Can't decide on New Trailer, help..... :)

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I thought I knew exactly what I wanted until I visited a dealership and now my head is spinning. I was exhausted after looking at so many.

Thought I really wanted a 2h BP Hawk with side ramp. I'm pulling with a half ton pick up. I liked the Hawk but there are so many other manufacturers, which is best? I also looked at Dream Coach which seemed to be really well made but $$$. I've also thought about GORE as well. I'm also now considering a GN, maybe.

I visited a dealer yesterday and have spoken with a VERY nice dealer in SC who I found through recommendations on COTH. :) Thanks guys!

I hope to keep this trailer for the next 15+ years so I want it to last. So what would you guys suggest between Hawk, Dream Coach, Gore, etc? I'm East Coast so no brand that you can only find in the midwest ;)

I didn't realize this would be so difficult!

[asanders]

I vote for the Hawk side ramp. :D

[KnKShowmom]

I too was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices and options when we were shopping, but Hawk had been recommended to me by a few people and it seemed that I just kept coming back to that choice.

I have a Hawk 2H GN with side ramp and love it - opted out of adding the dressing room since we weren't sure we would need it and have not regretted it. There is so much room to store stuff in the gn and its all together in the same area with the horse for times when you have to work out of your trailer.

Love the open and bright interior - the horses stay cool even in the summer and I have never had a horse not want to get on - even known pita loaders.

Finally, I will never not have a side ramp - so much nicer and safer way to unload the horses and much easier to load/unload your equipment.

Happy Shopping!

[blaster]

First, I have to say I think they appear well made, although I haven't yet seen a 10+ yr one. I don't know why that is.

But when I was looking for a gooseneck 2+1, I was shocked how heavy the Hawks were. I noticed there were things that made it more heavy...plywood as the floor in the "goose", and I surmise a combination of steel and AL elsewhere.

The trailer was nearly 3500 lbs heavier than it all AL cousins, which may or may not be a concern for you & your tow vehicle.

[SCF01]

First, I have to say I think they appear well made, although I haven't yet seen a 10+ yr one. I don't know why that is.

The trailer was nearly 3500 lbs heavier than it all AL cousins, which may or may not be a concern for you & your tow vehicle.

Which brand have you not seen 10 yr old ones?

Yes, the weight is also a big deciding factor. That's terribly confusing as well.

[blaster]

I would agree that Hawk's look nice on the showroom floor. However, I personally, don't know anyone with one 10+ years old. Since you want to keep yours a long time, I would recommend that durability be a deciding factor, and looking at past performance is a relatively good indicator of future performance.

Lastly when I compared Kiefers, Ebay, Hawk, and a few other trailers at the Maryland expo, I was shocked on the variance of weight. Qualitity opinions aside, I believe the 2+1 with side ramp had a low weight of 8500 lbs, and I recall the Hawk being one of the heaviest (10500 or 11000 lbs?). Again, this was random research I did nearly 7 mos ago so recommend you compare GVW before you purchase if tow weight is a factor.

[Hattie]

I have the Hawk 2+1 gooseneck and it's not even close to 10K lbs. I just checked my title and it's 5905lbs - this includes a dressing room, rumber floor, rumber ramps, and rumber in my gooseneck area.

[Twiliath]

Personally, I would add to the confusion by recommending the Merhow. :)

There are Hawks around here also, and I don't think they can hold a candle to a Merhow. Merhows last forever and rarely, if ever, come up used. They also hold their value very well. See if you can get one of those!

[back in the saddle]

Equispirit. 100% Equispirit!!

[grinanride]

The standard Hawk 2+1 side ramp goose will weigh in at 6200 - the trailer weight is listed on the Manufacturers Certificate of Origin and is not on the trailer VIN decal, what is on the VIN decal is the axle capacity, on the 2+1 the axles are 12000.

On the side ramp XL bumper hitch dress the weight is about 3880

A Hawk will likely weigh a little more than an aluminum frame trailer or a lighter built aluminum skin model, part of this will be differing sizes of main frame materials, part of this will be that Hawks are all double walled / lined / insulated including the dressing rooms, most are not.

Risa
HappyTrailsTrailers

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Risa ~ I'm still leaning towards the Hawk BP with Side Ramp. Husband really wants me to get the GN but I'm just not sure I want to do that.

I might try and look at a Gore tomorrow just to satisfy my curiosity.

[eponacelt]

Having seen Gore and Hawk new side ramps, I'd take the Gore any day of the week. Added to that, I looked at a used Hawk when I bought my trailer. It was only about 5 years old and did not look good. Not just cosmetically, but also from a "hold together" standpoint. Our test, while on the dealer's lot, was to have my 6'5" tall husband try to simulate a horse jumping around in the trailer. We listened to see how much noise was made and how the axles felt, etc. The Hawk made so much darn noise, and everything inside of it rattled and shook. It was a real eye opener, because from the outside, the trailer looked pretty nice.

I ended up with an Adam, which was used, but just barely. It was much nicer than the Trail-ets on the lot, and while it isn't fancy, it is well built and serves the purpose.

Good luck!

[Lori]

Colin-Arndt. :) They are based in PA and are a small family manufacturer. I have had 3 of their trailers and loved the one I had to give up in my divorce the most (2 horse straight with stall area in front, side ramp, dressing room, gooseneck). I now have a used 2H Encore Elite BP with dressing room, but it is more than enough for my ponies.
If I were to get a new one, I'd go Merhow because they are similar to CA, and stocked here in the modwest.

[Guilherme]

I'm on Featherlight #3 (for what it's worth :lol:).

On GN v. BP, the GN will get then nod every time (unless there are some serious reasons "why not"). They are vastly easier to manuever (particularly in tight places) and pull better. They put the tongue weight of the trailer over the rear axels (and not on the rear bumper, which tends to lighten the front end of the truck possibly compromising braking and wet weather steering). You do lose some truck bed capacity to a GN.

Given the weight of the Hawk in question (6200#, more or less), you might want to take a serious look at your truck (you don't mention make, model, year, etc.). If you load two average horses and average tack, feed, hay, water, etc. you're looking at about 2500-3000#, giving you a low end weight of 8700#. That's pushing, hard, on the envelope of most half tons. Personally, I like the 80% rule (when hauling a live load like horses don't exceed 80% of the maximum capacity of the truck). I base that upon the fact that with any tow starting is optional; stopping is not. Lots of trucks advertise HP and torque; few talk about their braking capacity. So I take a pretty conservative view of it.

If the OP has her owner's manual she should look up the specific capability of her truck now (before she signs on any dotted lines). If the OM is not available go to the TrailerLife website. They have links to 10 years worth of TrailerLife towing guides that give a lot of information.

Again, given my conservative approach to the problem, I'd not pay much attention to claims that a half ton truck, any half ton truck, can safely pull 10,000# (even Mike Rowe is the guy saying it ;) ).

For the long term you can't beat an aluminum trailer on maintenance costs.

G.

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No, I'm not looking at the Hawk 2+1, that's too much trailer for my half ton p/u. I'm looking at the Hawk BP with dressing room and side ramp with a weight 3880#.

And Mike Rowe would never lie to me ;)

[IFG]

If you want a trailer that will last a LONG time, get a Kingston!

Mine is a 1990 version. I bought it used, and had to have some substantial work done on it, but it is perfect now. I know of lots of older Kingstons. In fact, I cannot think of any that I know of that are less than 15 years old.

They hold their value, and they last.

[justslide]

I love, love, love my Hawk. I have a 2H BP with DR and a rear ramp. My horse travels like a dream in it. I crawled over every inch of that trailer before I bought it and could not find a bad weld or seam. Pulls great - barely know that it is back there.

FWIW, I called Hawk with a question before I bought it. They spent an hour with me on the phone answering my questions, telling me about the manufacturing process, etc.

You can't go wrong with a Hawk!!

[GallopHer]

I love my Gore. You should definitely give serious consideration to the Gore. Best of luck.

[EventerOP]

Over the winter I got a new 2H hawk and love it! I know a few people that have had theirs for a while and they still look great! Hawk is my vote:)

[BestHorses]

I was confused when buying my trailer so I read "The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer." It really helped me figure out what I wanted.

I think your first choice is to decide wether you want a steel frame or an aluminum frame. I chose a steel frame. I know it's heavier, but in a 2 horse the weight difference is not that great between aluminum and steel. Also I like having a steel frame in case of an accident. I know someone who simply slammed on the brakes in an aluminum frame trailer and the weight of the horse bent the interior post. :eek:

Definitely figure out the weight your truck can safely pull and overestimate the weight that will be in your trailer. A truck dealer will tell you a half ton can pull a lot but they aren't usually horse people that understand that horses are top-heavy and MOVE, unlike a boat...

I have an Equispirit 2H GN with DR and I love it. A close second for me was Trail-et - made in the same factory as Equispirit but with different finishes like door styles and number of tie rings, etc. Third for me was Hawk. I'd heard mixed reviews on window seals and things of that sort, but every time I see one in person I like it.

Good luck and be prepared for all your trailer-less friends to be begging rides!

[HuntJumpSC]

I've had 2 Trail-ets & two Gores. Both are excellent trailers. If you're in SC, as I am, make the trip down to Whiteville, NC to the Gore manufacturers. That's also a bonus if you get one, you can just send it there for anything. Great people, great product, great service.

I just purchased my 2nd Gore back in April from former clients who are no longer in horses. It's a '97 all aluminum 2H BP w/DR. I paid $4600 (kid you not, NOTHING wrong with it & had horses in it less than 10X~ they're distant family and I practically raised their kid) It hauls great and is very well made. Open, inviting, and my new 2 year old filly who had never been loaded hopped right on in Chapel Hill and never made a peep the 4 hour drive home. :cool:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59/HuntJumpSC/GoreTrailer001.jpg

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Finally made a decision! :D Going to order a 2h BP with DR and Side Ramp from Risa @ Happy Trails in South Carolina. She's been great. Can't wait to get it!

Thanks Risa!

[Ja Da Dee]

Great news! I have to say, I love my Hawk, and was VERY happy to have the steel walls in the horse box when I had a 1400 lb mare freak out in there a month ago.

[monstrpony]

Risa is Da Bomba, and the Hawks aren't too shabby, either ;). Enjoy!

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Apparently so :winkgrin: I'm really glad you COTH guys recommended her!

[Holly Jeanne]

I ordered my trailer from her in the fall. Great service. Congratulations.

[ALJUMPER]

I am looking for a new trailer as well and am going through the same as you. I unfortunatly am not located new a trailer dealer and have done research online and what I have seen at the shows. I have come across a trailer that seems to be really nice but is new to the market. Looks interesting and I thought I would pass it to you. I am going to look at them in 2 weeks. Hope I'm not dissapointed. Have you heard of them? If so please pass on any info.
Here is the link .
http://www.eclipsehorsetrailers.com/

:winkgrin:

[SCF01]

I'm no where near the dealer I purchased from but there was a model I was able to see in person a few hours away from me. I would not buy any trailer without being able to see, touch and stand in. Even a similar model will do.

My friend just bought a 4 horse Eclipse. Looks nice to me but I personally know nothing about the brand.

[Foxtrot's]

Of all the configurations and options - the one feature I am most glad I have is the insulation. In mine it is spray on, but others it can be between the skins. The trailer is cooler in summer and does not drip condensation in the winter. The next one is the puckboard all round inside and what I wish I had was proper back-up lights for those dark nights when going to lessons in parking lots where it is dark.

[Foxtrot's]

I also wish I had a sliding window with mosquito mesh in the tack room door so we could sleep in it if we wanted. I had it custom made and while ordering wanted to use as sharp a pencil as I could and didn't think of everything at the time.

[Acertainsmile]

I have a Hawk 2 horse gooseneck with the sideramp and dressing room. We customized it, the side ramp is 5 feet wide and we also have the option to make 2 box stalls. Hawk was very easy to deal with and so far I've been very happy with my trailer!

Good luck with your search!

Stay away from Exciss....

[nashgirl]

I'm on my 3rd Hawk, all purchased through Risa. They are super trailers! The latest is a 2+1 gooseneck with side ramp. Hawk and Risa are terrific to work with. PM me if you have any questions at all.

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Thanks Nash! The next few weeks is going to kill me :yes: I'm so impatient. I can't wait to get it!

[HuntJumpSC]

Congrats! I've heard great things about Risa~ enjoy your new trailer! :)

[HollysHobbies]

I wanted the SAFEST trailer I could find--I felt Jamco was the best built--it's built like an igloo and is quite solid. The only thing I don't like in the Jamco is you can't open the doors from the inside.

Definately kick (physically) the back door of the trailer...I found some of the cheaper model trailers actually moved/showed airspace between ramp and frame of trailer if you leaned on it. I have a gelding who sits on the back door, so that didn't fly with me.

Make sure door handles etc. are horse friendly and will withstand the test of time.

A tackroom was a nice upgrade for me.