2001 4-Star slant or 2005 Featherlite straight? Help!

[Trakker]

Longtime lurker here, finally coming out because I need help!

I need a new 2 horse bumper pull trailer that is 7'6" high because my new horse is barely 4 and 16.3 already. I've always admired 4-stars and heard nothing but good things about them. I heard some references to a problem with Featherlite doors but couldn't track down what the problem was or when it was resolved. The trailers are the same price, both well cared for.

Ideally I was aiming for a straight load because I've heard they're better for large horses, but the 4-star is 7' wide, 'warmblood size', so it should work as well. Beyond that I don't have strong feelings for straight vs. slant--until now I've always had small horses and had a slant load that worked fine. The Featherlite has a larger dressing room, which is a plus, but I can live with a little one too. I trailer mostly locally but once I get my new baby going and get into competing again it'll be rides up to 5h.

Any opinions on the brands, potential problems, and large horses in straight vs. warmblood sized slant would help--I just don't know! THanks so much.

[Jaegermonster]

Assuming all other things equal as far as price etc, I would pick a 4 star over a Featherlite any day of the week. I think Featherlites are overpriced for the construction and you pay for the name. I have also found the 4 Stars to be much more durable.

[vineyridge]

JMO, but depending on how many you are hauling, you can turn a 4-Star 3 horse slant into a very comfortable, two horse box stall by removing the middle slant divider. :)

I'd much rather have a 4-Star than a Featherlite. It's really well made and very durable. Ones that are fifteen years old are as solid as brand new Featherlites.

[AKB]

Make sure you measure whatever trailer you are getting to be sure it is big enough.

I love my Sundowner 2 horse Valuelite. Our horses are big, and need the extra room. My neighbor's Featherlight is much too small for my 16.2h horse.

[bit-o-honey]

Hope this helps - I own a 4Star slant load (6 horse) and really appreciate the quality. I didn't research Featherlite. Not a fan of slants but have to haul 5 or 6 horses at a time. I have had zero problems with the horses riding in the trailer, and zero problems with the trailer. One thing to consider with a slant is, if a horse has a problem in the trailer, you may have to unload the others to reach the problem horse. Thankfully, mine have always ridden peacefully in the 4Star.

[thatmoody]

We lucked into a 4 star 4 horse slant when we were trailer hunting for a second trailer, and we LOVE it. Our 17.3 warmblood fits in nicely (although we do move the door partition over while loading him so he doesn't bump his wide butt in the doorway), and I've been very impressed by the quality. We got ours used for a VERY good price, and had to do some minor repairs on it, but our welding guy was tremendously impressed by the quality of the seams and such. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

[Fence2Fence]

I own a Featherlite and like it, but if I had an option of buying a 4Start vs Featherlite for the same price.... I'd buy the 4Star. Very, very nice trailers.

Mine happens to be a slant load, and I regret not buying a straight load. I trailer into shows and work off the trailer. Straight load is much easier for that type of thing.

[Guilherme]

I'm on Featherlight Number Three. I bought based upon quality and price.

I'm not, however, particularly "brand loyal." Each of my "buy" decisions was made on the basis of the product offered, not the brand name on the unit. :)

First, on type. I've had straight and slant loads. I really don't have a preference. I don't see major operational advantages for me in either style. Others may see things differently. Some claim slants are safer as horses can "brace" against divided during acceleration or deceleration. I'm not sure how much "science" there is behind the claims.

Second, on quality, inspect the individual unit. Take a flashlight and look "where the Sun don't shine." What do you see? What's the quality of the material, welds, spacing of structural members, corrosion, etc.? That's a better indicator of quality (and likely durability) than the name on the manufacturer's plate. :lol:

Good luck in you purchase.

G.

[scpezold]

Love love love my 2 horse slant load 4 Star (it is 7 ft wide). I researched almost all trailer brands and kept coming back to 4 Star. Got mine used and have not regretted one day. My new guy is 2.5yo and 16.3 and looong. He fits in my trailer just fine. When you close the window doors at head of each stall it is like closing an airplane hatch....it is just so solid. Hands down the 4Star is the way to go!:yes:

[poltroon]

I would buy the 4 star, but I would measure the length of the slant divider and compare it to the length of your horse.

The divider is probably removable, which may open up your options.

[Touchstone Farm]

I think both are good trailers. I've owned Featherlites for nearly 20 years and really like the quality and dependabilty of the trailers...and when I've sold them, I nearly got the price I paid for them, so they hold their value. Friends have 4 Stars and they seem like good trailers too.

I've also owned both slant and straight loads and, really, it's personal preference -- as long as the slant compartments are big enough. (Measure not from deep corner to deep corner, but pretend that triangle of space isn't at the front or rear of the stall. Then see if the size where the horse stands without that is comparable to the straight load.)

Good luck with your decision -- I think you will like and be satisfied with either one. Nice to have a choice between "good" and "good!"

[NoDQhere]

IMO, a 7' wide slant trailer is not going to be big enough for a good sized horse. I've never owned a 4Star, but have had Featherlights through the years and they have been good trailers.

I really dislike slant loads so would go with the straight load.

[Trakker]

Thanks so much everyone! It sounds as though the general consensus is that the 4-star is the better trailer IF the slant load allows it to be big enough. So my new plan is to take measurements of stall lengths on both trailers to see what'll work for my monster, and to go from there. I really appreciate the comments and help--THANK YOU!!! :)

[Tasker]

4 Star hands down.