I have questions.

do we guess what the ? is?

If you are a trailer expert, I will message my questions to you. No need to bore everyone else.

We are all bored. Why else would we be on BHW.

We all can use trailer help at times.  Just post them here.  I will tell you, the one person who replied does know a lot  and is very helpful when it comes to trailers.  I have used them before.  

I work for a trailer manufacturer. I can help

Ok. Rivets vs welds. Which is best or does it not matter? How old is too old? Is a 20 year old Elite or Bloomer going to last longer than a new Lakota? What do I need to be looking for when I shop?

I will say that my 2005 4-Star is a much better trailer then a new Lakota/Bison.  The only way you can tell it is that old is the fact that the emblem is faded.  I would certainly take my time and buy an older used one.  

I would take a older Bloomer or even a Elite if they are in great shape over a new Lakota any day. I have a 1996 Featherlite that is solid and sound and love it..Its not a LG but fits my needs but it does have a A/C..

Yes, welds over rivets.  The main thing you want to look for is the floor, axles, the whole under carriage.  Then the electric, soft spots in the LQ part to see if there was a leak, the plumbing, interior etc.  If you buy from a reputable trailer dealer should go over all these things with you.  Make a list and take it with you when you go and look at a trailer.  

There are a lot of nice used trailers for sale.  There is a FB page called High End Horse Trailers.  They always have them on there.  Take your time and you can find a good deal.  

One thing is, after a certain age, some facilities won't finance an older trailer.  But there are ways to get it done.  Just ask on here.  LOL 

Welds are much better than rivets. I'd take a 20 year old Elite over a Bloomer. Things to look for are stress fractures on the welds. Look at the cross members under the trailer to see if there are any cracks or breaks. 

A Lakota or Bison may seem like a good deal, but so many dealers are saying that they have ZERO trade in value and the buyer is upside down from the second the loan is signed.  I'd look at the following brands... yes, I do work for one of these manufacturers but these are the top brands

4 Star, Elite, C&C, Platinum.  Funny enough all of the brands were copied off of 4 Star. 

How old is too old? I keep things and use them. My current trailer is a 2004 CM. I'm looking for my storage and a bigger/user friendly LQ. I live in LA and everybody knows how crappy our roads are.

Rule of thumb I was told, older than 10 years without LQ will be hard to finance. Otherwise, I havent had issues with age as long as they can find the value. 

I just bought a 2009 elite w/weekender w/5.7% financing which was the best around for recreational vehicles over 2014. 

As many have said, I would spend more money on quality.

If you need financing, Credit Unions are sometimes cheaper, but if you have good credit, First Internet Bank of IN is great!  Many trailer dealers finance through them but they will also finance a trailer bought from an individual.

In thel livestock trailer world. 

Rivetsare far superior to welds. 

Also in grain trailers.