Not sure whether to buy new or used. Realistically speaking, how long does the average living quarters trailer last before its too old and needs replacing instead of fixing?

Depends on how hard it's used and how well it's taken care of.

Lots of 20yr old trailers still running down the road.  

A quality brand taken care of will last.

You won't find as many creature comforts in the LQ of one 15-20 years old but they are functional and LQ's can be redone and upgraded.

We have a 2011 Platinum with what I would call a basic LQ interior for a professionally installed package - It's a Longhorn conversion.  Its our weekend home not a home away from home so we didn't need a lot of fancy touches.  It's got some typical wear and tear - like dings on the baseboards and the bottom of the bathroom door from forgetting to tie it back when we take off.  The floor is individual tiles and some have gaps between them - I could see them starting to peel up in the future, but that's a pretty easy replacement.  But otherwise it's all we need.

Thanks for the advice. It would be for around 10 wkd shows a summer. I usually take good care of my things and it wouldnt be driven on salty winter roads. I really want a 4star or platinum but they are a bit out of my price range. Is it better to get a 10 year old quality like 4 star or a new cheaper one like a lakota if they are both the same price

We have a 2003 Bloomer that we bought 5 years ago and I still love it. I know some of the appliances where replaced before we bought it (got it from a friend so we do know some of the history of the trailer) but replacing a fridge, or jack is still cheaper than getting a new trailer. And as long as the horse compartment and the floor and frame are good you should be able to enjoy the trailer for many years to come.

If the older one has been taken care of I would not hesitate to get that. The higher end ones are still better than the new lower end brands... I know people that bought a brand new Bison and Lakota, and they all have issues with them within the first year. 

I have a 2004 Exiss w/8' LQ that I've had for 5 years.  The LQ was in like new condition so it must not have been used much. So far the only repair I have had to do is reseal the sun roof window above the shower. I haven't really used the LQ much in the time that I have owned it but I try to take good care of everything including general maintenance of the trailer since I need it to last. This trailer may be my only opportunity to have a LQ.

Yeah Bison & Lakota are junk. There's a reason why they're half the price of others. I would go with a quality brand that's older. I have a Kiefer that's 9 year old, from about the time they went under & changed ownership. I got a sweet deal and it's not their best quality, but it's had minimal issues. And most isses has been with LQ items, which I'll take any day over structural. I'd rather upgrade LQ on an older trailer than buy many of these brands new. And really a 10 year old trailer isn't that old at all, especially if it was cared for and the structure is in great shape. Some of these nicer brands can last 30-40 years when maintained right. I'll probably keep mine forever. Getting ready to do some custom touches to the LQ in the spring just for my own tastes so it's not cookie cutter anymore 

I had a 2014 Sundowner LQ and traded it in on a 2004 Keifer Built LQ . I'm going to tell you, the 2004 KB smokes our Sundowner as far as quality interior in the LQ and the horse area. It's a solid built trailer. The LQ wasnt used and was a 1 owner trailer who purchased it off the show room floor at a show. It's a gorgeous trailer inside and out with a generator that was basically brand spanking new. Only thing we've had to replace on it since we bought it, was the tires. That's it. I have no desire to sell this trailer or trade in for something else. There are super nice used trailers out there if you're patient and do your homework on them... make sure they were always properly maintained and well taken care of. I keep ours clean, every time we use it, it gets cleaned out. I keep it plugged in and run A/C or heat occasionally, if the weather's nice I open the door to the LQ and leave the screen closed to air it out. Windows to the horse area and vents get closed if it's going to rain and then opened up to air out.  The funny thing about Bison or Lakota is either people hate them or love them, there is no middle lol! If I was going to purchase brand new, I'd go with Platinum, Elite, 4Star or a Bloomer or even a Twister.  Those are solid trailers with an excellent reputation and resale value as well. 

I wouldnt say Lakota are Junk. I think they used to be few years ago ( 2010-12) but they are nice solid trailers now. 

One thing to consider:  are you going to be able to pay cash or need to get a loan?  Trailers older than 10  years old are harder to get loans on - not impossible, but harder & usually higher interest.  

There's not a brand of trailer out there that hasn't had perfect trailers in every one built.  Whatever you look at, just look at it carefully, check floors, roof, welds, supports, tires (and remember just because the tires have good tread doesn't mean they are "good".  Check the manufactured date on them), are axle weights heavy enough for that trailer fully loaded?  Is your truck heavy enough to safely pull & STOP that trailer or are you planning to upgrade that too?  Lots to look at and consider.  I've bought new & used and happy with every purchase since I did my homework.

Eeehhhhhh.....

my 2016 Lakota had a lot of issues.

a friends 2017 has been a total nightmare.

Our Platinum is a much better built trailer from a structural standpoint as well and tows much smoother.

I would buy an older higher end brand over a new low to mid range brand, hands down every time.

Ok so for high end brands we have 4 star, bloombergs and platinums... what about brands like exiss, sundowner, Cimarron, hart ect? Are lakota and bison the only 2 super low quality brand names?

I was a tiny living quarters and I have a 3/4 ton diesel...

During my quest for an LQ I was told by 3 different dealerships to avoid trails west and Bison. Our sundowner wasnt bad at all but it was just too small, structurally it was sound and well made, I really had zero complaints about it, I just needed a bigger 4 horse and LQ. I kinda wish i had kept it now for a run around trailer but I have our old trusty crusty big blue stock trailer for that. One thing for sure that sundowner did not leak! We had some hellacious rain storms and it stayed tight both in the LQ and horse part. When I went to trade in I got my value out of it, I didnt lose a penny, which was nice for a change. Lakota is hit or miss, just depends on who you ask. I've been in some really nice ones and was impressed, we almost bought one but I found the KB and it had the ramp I was wanting so we went with that. 

We have a 1999 SD, which Sean takes very good care of.   We bought it used when it was 12 years old.   Would I love a brand spanking new 2020 trailer of my choice?  Yes.  Am I getting rid of my SD?  Nope absolutely not!   There are a few things which I consider normal wear and tear, but I'm totally happy with our trailer.  Bison and Lakota--no, only heard bad things from the day they drove off the lot. . . 

I traded in my 2003 4 Star for a 2011 Merhow. I feel the Merhow is as good quality as any Bloomer or 4 Star I've seen.

It has a cooktop, microwave, slide out , everything I've wanted..plus the horse compartment is light , airy, insulated, and best of all, " jailbar" dividers.

More closets and storage than I ever dreamed of .

My big boy, Brother Dave has always had issues hauling, but the 60/40 doors have helped him relax a bit better hauling.

I plann on living in it when I'm able to sell my property..

I can't say enough good things about it.

We have a friend that bought one to haul 4 wheeler/side by side/hunting stuff.   He hunts in different states, so using the LQ as camper.  I loved the way it looks on the outside, but I've never had a chance to look inside.   Since you posted this, I'm gonna make time to look around next time we're down there.  

We absolutely love our Twister. I consider it right up there with the Platinum 4-star ect.  They are built tought. Good Windows, Himges ect. We bought used . 4horse 2006 2 years ago.  For the return in value.  You are better off to by used. Unless you are gonna keep it for the rest of your life.

My husband is a sign man. He fabricates aluminum for a living. So, there are certain trailers we are not allowed to own due to the welding and fabrication quality. That list is kinda long. But, we can buy: Hart, Cimmaron, 4 Star, Platinum, Elite, C&C, older or almost brand new Sundowners, some Exiss, new Merhows, Twister, SMC. Hart and Cimmaron are his favorite. 

I have a 20 year old Sundowner. There's some cosmetic stuff going on with the LQ - old water damage and the fridge is broken - but it's solid built and since it's not shiny new and perfect I don't feel bad when anything happens to it.

I have to admit but my trailer has seen more baseball tournaments than horse shows this year lol! It does come in handy tho for those hours in between games. We hook up the boys playstation and they come in a relax a little, and I love having my own bathroom because I'm a total germ phobe... and some of those baseball park restrooms are straight up NASTY! in the beginning we got funny looks but now people say what a great idea! We bring the grill and cook out too instead of eating concession stand food.

I loooooove having my own bathroom everywhere I go. It doesn't matter if we're at NBHA World or the side of the road somewhere, I can always go potty! 

There are quite a bit of Lakota trailers up here that are going down the road. Everyone here I've asked loves theirs.