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 World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
    
Location: PA | My husband and I are going to be looking for a LQ trailer in the new year.
What are some decent older mid price range LQ trailers on the market? We won't be able to afford new. Will probably look at about 7-10 years old....What brands hold up, so if we buy one that old, it'll still be a good trailer? I've "looked" online at a few....Exciss, CM, Kiefer, Sooner...how do these hold up? All opinions welcome!
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | I looked and looked. Found a great deal on a 2000 model Elite, 4 horse 8 wide, 9/10' LQ. Well made pulls fantastic. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | I bought a 2006 Cimarron a couple of years ago. Still in love with it. I like it every bit as much as the Elites and Platinums I've hauled in (actually, I like the aluminum plank floor Cimarron uses better than the sheet floors), it has held up beautifully, and the conversion company that did the LQ did a great job with quality of materials and ease of use. The only thing I would change would be to make it a 4 horse.
It was priced higher than an Exiss or Featherlite (those are entry level IMO), but several thousand lower than comparable Platinum, 4 Star, and Elites I looked at. |
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| We bought a 2001 CM a year ago and I am really impressed with it so far. It's a 2001 but IMO it looks much newer than that.
Zero issues with it and I don't foresee having any issues with it in the near future. It is a 8ft short wall, 8ft wide w/ mangers. The LQ wasn't completely finished so we have torn everything out and will eventually complete it the way we want it. I thought it was a steal for $18,000.
I think of all the brands you listed, CM blows the rest out of the water. When I just started showing we had a 3 Horse CM bumper pull and we still have it for a run around trailer. No issues with that one either and we purchased new in probably 2002ish
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| We came across a great deal on a 99 sooner and bought it. Glad we did, it is very solid and has a ton of cabinet space that a lot of the newer models do not have. It has all the amenities we need for us and our horses, and we didnt break the bank at all! We love it!
Edited by scwebster 2015-12-18 9:15 AM
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 Double Standards Don't Fly
Posts: 1283
Location: At the barn | Old Sundowner, 1996-97-98 are built like tanks. Just check the floor for corrosion in any Sundowner, Sooner, CM or any trailer with corrugated floor.
Elite, C&C, Platinum, 4 Star and Bloomer have a higher quality aluminum and their floors are smooth and I've never seen them corrode except very minimal.
The latter are you better brands and are usually great investments. But whatever you consider just thoroughly check it out, especially for signs of water leaks.
And remember to checkall appliances on all functions, or gas /electric, because replacing water heaters, refrigerator etc is very costly in trailers. |
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | I bought a 2000 Sundowner LQ about a month ago. Love it. It's very solid and the only way you can tell it's a 15 year old trailer is the couple of dents it's acquired in its lifetime from actually having horses tied to it. All the doors, windows, latches, etc. are strong. Nothing is warped or bent. Everything in the LQ works and it's been well taken care of. I'm also completely in love with the Sundowner divider latches that have the same basic mechanism as your car door. Awesome.
On anything you look at, check the roof to make sure it doesn't leak in the LQ. My trailer's had been resealed at one point because they did have a leak up in the nose. We'll re-do the sealant in the spring just to make sure.
I like the CMs quite a bit. Given my choices, I would have bought a Cimmaron. Those are NICE. A friend has a Kiefer that I'm not super impressed with (other than the Rumber floor). I can't really lay my finger on why, just that it feels "lighter" than my trailers.
Trailer shopping is fun!!  |
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World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
Location: PA | TrackinBubba - 2015-12-18 1:52 PM I bought a 2000 Sundowner LQ about a month ago. Love it. It's very solid and the only way you can tell it's a 15 year old trailer is the couple of dents it's acquired in its lifetime from actually having horses tied to it. All the doors, windows, latches, etc. are strong. Nothing is warped or bent. Everything in the LQ works and it's been well taken care of. I'm also completely in love with the Sundowner divider latches that have the same basic mechanism as your car door. Awesome.
On anything you look at, check the roof to make sure it doesn't leak in the LQ. My trailer's had been resealed at one point because they did have a leak up in the nose. We'll re-do the sealant in the spring just to make sure.
I like the CMs quite a bit. Given my choices, I would have bought a Cimmaron. Those are NICE. A friend has a Kiefer that I'm not super impressed with (other than the Rumber floor). I can't really lay my finger on why, just that it feels "lighter" than my trailers.
Trailer shopping is fun!!
Jessica, my dear, where are the pics!!! 
NOt sure i'm having fun...But i'm not seriously looking "just yet"...just kind of browsing to see whats out there. We just got a "new" truck in October, so of course, now that I have the truck to pull a LQ, i want one! haha...patience, i know...
In my budget..i've seen alot of sundowners for sale, Exiss, a few Cimmarons...alot of Bisons (but I won't buy one..nothing personal)...I"m even willing to travel a bit to get a trailer..so we'll see...Come spring I figure we'll up our search if we don't find one before then...
Edited by BRcwgrl81 2015-12-18 1:03 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | trotncowpony - 2015-12-18 9:03 AM
Old Sundowner, 1996-97-98 are built like tanks. Just check the floor for corrosion in any Sundowner, Sooner, CM or any trailer with corrugated floor.
Elite, C&C, Platinum, 4 Star and Bloomer have a higher quality aluminum and their floors are smooth and I've never seen them corrode except very minimal.
The latter are you better brands and are usually great investments. But whatever you consider just thoroughly check it out, especially for signs of water leaks.
And remember to checkall appliances on all functions, or gas /electric, because replacing water heaters, refrigerator etc is very costly in trailers.
I agree. I wouldn't own anything outside these brands. I have a 2000 c&c and just bought a brand new platinum bumper pull. Both are great trailers, but if you can get your hands on a c&c I promise you will not regret it. They are one of the best made trailers out there.
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Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | BRcwgrl81 - 2015-12-18 2:01 PM TrackinBubba - 2015-12-18 1:52 PM I bought a 2000 Sundowner LQ about a month ago. Love it. It's very solid and the only way you can tell it's a 15 year old trailer is the couple of dents it's acquired in its lifetime from actually having horses tied to it. All the doors, windows, latches, etc. are strong. Nothing is warped or bent. Everything in the LQ works and it's been well taken care of. I'm also completely in love with the Sundowner divider latches that have the same basic mechanism as your car door. Awesome.
On anything you look at, check the roof to make sure it doesn't leak in the LQ. My trailer's had been resealed at one point because they did have a leak up in the nose. We'll re-do the sealant in the spring just to make sure.
I like the CMs quite a bit. Given my choices, I would have bought a Cimmaron. Those are NICE. A friend has a Kiefer that I'm not super impressed with (other than the Rumber floor). I can't really lay my finger on why, just that it feels "lighter" than my trailers.
Trailer shopping is fun!!
Jessica, my dear, where are the pics!!!
NOt sure i'm having fun...But i'm not seriously looking "just yet"...just kind of browsing to see whats out there. We just got a "new" truck in October, so of course, now that I have the truck to pull a LQ, i want one! haha...patience, i know...
In my budget..i've seen alot of sundowners for sale, Exiss, a few Cimmarons...alot of Bisons (but I won't buy one..nothing personal)...I"m even willing to travel a bit to get a trailer..so we'll see...Come spring I figure we'll up our search if we don't find one before then...
I know! I'm such a spoiled brat. I was all bent out of shape the other day because the gas station bathroom was out of order and I was in the middle of nowhere ready to burst when TA DA! I remembered there is a private bathroom in the parking lot just for me. 
I really like my Sundowner. I didn't think I would especially after pulling my little Hart for so long (which you know I luuuved) but it has pleasantly surprised me.
Hehe... I know what you mean about being patient. I had Brion talked in to going to Oklahoma City to buy a trailer when this one popped up. Once I decided it was time, it was TIME!
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | roxieannie - 2015-12-18 8:22 AM I looked and looked. Found a great deal on a 2000 model Elite, 4 horse 8 wide, 9/10' LQ. Well made pulls fantastic.
I have the 3rd Elite made LQ Trailer, its been around the country and up into Canada during the spring and summer runs. It's still a great trailer. I had to have the axels replaced but that's it. |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | Bloomer would not be on my list if your going to go all over the place. |
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World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
Location: PA | TrackinBubba - 2015-12-18 2:15 PM BRcwgrl81 - 2015-12-18 2:01 PM TrackinBubba - 2015-12-18 1:52 PM I bought a 2000 Sundowner LQ about a month ago. Love it. It's very solid and the only way you can tell it's a 15 year old trailer is the couple of dents it's acquired in its lifetime from actually having horses tied to it. All the doors, windows, latches, etc. are strong. Nothing is warped or bent. Everything in the LQ works and it's been well taken care of. I'm also completely in love with the Sundowner divider latches that have the same basic mechanism as your car door. Awesome.
On anything you look at, check the roof to make sure it doesn't leak in the LQ. My trailer's had been resealed at one point because they did have a leak up in the nose. We'll re-do the sealant in the spring just to make sure.
I like the CMs quite a bit. Given my choices, I would have bought a Cimmaron. Those are NICE. A friend has a Kiefer that I'm not super impressed with (other than the Rumber floor). I can't really lay my finger on why, just that it feels "lighter" than my trailers.
Trailer shopping is fun!!
Jessica, my dear, where are the pics!!!
NOt sure i'm having fun...But i'm not seriously looking "just yet"...just kind of browsing to see whats out there. We just got a "new" truck in October, so of course, now that I have the truck to pull a LQ, i want one! haha...patience, i know...
In my budget..i've seen alot of sundowners for sale, Exiss, a few Cimmarons...alot of Bisons (but I won't buy one..nothing personal)...I"m even willing to travel a bit to get a trailer..so we'll see...Come spring I figure we'll up our search if we don't find one before then...
I really like my Sundowner. I didn't think I would especially after pulling my little Hart for so long (which you know I luuuved) but it has pleasantly surprised me.
Hehe... I know what you mean about being patient. I had Brion talked in to going to Oklahoma City to buy a trailer when this one popped up. Once I decided it was time, it was TIME!
Oh I like!! It's really cute! If horsetrailers are cute..haha....
Well, considering I've waited 10 years to get the truck I have so I could PULL a LQ...now that I have THAT....its so hard to be patient! When we got the truck, I told Kris..don't worry, I won't look into getting a LQ for a few years..Umm....that's going right out the door! haha...oops... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 516
| TheDutchMan01 - 2015-12-18 1:10 PM
trotncowpony - 2015-12-18 9:03 AM
Old Sundowner, 1996-97-98 are built like tanks. Just check the floor for corrosion in any Sundowner, Sooner, CM or any trailer with corrugated floor.
Elite, C&C, Platinum, 4 Star and Bloomer have a higher quality aluminum and their floors are smooth and I've never seen them corrode except very minimal.
The latter are you better brands and are usually great investments. But whatever you consider just thoroughly check it out, especially for signs of water leaks.
And remember to checkall appliances on all functions, or gas /electric, because replacing water heaters, refrigerator etc is very costly in trailers.
I agree. I wouldn't own anything outside these brands. I have a 2000 c&c and just bought a brand new platinum bumper pull. Both are great trailers, but if you can get your hands on a c&c I promise you will not regret it. They are one of the best made trailers out there.
Ditto to this! We absolutely love our C&C - top of the line quality! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
| We bought a CM/Cimarron it is 9 years old. I cant believe the quality of the trailer, it wasnt used much by previous owner and so it has very little wear and tear, we've had several ppl ask us if it is new! lol The interior isnt dated either. LOVIN IT |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 974
Location: USA | lucky2 - 2015-12-18 8:01 PM We bought a CM/Cimarron it is 9 years old. I cant believe the quality of the trailer, it wasnt used much by previous owner and so it has very little wear and tear, we've had several ppl ask us if it is new! lol The interior isnt dated either. LOVIN IT
CM and Cimarron are two different trailer brands. |
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 Duck Duck Goose
Posts: 1280
Location: Ohio | Just an FYI, depending on the year/make of your truck, watch what older trailer you get. The older trailers were not designed to be pulled by the new trucks that naturally sit higher. We aren't always on flat ground around here so the amount of bed clearance is pretty important.
Good luck! We bought a barely used 2007 Lakota (one of their earlier models before they started making the "ranges" of trailers) in 2011. It was our first venture into the living quarters trailers. We have been more than happy with it. Tows great and is holding up great. |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3310
Location: Jersey Girl | My hubby and I got our first LQ a year ago....a 2004 Exciss. IMO the trailer has held up very well. Has the normal wear a tear but nothing awful. I think it helps if the previous owners take good care of it.
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Exciss.jpg (65KB - 140 downloads)
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World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
Location: PA | next thirty years - 2015-12-19 8:14 AM Just an FYI, depending on the year/make of your truck, watch what older trailer you get. The older trailers were not designed to be pulled by the new trucks that naturally sit higher. We aren't always on flat ground around here so the amount of bed clearance is pretty important.
Good luck! We bought a barely used 2007 Lakota (one of their earlier models before they started making the "ranges" of trailers) in 2011. It was our first venture into the living quarters trailers. We have been more than happy with it. Tows great and is holding up great.
That is actually the problem we have right now. I have a 1994 featherlite. With my old truck, a 2001, it was fine...but we just bought a 2010 in October. It sits way back now and has a lot of pressure on the rear two tires. One reason we are pushing up our search for an lq. |
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World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
Location: PA | fulltiltfilly - 2015-12-19 10:15 AM My hubby and I got our first LQ a year ago....a 2004 Exciss. IMO the trailer has held up very well. Has the normal wear a tear but nothing awful. I think it helps if the previous owners take good care of it.
That's good to hear. I found a real nice 2007 Exiss I really want to go see!!! From pictures it looks very nice. |
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