[Mtn trails]

There's a trailer I want to buy but the DH is not on board with this. I have an older 3 horse slant with a good sized tack room (BP) that is a pretty good trailer but it's definitely showing its age with rust and other issues. There's a trailer I spotted on Horse Trailer World that is almost exactly what I want. It's a 2 horse straight, gooseneck with a small living quarters at a very reasonable price. It would be perfect for me when going to horse trials by myself or to go trail riding. We do have a bigger gooseneck trailer that is about 26' on the deck and LQ that I usually take to shows but I hate driving it. It's big and bulky and I just don't enjoy traveling with it.

DH is against me getting the 2 horse because we do pony horses out on trail quite a bit and having the extra room makes sense. However, quite a few years ago I bought a 2 horse trailer just so I'd have something small to take off with instead of taking the 4 horse we had at the time. Now that I have the 3 horse, it's not as easy. However, it is my trailer, not ours. I pay the insurance, the registration, I bought it, so feel I can do with it as I please at the expense of pissing off the husband.

I really want this little trailer but am torn. I need some advice and someone to tell me what to do. Sorry this turned into a book. Thanks.

[Ticker]

Life is short.....enjoy it with the trailer of your dreams!

[Bacchus]

Are you selling the 3-horse? If so, go for it. Personally, if it were my trailer and my money, I'd do whatever I wanted -- unless I/we really couldn't afford it. If it's going to affect paying your bills or dig into your savings or something, I'd wait.

[Mtn trails]

Yes, I would sell the 3 horse to fund the purchase, however, the dealer that has the 2 horse does take trade-ins so might be able to make a deal. The trailer I'm looking at is also older (1979) but looks to be in very good shape - new floor, minimal (if any) rust, new brakes, etc. Pound for pound, they are worth about the same. See here:

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/hom....asp?ID=421325

[Heart's Journey]

What breed of horses do you have? That trailer is only 6'6" which is rather short. I personally wouldn't buy anything under 7' tall which is what I have now for my 15.1 hand horse.

I would also want a thorough check of the axles, roof for leaks, etc as that trailer has some considerable age and wear and tear on it.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

I would be worried about the hidden costs in a trailer that old, vs. knowing the condition of the trailer you have. I wouldn't buy a 6'6" roof height though, either--limits the horses I can haul too much.

As an example, I bought a trailer for $900 last summer. Steel two horse with no walk-in tack room and a one piece fiberglass roof. I knew it needed some work, but I ended up putting $1100+ into it: 4 new tires (after the independent mechanic told me they were ok) bearings, wiring, new hitch, new jack, added a breakaway break, took care of some rust issues, a new light. My wood floor had already been replaced at one point and was in good shape as were the matts and stall padding. This trailer was a 1998. The good news for me is I've seen similar trailers to mine sell for close to $3,000. But I can only imagine a trailer from the 1970's would need more--and it is larger so more materials.

I would also be worried about the axles and frame/cross braces.

Sorry to be so negative.

[Mtn trails]

All good points to consider so no worries about being negative, good to hear honest opinions. Yes, the height thing was something I was thinking about. Although my horses are smaller - 14.2 and 15.1 - I do like the additional head room a 7' offers, which is what my 3 horse is now. I think I'll keep looking. Thanks all for your opinions.

[poltroon]

That's a mighty small horse compartment and the front is very dark. I'd be worried about ventilation to the horses as well - all the airflow is in the back.

As for the husband... I would take the time to talk it out with him and get him on board and to listen to his objections. If he uses the trailer or is a party to using the trailer, and you'd sell the one you have, I think it's only fair for him to have a say. I sense your urgency in Getting This Trailer Right Now Before It's Gone but I think that there's value in consensus as well.

Hopefully two minds together will help you find the perfect trailer.

[Lucassb]

All good points to consider so no worries about being negative, good to hear honest opinions. Yes, the height thing was something I was thinking about. Although my horses are smaller - 14.2 and 15.1 - I do like the additional head room a 7' offers, which is what my 3 horse is now. I think I'll keep looking. Thanks all for your opinions.

I think you made a wise choice. Long term, I always think that it's better to be on the same page as your SO/DH about major purchases, even if they will be paid for separately - to me it is a respect issue. Better to find something that you both like and enjoy!

To your point, though, I understand about wanting to downsize a bit and get something smaller and easier to manage. I sold my 2+1 gooseneck last year even though it was a fabulous trailer to work off of; when hitched up with my F250 that rig was nearly 46' long and not the easiest to maneuver in tight spots or on windy back roads. I do miss having a trailer and will eventually replace it with a smaller 2H BP, when the right one comes along.