORK on your list. One in the truck, one in the trailer dressing room on the door or beside it. I keep a safety vest with reflective stripes in truck, to put on if I need to be out beside the road. You WANT to be seen alongside the vehicle if you have to check stuff.

Does trailer come with safety stripes in reflective tape? You want reflective tape on the trailer in case lights should ever go out. Both sides, rear, for best protection. Maybe a neat stripe on the truck, reflective comes in all colors from our local sign shop. Stripe is just an accent until at night, when lights hit it. Very helpful in parked vehicles at the truck stop on your travels. Cruise the site below, many items to consider that are reflective.

http://reflectivelyyours.com/

We drilled a hole in the mounting bolts for spare tire. You can put a tractor key clip in the holes or a padlock in one bolt of trailer, to keep the spare tire where it belongs. Our spare's nuts work loose on the trailer with road driving, if not held in place with the clips or lock on the bolt. Double nut, lock-tite, did NOT work, just the hole with something to stop the nut working off the bolts. A spare tire cover will prevent sidewall cracking so fast, from sun exposure. Most spare tires die of sunshine, not wear.

You also might like a two step stool, works for going in and out of the dressing room easier. Doubles as a mounting block, chair, good for climbing into the back of truck with no running boards, watering with side manger doors for tall horses. I am constantly surprised at how much we use it. A folding step ladder takes less room, but the solid plastic stool has a bigger surface to stand on or sit down.

New toys, such FUN!

[ChocoMare]

Thanks goodhors. Yes, the flashlight with batteries is on the list. I'll make sure it works! It's a giant Mag Light...LOVE IT :yes:

I've ordered the warning triangles, a large orange cone that has a flashing light on top and the safety stripes from Tweetys.com (same place I ordered the B&W hitch from). Was thinking about a two-step stepstool, so will just go ahead and get that from them too. They have one in red, my color!

Will certainly get a Trailer Aid. :yes:

[snkstacres]

hehehehe and judging by the long list of must haves, all I can say Miss Chocomare is thank heavens you are splurging on the dressing room.

Oh, now do remember I have one of those little porta potties here remember. It has two pails so can double for a water bucket.

hahahhahahahahahahahahhaah truly laughing my head off at self.

[ChocoMare]

Lori, dear, I draw the line at bed-side port-a-pottys. Besides, that's what the kitty litter is for! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[ChocoMare]

Ooooh. Almost there!!!

I should know definitely by tomorrow if we can still leave out Friday to go get our baby. They did have some production issues before...hence the delay.

But to hold me over, they sent me some pictures from initial construction.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2486579520015305252PleWqd

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2744828650015305252EiwXTC

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2486579520015305252PleWqd

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2781164180015305252BKDrSS

:D

[EventingJ]

oooh very nice! Congrats!! I'm very jealous, especially since it seems my trailer fund got eaten up by vet bills, and a new horse whos going to incur even MORE vet bills, ugh! Can't wait to see your finished product!!

[jazzrider]

Oops. Double post!

[jazzrider]

Congrats on your new trailer! :yes: But don't forget the cooler! Preferably one that makes a good bench to put your boots on. Aside from being used for drinks and food storage, it's a great place to preserve stuff in the winter months (horse snacks, wool, anything the critters might go after).

Oh, and if you're going to trailer alone, be sure not to get water receptacles that are too heavy for you to lift and use. We have a big 35 gallon container, but when I trailer alone I fill two 5 gallon jugs instead.

[ChocoMare]

Thanks for the tips!

Alas, I just got an e-mail from them.... they need a few more days to finalize the construction and have asked that we delay our arrival until next Saturday, the 11th.

:sigh:

Oh well...quality is worth waiting for!

[Rodeio]

Yeah ChocoMare!! The waiting is hard isn't it? I have 2 - 4 weeks left to wait on my trailer. We bought a 4 Star XXW/XXT 4 horse slant with dressing room GN. Looks like this one http://www.ehorsehotline.com/ads/moreinfoitem.asp?adid=6525 only a four horse.

On a side note I asked you for tack closet photos through PM a while back, my brother has it done and might be here this weekend pending our weather forecast! Yeah!

[ChocoMare]

Yeah ChocoMare!! The waiting is hard isn't it? I have 2 - 4 weeks left to wait on my trailer. We bought a 4 Star XXW/XXT 4 horse slant with dressing room GN. Looks like this one http://www.ehorsehotline.com/ads/moreinfoitem.asp?adid=6525 only a four horse.

On a side note I asked you for tack closet photos through PM a while back, my brother has it done and might be here this weekend pending our weather forecast! Yeah!

Terrific on both accounts! Can't wait to see pics of your finished "armoire" :winkgrin:

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

oooh so jealous. I want a truck and trailer soooo badly. I have to borrow both every time I want to haul (like to the three clinics I'm doing in April). I know I'm going to wear out my welcome (do offer money, which is never taken and do pay for gas).

Happy day for you!

[ChocoMare]

Well, I just got the written confirm that it's done and ready for us.:yes:

We'll head out tomorrow after work and stay overnight so we can meet up with Tom at 9am Saturday for the once over before heading home with our baby in tow.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH. I'm so excited!

[SBT]

WooHoo! I'm so happy for you! And you're picking it up on the same day I move into the new house, and it'll be the day before Easter too...truly a weekend of blessings! :)

[ChocoMare]

Oh Sara, I can't wait to haul our babies to McIntosh, Cheatham Hill & Hard Labor etc. etc. parks! :yes:

[JSwan]

Congrats on the trailer, ChocoMare. :)

[Bluey]

Congratulations, that looks like a mighty fine trailer.:cool:
Nothing like traveling first class, is it.:)

On your list, rather than carrying sand around, how about kitty litter.
It works just as well for ice and it comes in handy buckets.:yes:

[ChocoMare]

Whew. What a weekend. It was a long trip and my nerves are shot! But we're home and this trailer is awesome.

Here she is! http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569863361yFLROR

Tom, the OWNER of EquiSpirit (how cool is that?), met us at 9am Saturday morning to go over everything with us, making sure we knew the procedures and pointing out all the amazing features built into our EquiBreeze. It truly is the best of both worlds: all the safety and attention to detail as found in the EquiSpirit but in an open-stock combo model that makes it affordable to us "average" folk.

Mr. C'Mare drove it 1/2 way home from North Carolina....safely navigating the VERY SCARY section of I-20 into and out of Augusta where they took us down to two very narrow lanes. I kept sucking in my breath as if it would suck in the sides of the trailer. :o

I took over after fueling up and completed the trip...repeating our new Mantra: Wider is Better! :lol: (Alas, Mr. C'Mare learned the hard way and our new trailer is now "broken" in :(....no bad damage...just a few dings on the left side and a fender that is less than perfect. Trust me, he felt HORRIBLE. :cry: But I reassured him that a) it's a "thing" not a person; b) I still love him; and c) perhaps the Lord was protecting us from a worse situation down the road and we needed that hour to avoid it.) The rest of our trip was blissfully uneventful, although my neck and shoulders were one giant knot of tension. ;)

Now that it's home, I need to practice. One of our co-borders is a police officer who does driver training, so he will be working with us in an empty parking lot, full of cones, so we can learn how to back that baby up and park her properly. We're both good with "forward"...."back" needs work.

If it's not raining tomorrow evening, the mares will get their first chance to load in. I'll probably load Tank first, since she'll go anywhere and let Penny watch to prove it won't eat her. :lol:

I'll try to get pics of the dressing room too. I was so excited Saturday, I forgot to snap those!

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

Nothing like the freedom of having your own trailer...congratulations!!!:D:D:D

[sidepasser]

Congratulations, nice trailer!

You might want to consider USRider.com for insurance. Most of the regular truck/car insurance will not cover towing a truck/trailer and there are other benefits of having it, especially if you are like me, and haul alone alot!
Pretty cheap too, less than 150. for the year and that equals about one tow charge for a truck around here (never mind having to leave that purty trailer on the side of the road so you can worry more!)..well worth it.

Oh and a small frig when you can afford it..lol..and a/c in the dressing room..

Yep I luv helping others spend money..lol...

[Trakehner]

TV cameras...don't forget the cameras...Hey, it's fun helping people spend money.

I've had vans that had TV cameras to watch what the guys were doing...just put a setup of two cameras on my stock trailer...Oooooo, Ahhhhhh! Sound and colour of Horse TV...it's nice to see what's going on back there.

For the times when you're traveling by yourself and hitching alone, the wireless magetic cameras are handy. You can mount the camera on the bed of the pick-up and watch exactly where ball is or move it in back to watch the horses or where the trailer is when you're getting close to the wall/tree.

Have fun, sorry about the christening of the fender...the fun of goosenecks...wide is your friend.

[RNB]

Congrats ChocoMare!!!!!! I know you've been waiting for this for a very long time!!! Enjoy!!

[ChocoMare]

Thanks guys -- and Thanks for enabling the Queen Enabler! :lol:

I signed up for US Rider the day they started building the trailer, so am good to go there. The trailer itself is covered under our Allstate policy, but I'm not going to file a claim for this since it's minor and we can do it ourselves. Besides, they'll be paying for the ...ahem... front bumper damage to the 18-wheeler that our fender met so rudely :( Thanks for not blasting my hubby either. Trust me, that precious man has a very tender heart and he was much harder on himself that I ever could be. :sadsmile:

If I start camping, I will look into a/c in the dressing room. Not too sure about the fridge. Methinks our super-duper ice chest will do...besides, it makes a great seat! :winkgrin:

The cameras sound great for hitching, but I don't know if we can spring for that right now. Tom showed us the 2-pebble trick and that should work just fine once the toolbox is removed. It's just too big, so I can't see over it into the bed and we also run the risk of jack-knifing onto it, so Mr. C'Mare agreed to remove it or get a very low-profile/smaller one.

[equineartworks]

It's GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I am so happy for you (and not so secretly very, very jealous! lol!)

Don't you think I really need one for Dumplin'? Katie will be here soon too, and Teddy. And then there are the horses at the stable and with show season almost here...lol! can you just picture little tiny Dumplin' in there lol!!!

[2bee]

The cameras sound great for hitching, but I don't know if we can spring for that right now. Tom showed us the 2-pebble trick and that should work just fine once the toolbox is removed. It's just too big, so I can't see over it into the bed and we also run the risk of jack-knifing onto it, so Mr. C'Mare agreed to remove it or get a very low-profile/smaller one.

You could always use a toliet plunger if you wanted to keep the toolbox, I couldnt give up my toolbox. Get a toilet plunger with a long handle and will sit over/on the ball. Use the mirrors for side to side adjustment........back up until the GN coupler knocks the plunger off the ball, youre there. After a few times hooking up, you probably wont need any help anyway.

[ChocoMare]

You could always use a toliet plunger if you wanted to keep the toolbox, I couldnt give up my toolbox. Get a toilet plunger with a long handle and will sit over/on the ball. Use the mirrors for side to side adjustment........back up until the GN coupler knocks the plunger off the ball, youre there. After a few times hooking up, you probably wont need any help anyway.

OMGosh!!! That's brilliant!!!! :yes: :D I've got a plunger that should be retired anyway, so Old Faithful will fit the bill and get a 2nd career. :winkgrin:

[ChocoMare]

It's GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I am so happy for you (and not so secretly very, very jealous! lol!)

Don't you think I really need one for Dumplin'? Katie will be here soon too, and Teddy. And then there are the horses at the stable and with show season almost here...lol! can you just picture little tiny Dumplin' in there lol!!!

Yes, yes you do. But since you have so many more equine critters than I and you show, you'll need to upgrade to the full 4-horse Head to Head EquiSpirit: http://www.equispirit.com/products/4horse.htm :winkgrin:

[Trakehner]

The cameras sound great for hitching, but I don't know if we can spring for that right now. Tom showed us the 2-pebble trick and that should work just fine once the toolbox is removed. It's just too big, so I can't see over it into the bed and we also run the risk of jack-knifing onto it, so Mr. C'Mare agreed to remove it or get a very low-profile/smaller one.

Here's a moveable hitch/horse camera for $142...I bought my in-trailer hard-wired camera set-up from this company at it works great...easier than changeing out the storage cabinet in the bed.

http://www.videosystemsbyjim.com/SWIFT%20HITCH.html

[ChocoMare]

Hey all: I'm consider one of these: http://www.organizedbarn.com/TDRK.html for the dressing room. Whatcha think? Anyone know of similar products? Thanks!