[jumpthemoon]

Is there such a thing some where that compares the different Aluminum horse trailer manufacturers on the trailer qualities and amenities? If so can someone please post a link(s) for me? If not; which manufacturers make the best/safest horse trailers? Please share your experience(s) owning one or more Aluminum trailers?

I am thinking of trading my Sundowner 777 (Warmblood size 2 horse w/ dressing room) in for a new trailer. I want to research particularly regarding the structural integrity of various makes. I have a different manufacturer than Sundowner in mind. TIA

[Varisha]

I don't have anything to add but that I'm curious too.

[wyldterv]

I have not found any Consumer Ratings for horse trailers so if you find one, please let me know!

Do you want ALL Aluminum or Steel Frame with Aluminum Skin???

The advantages of the ALL ALuminum trailers are they CAN be a bit lighter then the steel framed, but aluminum skinned trailers but this is not ALWAYS the case due to the fact that in order to have a strong enough frame in aluminum you need to use a larger gauge channel.

The advantage of steel frame with Aluminum skin is that steel is less likely to torque and twist, it has a stiffer tensile strength but with the addition of Aluminum Skin you save on weight.

My family built ALL Aluminum Boats and Trailers for about 15 years as a business in case you're wondering why I'd know anything about aluminum versus steel

For an ALL aluminum product, to date, I have not yet found anything that has better welds then the Featherlite brand just as an FYI.

[Acme Acres]

How old is your trailer? Is there any structural issues with it now? We sold our 04 Exiss 4H w/LQs and actually got a Sundowner that's a 97. It's a much different trailer (let alone the 1000# difference in weight)

[jumpthemoon]

Originally Posted by wyldterv

I have not found any Consumer Ratings for horse trailers so if you find one, please let me know!

Do you want ALL Aluminum or Steel Frame with Aluminum Skin???

The advantages of the ALL ALuminum trailers are they CAN be a bit lighter then the steel framed, but aluminum skinned trailers but this is not ALWAYS the case due to the fact that in order to have a strong enough frame in aluminum you need to use a larger gauge channel.

The advantage of steel frame with Aluminum skin is that steel is less likely to torque and twist, it has a stiffer tensile strength but with the addition of Aluminum Skin you save on weight.

My family built ALL Aluminum Boats and Trailers for about 15 years as a business in case you're wondering why I'd know anything about aluminum versus steel

For an ALL aluminum product, to date, I have not yet found anything that has better welds then the Featherlite brand just as an FYI.

Thanks. That is interesting. I have a steel frame aluminum skin now (Sundowner) and am interested in an all aluminum. It just so happens the Featherlite is one I am interested in. I have looked underneath several of the Featherlite trailers at the barn and was I impressed with the looks of the support structure. I know a tad about welding as I took a couple of welding classes in college. The dealer is close by the barn as well though I haven't gone in yet.

I have had some problems with the Sundowner though not structural problems (several electrical problems; one very serious causing the brakes to fail ). I am interested in all aluminum after reading about the serious potential corrosion issues between the steel and the aluminum metals. I am just seeing the beginnings of that now. Other than that I LOVE, LOVE the trailer. I want to trade it in while the re-sale value is still high. I bought it in 2003 and the retail price used is about what I paid for it new.

[wyldterv]

The reason that you see SUBSTANTIAL structural beams under the Featherlight is because you NEED more substantial aluminum versus steel to have the same tensile strength and to help prevent warp and twisting of the frame.

With that said, aluminum is a softer metal and will always have a tendancy to twist with use even when done in a more heavy duty fashion which is why 100% Aluminum is often NOT less weight then Steel frame/Aluminum Skinned.

The chances of serious corrosion issues between steel frame and aluminum skin are truly minimal when it's done properly. There are modern coating techniques that really cut down on the instances of occurance. Just something to keep in mind.

Also, Aluminum is not truly 'rust free' when it comes to horses as urine can cause the same issues as saltwater on aluminum. (boy I don't miss the days of re applying zinc plates to boats to prevent corroision issues!, it was always a PITA Job, lol)

But as a whole, from all that I have seen and all that I can find, Featherlight seems to have the best All Aluminum product for horses at this time.