Circle J Horse trailers - any info?

[lurker]

Hi all, I am looking at a 2009 Circle J. It is brand new but I found out the company filed bankruptcy last year. The dealer said their will still be warranty under the individual items like the axles etc but I would have to bring it to them to fix any issues. What do you know about Circle J trailers? After reading the Sundowner thread I am nervous about dealing with trailers that even come with warranties!
Thanks for the advice up front.

[saddleup]

My first trailer was a 2 horse bumper pull Circle J. I really liked it. I had it for five years, and never had any problems with it. I loved the swing-out saddle rack in the dressing room, by the way.

I didn't know they'd filed for bankruptcy, so I'm not sure how I'd feel about buying one now...but as I said, the one I had was trouble-free.

[Painted Horse]

Consider what may need warranty.

If its a LQ and has lots of options, Yes, there are things that may go bad. If its a simple trailer. You have tires, axles, and steel ( or Auminum panels.) Not a lot that can go bad.

I have never taken a trailer in for warranty work.

[DLee]

I have had two in my lifetime, they have both been great trailers.
That being said, when I (just) sold my 3 horse gooseneck Circle J, I needed to replace the springs that go on the ramp. Had a heck of a time finding ANY, finally got them from a dealer in Idaho who found some in a box in the corner. That could be an issue.

[chawley]

My last trailer was a '94 Circle J (sold it to downsize) and it was and still is a great trailer! I sold it to a friend, and she loves it! Very well made trailer.

As far as purchasing something from a bankrupt company.....there's always risk to it, but I would consider it if the trailer was ideal for my needs and a good deal.

[3 is the limit]

My 3H GN is a Circle J 2005. Love it and have never needed to have anything fixed on it. (didn't even know Circle J was in bankrupsy).

FWIW-It would not be a deal braker for me...

[Watermark Farm]

I've had two steel Circle Js over the years and have found them to be really well made. I like the fiberglass roof. They are well thought of around here, where they are very common.

As for newer Circle Js ---- I've looked at Circle Js as I'm replacing my trailer. As for the newer trailers, the "Lightning" (aluminum frame and skin) is unimpressive and the dealer said bad things about it. The dividers are wimpy and tend to warp.

The "Mirage" (steel frame w/aluminum skin) dealer said is a much more solidly made trailer.

I looked at a new Lightning on the dealer's lot. He told me specifically that Circle J would not honor the warranty (maybe that has changed?), so I would be on my own unless the dealer himself honored it ---- which he was not willing to do. The dealer being a repair shop also, this says something. Mostly he said it was not big failures (like framing or axles) but smaller stuff, like doors and dividers, basic fit and finish, that tend to be problems.