Trailers - WT-Metall vs. Jones trailers vs others? - Page 1

Trailers - WT-Metall vs. Jones trailers vs some other alternative? I was wondering if I could get some feedback on WT vs. Jones trailers. I’m ready to make the investment but am uncertain as to which way to go. Also, I’m a little taken aback at the pricing for both – so if there are any other alternatives out there I’d love to hear them. One I’ve found is: http://www.kennelchief.com Interesting trailer, (the Delta-Wasca Kennel Chief) in that it can easily be converted to a normal trailer, plus has LOTS of storage room AND IS CHEAPER than the two leaders by about 25%. I was looking at converting a standard trailer myself – but cannot find the doors… Here are the plus/minuses I’ve *heard* (this is what I’ve been told and have no direct knowledge of) about the 2 leaders: WT: ---------------------- + Dual sheet fiberglass (with foam core) construction is much better than even insulated aluminum at not absorbing heat – keep trailer MUCH cooler than Jones when not using AC option on Jones. + Independent axel per wheel provides much smoother ride for dogs than the Jones over built heavy-duty axel and leaf spring design. + Air conditioning option uses appropriately sized unit for trailer allow much smaller (therefore less DBs) generator. (also somewhat cheaper) + Due to size/location of generator much easier to service than the built in Jones offering. + Comes standard with interior doors unlike Jones. + (this one is a possible) is the fiberglass construction less durable than the Jones aluminum? (please offer opinions) - Made in Germany, so parts *might* be hard to get (I think this is much less of a concern now that there are two very professional, established dealers in the US) - Inexpensive trailer in Germany with high markup (beyond what would be expected for import) in US market? (this was suggested to me by a member of another forum…) - Possible bad rep due to former importers poor business ethics/practices. (Not so much a concern to me as the new importers really seem to have their stuff together and are very much on the ball.) ///CONTINUED////

////PART 2//// Jones: --------------------- + Made in USA, parts *might* be easier to get. (again this looks to be much less of a concern now that there are reputable WT dealers in the US) + (this one is a possible) All aluminum construction more durable than WT? (please offer opinions) + More options + No additional markup for import ( which could be offset by shipping) + ROBUST AC option + Can be had with heat (no option for WT) - The AC option is suggested to be WAY overbuilt for the cubic area to be cooled. - Due to over-spec’d AC much larger generator = much more DB (noise) is used - AC option is WAY EXPENSIVE!!!!! (almost as much as the entire trailer) - Generator for AC option is built into trailer possibly making it hard to service and/or replace. - Axel/suspension system WAY over-build for intended cargo weight (dogs) translating to much rougher ride for the animals than the WT independent suspension. - Aluminum “skin” (even insulated) will absorb/conduct/transfer heat much more readily than the foam core dual panel fiberglass shell used on the WT equaling higher temperatures inside the stalls. - Possibly marks their trailers up due to GSA (government sales) and the fact that WT (direct competition) is higher due to import costs. I’m buying a trailer to facilitate easier transportation between schutzhund training/trials/seminars. The nearest trainer is about 1.5 hours away and the decent clubs in my area are about the same distance. I live in the Washington DC area so from the end of June to the end of August we’re looking at several weeks of day-in-out “code-red” air quality days, daily humidity in the 90% + range and heat index values of 105+f temps adjusted for humidity. I’ve heard a lot of debate on the AC option for trailers and am leaning towards it. It seems a lot of people forgo the option but I’m a little leery. Seminars and trials tend to be all day events and a club I’d like to start attending meets all weekend twice a month vs. one day each weekend. Thos will likely be all day events also. Throw in the legendary (BAD) traffic of DC and it is likely that on the way home I’ll frequently get stuck in stop-and-go traffic. With the sun baking down, high humidity, heat radiating off of blacktop, exhaust and lack of air flow in traffic I can see a potentially disastrous situation without AC – but WELCOME others advise/opinions – as it is an EXPENSIVE option. Thanks for any help, -Calvin

No way would I get a trailer without AC in your stated conditions....it scares me to even have the dogs in crates in a pickup under a cap - I run fans while I drive all summer. A club memeber who did alot of research, including physical inspection of many models at the sieger show last year opted for the WT Metal 4 dog. I cannot recite all the reasons, but it was well researched and thought out.

I have a six stall, custom made Jones Stainless Steel trailer. It is the best investment I ever made. I elected NOT to go with A/C because even though it is hot in my area, if I am careful about the way I park it, between the stainless and the open bay doors, I have plenty of ventilation. It does have the largest ventilation fan, but I have never needed it. I have checked temperatures and in the winter the trailer is warm and in summer it is no more than ambient temperature and perhaps a little cooler. I have a large storage area and a 20 gallon water tank. I have the rack on top and that helps me carry additional SchH equipment if need be. I took many dogs to the Sieger Show last year and we ran into winter weather coming home. I was able to make sure there was decent ventilation, but the temperatures for the dogs inside was more than comfortable. It is now three years old, probably has depreciated little because of the stainless and has NEVER had one single maintenance issue. It is easy to clean and I can hook it up by myself easily. It looks as new as the day I bought it. I have interior bar doors made so the exterior solid doors/windows could be open completely and the dogs see out but still be confined. The windows roll open so one can set just how much ventilation one wants. I checked virtually every professional made dog trailer on the market before I made this considerable investment (getting what you want can be expensive, but get what you need or you will not be satisfied). Hands down this was the best trailer on the market in my opinion. I would do it again in a heartbeat and I can highly recommend this company and their products. They will build exactly what you need, be it two stall or more, their normal building materials, or stainless (which is more expensive, but worth it). If you would like to contact me for photos or have additional questions, feel free. Sharyn Baker schwarzenberggsd@earthlink.net

I have a 4 dog box...WT Metall...made in Germany and shipped to Florida...this was the best investment that I have made in a long time...I checked all of the trailers out and even went to Germany (to the BSP) to look at all of them...Since then I have travelled back to Germany and have seen even more brands there...I priced the Jones and WT...and for an alike trailer Jones wanted more to get it to me...they wanted something like $00.95 a mile to get it to me...and besides I liked the WT's looks much better then the Jones...I did add a storage box on the front and also tandum wheels for safety and a better ride...I also added a heavy duty fan...(no A/C)...It is very HOT in Florida and I just don't have a problem at all...I park in the shade (like I always did) and I ride with the outside doors cocked open...I am glad I didn't get a A/C unit and I never have a use for heat in my trailer...The unit is very well insulated (I just added a water bucket)...Any questions your welcome to contact me... ~Bob~ BleuHaus@msn.com

We have both a WT-Metall 4-box and a Jones 6-box stainless model with AC. The WT is a replacement for the first WT. Both have their pluses and minuses. The WT, however, is a replacement for an earlier WT that was obviously a "lemon". Door locks fell apart - even opening while on the road. Electrical sustems never worked, and much more. The new WT has had none of these problems. However, even given its smaller size than the Jones, the WT double axel with its short tongue length is MUCH harder to manuver than the Jones. We also have had a difficult time finding replacement parts (light bulbs, light fixture covers, etc.) The Jones pulls effortlessly and steers even more effortlessly. Personally, I like the Jones for long road trips the best. The stainless construction is simply more substantial than the WT, and the Jones handles without problem at sustained speeds that I should not admit to! The Jones also has a 20 gallon water tank that I find to be invaluable. The AC has made it possible to attend certain shows where travel otherwise would have been very dangerous for the dogs. Having lived with both Jones & WT, I prefer the Jones. Gayle Kirkwood

I have a 4 dog, 2 axle WT Metal trailer and it's the best thing I ever bought for the dogs. When I tow, you would not know it was there. It's build quality is second to none and the many extra's that were standard are to numerous to mention. It is durable, easily cleaned and maintained with everything on it being adjustable to suit. I would not look anywhere else. JMHO.

I have the 4 dog Gla-Wel Trailer that is made in Germany. The USA importer stopped bringing them in when the exchange rate was no longer in our favor. The trailer has the hoover roof (lifts in all 4 corners) which holds a spare tire and has a partitioned tray to keep equipment organized. It also has the 2 way fan for blowing in or blowing out air. The ride is exceptional and is autobahn rated (he-he)! What I like about the construction of the trailer is that everything is welded, not pop rivets. It has dual interior and exterior doors. The trialer also has a "real" rear bumper. There are also 4 drain holes for cleaning, 1 in each corner. Each stall has its own interior light.I personally have not had any issues with the trailer. Trailers are a great investment. We all like to cut corners and save when we can. The purchase of a trailer is one expense that is well worth it. When it comes to cost I like the sign in a local motorcycle shop for people that complain about the cost of helmits. Buy a 20 dollar helmit if you have 20 dollar head, lol. Kyle

I have the 4 dog Gla-Wel Trailer that is made in Germany. The USA importer stopped bringing them in when the exchange rate was no longer in our favor. The trailer has the hoover roof (lifts in all 4 corners) which holds a spare tire and has a partitioned tray to keep equipment organized. It also has the 2 way fan for blowing in or blowing out air. The ride is exceptional and is autobahn rated (he-he)! What I like about the construction of the trailer is that everything is welded, not pop rivets. It has dual interior and exterior doors. The trialer also has a "real" rear bumper. There are also 4 drain holes for cleaning, 1 in each corner. Each stall has its own interior light.I personally have not had any issues with the trailer. Trailers are a great investment. We all like to cut corners and save when we can. The purchase of a trailer is one expense that is well worth it. When it comes to cost I like the sign in a local motorcycle shop for people that complain about the cost of helmits. Buy a 20 dollar helmit if you have 20 dollar head, lol. Kyle

If anyone has any trailers to sell please let me know...I am always in the market for a trailer... ~Bob~ BleuHaus@msn.com