Dog trailers - Page 1

Other than on here, where are other places to look for used dog trailers? I've checked a couple gun-dog sites, but they are all geared for hunting & not what I'm looking for.

I know with horses there are many sites for stuff for sale.....I don''t know about dogs. Have you done a Google search ? You might also try looking at other breed sites (showing, agility, and other sports groups). I've been considering a trailer myself, so I'm having the same challenges.

Sigh.... still looking.
I've found a few that have been relatively near by(only a day or so drive) but by the time the seller gets back to me with more info, they've been sold :(
I'm not looking for super fancy, as I can add stuff if I feel it's needed. Just looking for SAFE & no major repairs. Things like wiring or tires/breaks, etc are not a big deal.
Biggest problem I'm having is finding any for sale somewhat close to me. One drawback of living in BFE, lol

Craig's list, working dog forums, facebook...

 

I see a LOT of "needs work" trailers on craigs list.  You have to search major cities near you.

 

Try putting up a request to buy ad on several pages, include details of what you want, what you have to spend, be clear and detailed.

You'll get people who will contact you and some that will link you to finds.

I have been looking for a dog "box" that can be mounted on my existing flatbed trailer...  thats another thing to consider..  converting one if you're handy.

 

 

For a trailer suitable for German Shepherds, three manufacturers come to mind. Elite K-9, Jones, and WT Metall. I've lived with the WT and Jones. The Elite looks like a combination of the two.

All have pros and cons. All are difficult to find used in good condition. Roy carries the WT line on the East Coast. He usually has a few used in stock. Jones is easy to deal with. They never seem to have used.

As you have probably discovered, they command a premium and they don't last long when they do come available. Buy it new, take good care of it, and you'll probably get your money out of it 3 years from now if you want to sell it.

I'm giving Elite the best bang for the buck in overall construction. Has some of the rugged features of the Jones while still being light enough to pull with a smaller vehicle.

WT is light. Pull it with most any car. Some models were made with tires that cannot be found here in the US. You'll be going back to WT for tires on them. Other models had standard tires. Just check the size if you are looking at a used one and see if they are readily available. WT's have a very well engineered wiring system. I love the way they put it together,,,,,but it's problematic. If your husband or boyfriend can do wiring, you're OK. Otherwise expect problems and live with them to a degree. Ventilation is lacking. Doesn't get that hot in Germany and the vent system is not up to par for hotter climates in the US. Hardware is well designed but a little light for the application. Get familiar with the aircraft type locking nuts and you can overcome. It's pretty much a unibody construction. No frame to speak of. Saves weight which can be essential. Fender bender impact is absorbed through the axle and the box. Just get the insurance company to get you a new one. Sort of like a motorcycle helmet. It served it's purpose saving your life. Buy yourself another. No floor drains make puppy pee and poop a personal experience. They come with a wood grate floor that helps hide it for awhile. Sooner or later you will become friends with it.

Jones is a tank. It's a tank made in Texas. It has a frame, it's heavy, it has the best cooling of all from it's Texas roots. The wiring is cheezy and it's typical American. Compared to the beautifully engineered, organized, wiring of the WT, the Jones is a brick. But the brick works. I've had mine out in the rain for 10 years and it lights up every time I hook to it. Jones needs a small SUV. The hardware is durable and maintenance free. Tires can be purchased anywhere. The Jones has drains and it's easy to make more in the corners. Park it in any position and the puppy pee exits without you even knowing it was there. The car behind you just thought you were washing your windshield.

Good luck with your search!

Dog1 -- thanks for the extensive comments. Very helpful and informative.

I keep thinking that I should get a trailer, but then I worry about safety of the dogs when driving. How safe do you feel like they are when you are travelling?

Christine

You can also look on FaceBook...There's a site called Dog Equipment...Sometimes they have people selling Dog Trailers...
Good Dog Trailers that are used are hard to find...
I have a WT 4 Box Trl and have been offered to sell it by people all the time...
I personally have not seen any Elite K-9 Trls for sale but I have seen some in person and they are very nice...You could call them and see if they anyone that might have one for sale...
It all comes down to how much you're willing to pay...

~Bob~

Christine, I still like to travel with the dogs in my conversion van and use the trailer as a camper for them when we stop. Just watch any trailer bounce behind you and I'm amazed they even go back into them.

I absolutely HATE pulling a trailer...but...I did buy a WT Metall 4 Box Trl. and absolutely love it and no problem in pulling it...I had it built to my specs and one thing I ordered for sure was Duel Axel...It has saved me and my dogs "1" time and that saved my dogs...so it was well worth the extra money...

I have also seen some people convert a regular small trailer to work for their dogs...just depends on how much you can do on your own or if you want to pay someone...

You can check with some Horse Trailer manufacturers and they might be able to lead you to someone...

~Bob~

I know of a few for sale. Send me an e-mail. Blauenbergen@att.net