AAron, I am not sure about the new poster.... I'm not going to pass any judgement, but as for my experience with Gator after being a part of this forum and asking questions 8 months ago, here's my experience.
In March/April of this year, I was looking for a trailer, responded to this forum and got some answers. Anyway, as I said back then, I was going to the factory next time I was down to southern Ohio to visit my kids. I went to the factory in late April, bought a 16' tandem axle flatbed trailer, upgraded the tires to radials for an extra $100 and towed it home. I've used it a number of times to transport my tractor and implements (about 5500 lbs). The GVW of the trailer is 7200 lbs and I'm at near max with the load I tow. So far, it's performed as expected, the wiring, lights, brakes, tires, paint have been reliable with non problems. The only thing I can complain about is the trailer tongue jack. It is mounted directly behind the ball coupler and it interferes with lowering the tail gate of the truck. I could solve this one of two ways, buy a lower hitch ball carrier (using a 2" now and trailer sits level) or buy a Curt extending hitch ball carrier. I have looked and can not find a shorter hitch jack that would sit below the tailgate and I don't want to change to a different location for the hitch jack because the battery for the brakes is mounted on the jack shaft. I'm reluctant to do any welding (powder coat paint) and so far, it's not been an issue. I'm thinking that the best option would be to buy the Curt extra length ball carrier and just watch for any sharp turns if the tail gate is down (I can't remember the last time I towed with the gate down).
Anyway, buying the trailer at the factory was cheaper than anywhere I could find the same trailer in Michigan. I'd say that not counting the trip (I was in Cincinnatti anway) I saved about $800 by going to the factory.
So far, with almost 7 months of use, I'm satisfied and feel it's been a good investment. ? Is it a "cadillac" of trailers, no, but is it worth the price? In my opinion, yes.
