I have a couple questions.

First, we have a 2005 F-350 Diesel Streight 8' Box and are looking at getting a 4 horse trailer with LQ most likely 8' to 10'. Will our truck pull this kind of trailer? The 2nd question is im not sure what kind of trailer to look for, we are just starting to branch out on our own so we dont have the advantage of a trade we go to alot of longer shows and decent distances, I know there are ALOT of threads on which is the best and I now the ones that are the "best" in the minds of the people that have money... but what are the best in the underdogs that arent as much money... I have been looking at 4-star and Silverlite, and I jist cant touch the prices they are throwing at me... any suggestions?

RickH,

I would highly recommend looking for a used trailer. We just purchased a 1999 Hawk "stupid six" goose neck. This was a full custom floor plan where if new it would have cost us twice what we paid for it. We lucked into the trailer - the dealer had just traded for it a couple days before we visited the lot. The floor plan was something we didn't know about until we saw it. Think of a 6 horse head to head with the last 7 feet is chopped off. Turns out, the trailer was absolutly perfect for our needs and works for us better than the 2+1 straight loads we were looking at.

My point is, with a lot of legwork, you can find a nice used living quarters that may work for you better than what you see on the lots. It sounds like you are looking for aluminum - a good "value"brand would be Adam. They are extemly popular with the standardbred crowd down in Delaware. We looked at them and almost pulled the trigger on a new one until we found the trailer we bought.

Brad

Check the pin weight of your trailer and the payload capacity of your truck.  Just because it is a 1-ton truck doesn't mean it will handle the weight.  Single rear wheel or dually?  It matters.  Be sure the pin weight of your trailer is well within the payload capacity of your truck.  Aside from that, enjoy the truck and trailer!!  Awesome!

Mike

 My last 2 trailers have been used 4-Star and I have not had any issues with either. I purchased them both through individual sales.

  I am now helping a friend of mine find a trailer. There are decisions to make and I had her make a list of what she wanted in a trailer. All Aluminum, aluminum over steel etc. How wide, how tall, mangers or not, escape door, walk through door, LQ requirements.

  This site has been a wonderful resource for learning about the different trailers. Use the search and you will learn so many things.

Thank You all for your replies...

I was considereing a used trailer or even a left over from the previous  year or hail damage from congress any of the above, i jist need to make sure they can finace for a long enough time and our truck can pull it. Guess im just going to have to keep my options open and keep looking. I have a very picky boyfriend/up and comming trainer who knows what brand trailers he wants.. so that doesnt help.. ha ha...im gonna need to bring out the female common sense if we are going to get anywhere... ha ha.. cant always have new new new! Again thanks for everyones help!

Since you've posted your truck is a SRW, I would say that RAH's post is quite valid. 

I've always thought that SRW 350's are nothing more than tarted up 3/4 ton trucks

Now you have scared me, your BOYFRIEND?  Are you buying a trailer for him?  If he is an up-and-coming trainer he'd better realize that what he wants and what he can afford will always be different unless he's being sponsored...

If it's your money it's your decision...he who pays gets to play!

(I'm not suggesting you would be dumb enough to buy something to please him.)

Good grief- Judge Judy has a calandar filled with non- married couples playing house and making major purchases together only to end up in court suing each other. This may or may not be your case BUT why are people willing make major fianacial obligations with each other but the obligation of marriage? Women- if he is willing to buy a car or house with you but is not willing to marry you- find a real man...

Anyway- yes, look for a good used trailer. You can get more for your money in terms of features. Most trailers aren't used enough in a year to even show signs of wear. There are plenty out there if yor willing to look.

  Divorce lawyers have calendars full of married couples suing each other. Judge Judy is certainly cheaper.

 If her boyfriend is trying to start his own training business, she may be wiser not to have her name on all of the business debts.

You refer to the trailer as an investment, trailers are not investments.  Investments grow money...trailers depreciate.

Rich Dad Poor Dad anyone?  Young fabulous and broke?

The all aluminum Adam's have have tounge and groove alumimum plank floors. Functionally, I've found there is not much difference between a wood floor and an aluminum floor. A well built trailer with a PRESSURE TREATED wood floor will last as long as an aluminum floor. ( I just sold a 20 year old trailet with a wood floor in mint condition). Both require periodic cleaning etc. Wood is heavier, but is cooler in the summer because it doesn't absorb the heat from the road like alumimum.

A good condition used trailer is definatly the way to go if you are starting out in a business. We bought the above mentioned Trail Et 6 years ago for 4,000 dollars. We sold it last month for 3,000. When you take away what I was able to depreciate on my taxes, I ended up making a little money overall on the trailer. The big advantage of used is the previous owners took the book value depreciation hit.

The other posters are right about a large purchase by unmarried couples. Divorces have rules on how assets are divided. Domestic relationships don't. It sounds like you two are business partners as well. At a minimum, I would recommend you draw up some sort of agreement to put you BUSINESS partnership in writting.

I agree that a dually would be best but your truck will work just fine.

IMO, Silver Star is the best kept secret!  All-aluminum, excellent quality.  I love mine.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/home/trailerdetail.asp?ID=99366

Well... I must thank the people for the information on my question and not my relationship... you have put me in many shoes that i do not wear really quick... its amazing the context of a simple phrase can be twisted so easily... When simply asking about trucks and trailers!..

We have really been impressed by the silverlite and would like to go that route but time will tell to see what we can come up with in the future when we make our purchase!

Well I read this entire thread...and based on your responses...I don't understand why you take offense when people are attempting to give you free NON-malicious advice to protect your future financial position...

One as stated before:

A trailer in NOT an investment!!!

Any LARGE ITEM financed by two INDIVIDUALS can turn into a economic quagmire, if there is a falling out between the individuals, which is why financial institutions are very reluctant to provide financing, especially when the item is MOBILE!!!

If you didn't want the answers...why did you volunteer the information???

All I'll say is GOOD LUCK...