Buying our first stock trailer, what says you?

[displacedPA]

Im working on getting our cattle operation up and going and have been doing lots of reading about trailers. Ive have scoured craigslist and other sale papers trying to figure out what is best. Below is a list of things id like the trailer to be capable of.

>Haul 4/5 beef cattle at one time to butcher fifty miles one way.
>Going to cattle auctions in the area.
>Possiblity of hauling a horse or two from time to time.
other stock as well.

From what ive read 14 to 16 foot bumper pull is what i should be looking at. Currently My tow rig is a 05 F150 work package with 3/4ton springs. (Im gonna say it cause someone will chime in. Im not planning on overloading the GVRW or if i do not by to much.)
Should I go aluminum or steel? aluminum is double the price of steel new but, i know my tow rig is prob on the light side for what i wanna do.

heres a price example of two new tailers
> 16' CM stock trailer rear gate and slide center cut gate and escape door. 5200.00
> Adams 16' all alum. stock trailer it ran for 11k.

I dont wanna break the bank of a trailer but, I also dont want a cheepie trailer. I noticed one way trailer manufactures cut cost is by having brakes on one set of axles not both.


thanks in advance for your insight those of you that have been doing this longer than I.

 

[Sheldon Hamblin]

No question. If you can afford it. We had a steel horse trailer that lasted 5 years before it rusted out. We bought a used aluminum Featherlite, and that was in1988. Still looks like new. Brakes of course need regular attention, as do tires, but the steel frame under the aluminum body is still good and the aluminum looks new after an acid wash.

 

[jwstewar]

I bought a used steel 16' 2003 Bison Trailblazer in 2009. The paint was faded but the only rust on it was where it had been kicked and had slight surface rust, floor was solid. Brakes on both axles with 5200 lb axles but trailer only rated for 7k. It had "Passenger" tires on it. At that time we were planning on getting a couple horses. That didn't happen, but we now have 25 (at the moment) goats. We've had as many as 14 in it at a time and have had friends borrow and have 4 steers in it. We've used it a ton, the only repair I've done is repair the ground wires for the brakes, it corroded off where it connects to the body on both sides. Made an interesting trip for my wife last year on a way to/from a goat show (I had the camper). It has been a good trailer, I now need to look at painting it. It is starting to rust a bit, especially on the back gate but it is still just surface rust, other than that it is still good. Floor still solid. Also need to replace those "car" tires. Going to try to do that in the spring.

 

[tcreeley]

Aluminum is nice, steel will work for you. Break into the business, when you are set upgrade your truck and trailer - get what you really want.

 

[displacedPA]

Good advice. So u think look for a used steel trailer?

 

[lostcreekranch]

I would suggest you look at used aluminum. We bought a 2006 Sundowner 24' Prostock Aluminum stock trailer for $7k about 5 years ago. It had only hauled horses a few times.

The steel in the newer name brand trailers is better but, still subject to rust if you are not **** about keeping them clean.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[bullbreaker]

If possible I'd go aluminum . Look on CL under farm and garden. Also : Horse Trailers for sale around USA :: HorseClicks

and Horse Trailer World- Used trailers for sale, New trailers for sale, trailer classified ads, trailer manufacturer news and more. theres a ton of info here even a forum.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Manure and urine will eat up any metal. Aluminum doesn't rust, but it oxidizes. Bottom line, buy a solid trailer and wash it out every time you use it. I have a steel Hale g/n that's over 20 years old. It's still solid. (except for the wooden floor that I need to replace)

One more consideration: Steel will bend and can be straightened. Aluminum breaks and cracks.

 

[Farmer495]

I haul with a Valley (steel), 5 years old and still looks like new. If you keep the trailer washed/cleaned out and park inside or at least off grass that will go a long way to keeping them from rusting out.

Salt is a killer, I am fortunate I can keep the trailer out of the salt 99% of the time.

Center gate ideal on a 16 foot and ensure rear slider (I looked at one trailer and it didn't have that....)

Bought new, chose steel on price and would do it again for "all I use the trailer"

 

[texasjohn]

I started with a smaller bumper pull, as you are considering. From my experience and considering what you have said regarding your needs....

I would recommend a used gooseneck...the wider, longer, the better. Much more stable pull and far safer than a bumper pull. The pros and cons have been much discussed on several TBN threads. Will cost some more than bumper pull, but it's a good place to spend a little more and by not purchasing new you can keep total cost down, as needed since you are just getting started. Yes, center gate and escape door are good. A good brake controller is needed. A single axle brake system is OK for the size trailer you are considering.

Craig's list is a good place to find a trailer.