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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 410
| I'm looking at buying a new trailer. For the quality, would you say Platinums or Elite are better? My first time buying something brand new and really want the best possible. No living quarter just 4 horse gooseneck with a 4 SW. Thanks |
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 I'm Really Boring
Posts: 4505
 
| I've had both and I prefer Platinum. That's what I'm currently hauling. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 410
| What about Platinums do you prefer? |
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I'm Really Boring
Posts: 4505
| RoadToVegas - 2016-01-25 8:48 PM What about Platinums do you prefer?
The finishes seem to be of higher quality (hinges, windows, etc). It is just a really solid, well-built trailer and nothing ever seems to break (I had some small issues with things like a hinge cracking and stuff on my Elite). I also feel like the Platinum hauls better and smoother than my Elite did. Plus, the Platinum customer service is awesome if you ever need something repaired or added (I went to the manufacturing plant last year to have a ramp installed on mine and they were great to work with).
While I do prefer my Platinum, they are both great trailer brands, probably the best two on the market in my opinion. I think you will be happy with whichever one you choose. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 410
| Thank you! I was leaning towards Platinums just based on looks lol but didn't know if one was higher quality than another |
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  Color My World
Posts: 4940
Location: My perfect world bubble | We recently bought a new trailer after several months of searching. We looked at Platinum, Elite and 4 Star, ended up with Platinum partly becaused I liked the finish out the best but also because dealer was wonderful to work with. Mine was a custom built 2H slant with an 8' LQ, but the horse area is the same size as a standard 3H since we haul big Eventers. They built it completely to my specs and added a bunch of nice extras that really sold me. All are nice - I'd suggest looking at each as they do have different finish outs. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 682
Location: Northwest | I've had both. Both 2004 models actually. Had the Elite first and thought that it couldn't get any better. Very solid. Than I got a Platinum, which I pull now. Love it, even more than the Elite ....better windows. BUT part of the reason I love it more is I knew what features I did and didn't want this time. That being said, what I really really want is a C&C which is hard because they went out of business. Neighbor down the road has a 3 horse LQ for sale in pristine condition and the quality is like none other. I heard Platinum bought them out but haven't verified that. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
| I have an Elite and my trainer has a Platinum. Each has some features that I like. I think the quality is pretty comparable. Caughtyawl has an Elite that has had the heck pulled out or it. They actually lived in it for a couple of years. It still looks great and as far as I know, I don't think they have ever had any problems with it. That trailer has been some miles. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | We have a 4 horse Elite and LOVE IT! |
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | I have pulled both, currently pulling an Elite. My honest opinion is go with the trailer that is cheaper. They are both too similar to say one is better quality than the other. I just have a 3 horse goosneck with a 4ft short wall no LQ and this trailer is amazing. Not a single problem.
I have been to the manufacturer for Elite in OKC and everything seemed extremely high quality to me, never been to the platinum one though. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | I don't think you can go wrong with either. I would go with whichever dealer you prefer to work with. |
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | Potatoe, Patatoe
Pick the dealer you like better and go with that brand.
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | I've also had both- similarly equipped in the horse compartment. My current trailer is a Platinum. Both are excellent quality. I agree with finding the best deal/dealer! |
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | Platinum and Elite were both copied after 4-Star trailers. I would look at both and see where you get the most for your money. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| TwistedK - 2016-01-26 7:28 AM
Platinum and Elite were both copied after 4-Star trailers. I would look at both and see where you get the most for your money.
I prefer a Platinum but this is correct so they are going to be very similar. Twister is also a spin-off of Platinum.
I have pulled a 4 horse Elite with no LQ before and it was a great great trailer.
All of my LQ trailers have been Platinums though. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
Location: Roping pen | Both are top of the line trailers. I bet the Elite would weigh a little more (good or bad?).
But, in my opinion, there are three things that were deal breakers for me on our last LQ purchase last spring.
The floor-both floors are marine grade sheeting over I beam framing. These floors have a tendency to "oil can" and have minimal deflection between the I beam. There is no way around this in this type of framing. The "oil canning" effect allows the floor to deflect up and down based on air temp and weight. I have seen some that actually "pop" when weight is applied. IMO, this would have to weaken the floor over time. The deflection soon becomes permanent and urine pools there under the mats. This can lead to premature corrosion issues. Look at a poorly maintained used trailer of both. The corrosion pits of the sheeting will be between the I beams and you can also see the permanent deflection of the sheeting. Extruded floor planks make more sense to me.
The rivets-I detest rivets. I have seen and have had some rivets become loose and fall out. My current stock trailer has 3 loose ones right now. I have seen a lot of rivets that needed replaced on the wall sheeting on both brands. These are hard to replace as special equipment is needed. Most trailers have to have rivets. Only other options are welded sheeting and 3M tape.
The roof-the roof sheeting is an aluminum membrane that is actually "stretched" in place. Any collision, no matter how marginal, from a horse's head from below or small hail from above, will put a permanent deflection or dent in the roof sheeting. You can line the inside of the roof, to help with the damage from below. Only other option is the fiber reinforced panels used by some brands.
But, one can find fault with any and all trailers.
So, decide what you can live with, pay for, enjoy, and don't look back!!
Good luck! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | We have a Platinum and an Elite and it seems like our Elite, which is older, is a little better quality. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 784
Location: USA | I have an Elite 3hr 8ft LQ and I love it. I am thinking about getting a 4 hrs with a 10ft LQ. I'm looking for another Elite, but have also looked at Platinum trailers. I have a question for those who have both. I see a lot of the Platinum trailers are 7'6 wide. Is there a big difference between the 8 wides and 7'6? Can you feel the difference? |
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | Lookin For Diamonds - 2016-01-26 10:08 AM I have an Elite 3hr 8ft LQ and I love it. I am thinking about getting a 4 hrs with a 10ft LQ. I'm looking for another Elite, but have also looked at Platinum trailers. I have a question for those who have both. I see a lot of the Platinum trailers are 7'6 wide. Is there a big difference between the 8 wides and 7'6? Can you feel the difference?
yes there is a very noticable difference in 7'6" and 8'
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | I have an 08 Elite Mustang. If you do go Elite, I would stay away from the Mustang.
I've had several issues with mine that really disappointed me. This was my first "real" horse trailer and I was so excited after reading all the rave reviews, maybe my expectations were just too high. |
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I'm Really Boring
Posts: 4505
| Lookin For Diamonds - 2016-01-26 9:08 AM I have an Elite 3hr 8ft LQ and I love it. I am thinking about getting a 4 hrs with a 10ft LQ. I'm looking for another Elite, but have also looked at Platinum trailers. I have a question for those who have both. I see a lot of the Platinum trailers are 7'6 wide. Is there a big difference between the 8 wides and 7'6? Can you feel the difference?
Yes, definitely go for the 8". |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I would say go with whatever LQ set up is nicer, but since that's not applicable... go with whatever dealer you like better.
We have an Elite. It's my first LQ trailer and I wouldn't change a thing about it. |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | We bought a our Elite new in 2005 it is Elite 3H - Mustang.
We have used it ALOT and pulled many miles. I have zero complaints about the trailer. My hubby is an engineer and we spent alot of time under trailers, looking at hardware/welds/etc.. Elite/Platinum/Hart/4Star were all at the top of the list to purchase. The elite was a bit cheaper than the Platinum and like I said we have zero regrets. We would buy another without hesitation. |
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Platinum or Elite?