Best Halloween Events in New England

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Are you looking for a spooky adventure near you? Halloween will be here before you know it and finding a fun haunted house or Halloween event is a must if you are a fan of this holiday! From scary hayrides to haunted houses, there are places all over New England for your family to go and have a great time! Check out some of the best Halloween events in the New England Area.

Each week of October, you can find another event for you and your family to have a blast at!

Check out the Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade!

On October 3rd, from 6:30-8:30 in Salem, MA you can come see one of the most looked forward to events in the area! This is the 24th annual parade with music, candy, kids, costumes and more! This event is a perfect way to kick off the month and a wonderful way for you to spend a fun night with your family!

Next, start planning for the Trick or Treat Hayrides!

Everyone loves to get into the spirit of Halloween with a fun corn maze and ride on a tractor! On October 19th, you can check out the fun all day from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Marini Farm in Ipswich, MA. There are some great costumes, fun characters and lots of treats! Check out more information here!

You can also start to get excited about Dr. Junglestein’s Spooktacular Halloween Madness Show!

On October 22nd, head to the Blackstone Library in Blackstone, MA at 6:30. This show is only 45 minutes long which is perfect for the kids! There is balloon magic, a dance challenge, mummy wrap and more! Register for this event soon because you do not want to miss it! This is for ages 4 and up and will be a great time for the whole family!

What are you looking to do this Halloween? The scarier the better? Or a fun, family event with crafts and food? Whatever you want to do, there is something in your area! Want a whole calendar of events in Salem? Check out everything from ghost trolleys to markets to scary storytime! We hope you have a great Halloween season!

 

Easy Tricks to Help Load Your Horse onto a Horse Trailer

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For those of you who do not have a horse, you may not know how difficult it is to load a horse into a trailer. Most of you may assume, the horse walks right into a trailer as asked…not always the case. Like any animal, they have to be trained, and sometimes they have a mind of their own. It is not always easy to load a horse up into their trailer. If you have been struggling for the last hour and a half to load your horse, try some of these tricks!

Easy Tricks to Help Load Your Horse onto a Horse Trailer

Get the RIGHT Kind of Horse Trailer

A lot of people have a trailer that they think is the best fit for their horse but is not always the case. A lot of trainers and owners have found that a slant load horse trailer has made their life a whole lot easier. If your horse has experienced trauma on the road or refuses to step foot on the trailer, this would be the first thing to look at. It is very horse friendly and gives them natural light as well as room for them to move around and not feel so secluded. This will keep them safer on the road and allow them to feel protected while traveling.

Get Comfortable

Make them comfortable around their horse trailer, even when they are not in it. Have it in a convenient spot at home where they can see it, walk up to it, look around and know that it is safe. Horses are very smart animals, so it is not surprising that they are a bit apprehensive before walking right into it. Let them become comfortable in knowing that this is a place they can be safe and relax in and not force them to get into it. This may take a few weeks, but you will thank yourself later after they easily get on and off.

Work Slowly

If you are in a rush, this process is probably not going to go well. Make sure you begin the loading process with plenty of time to do so. Don’t pull, push or force the horse to move. Let him smell his surroundings in the trailer and allow the horse to make the decision. This is also a great time for positive reinforcement. As he takes a step towards the trailer or looks inside, feel free to pet him and let him rest in the position before you encourage him to move more forward.

Approach and Retreat

This is a way to really build confidence in your horse. You allow the horse to approach the trailer. They should be calm, cool and collected at this point. You will know when they reach an uncomfortable phase and they start to react. Allow them to stand there and just be. Don’t force them to keep walking but allow them to figure this part out on their own.  At this point, lead them away from the trailer and then start the process over. After a few times, you may notice that your horse is actually coming closer and closer to the trailer without you having to use a lot of force.

Get Used to It

Get them used to being in the trailer. Although you may be in training mode, your horse needs to get used to being in the trailer and what that is going to sound like and feel like. Once your horse decides to load up, give them a hint into what it will be like on the road. Slowly start to increase the time they spend on it when you are stationary. Start moving around the dividers and the bars so they know what the process will be like and it will not be a scary experience for them.

Throughout this process, you also have to know your risks. If you try to push or pull and the horse is not ready, this could result in scaring the horse, or potentially injuring them. No matter what, getting your horse on the trailer should not result in an injury due to frustration.

Keep these tips and tricks in mind next time you have to load your scared, frustrated or stubborn horse into the trailer. It is highly suggested that you begin this process prior to traveling with your horse so you can gauge what they are going to be like. Remember, every horse is different. Every breed is different. Even if you have done this 1,000 times, it could be totally different with your next horse. Don’t get frustrated and stay patient with your 4-legged friend! They will eventually get the hang of it and make traveling together easy and enjoyable!

 

The Best Rated Campgrounds in New Jersey

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Camping season is transitioning from hot summer days to cooler autumn nights. Nothing is better than experiencing nature as the leaves are falling beside you. New Jersey is known for a lot of things, and camping should be one of them! There are acres upon acres of beautiful nature and foliage that surrounds some of the best campgrounds in the Northeast. New Jersey is home to incredible views, family fun resorts, and historic towns. Here are 5 of the best rated campgrounds in New Jersey.

Ocean View Resort Campground

Welcome to one of the most entertaining, amenity filled campgrounds in New Jersey. This is perfect for kids and people of all ages! There are great deals on cabins, and cottages where you and your family can enjoy the pool, resort amenities, and just a short drive to the beaches!  If you want some peace and quiet, relax at the private beach! If your kids need to burn off some energy, head out to the Buccaneer Bay splash pad or take your furry friends for a walk! That’s right, your pets are welcome to come and enjoy your fun camping trip with you! For more information, contact the campgrounds and make your reservations early.

THE GREAT DIVIDE CAMPGROUND

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Head out to the rural area of Sussex County and see some of the best views you’ll see anywhere. Surround yourself with fields, forests and mountains while you and your family relax or have the adventure of a lifetime! There are several different amenities and attractions for the family to enjoy. Cabins and campsites are available depending on how you want to sleep under the stars. There are picnic tables, fire rings and communal fire pits to try out some great campfire recipes. You can also enjoy the private lake for fishing and the Olympic sized pool!

PANTHER LAKE CAMPING RESORT

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If you are looking for fun at the lake, this is a great campground for you and your family. There is a 45- acre lake for you to enjoy tubing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and boating. If you take some time off from the lake, you can enjoy the pool, hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoes, mini golf and a playground! The camp store offers all the basic food items and toiletries that you need so you will be stocked all week! This campground does a great job with live events on the weekends and typically has music, crafts,  games and more!

ALLAIRE STATE PARK

Enjoy the rich historic feel of this state park. You can see demonstrations of the different occupations in the colonial times and learn about that area way back when. During different times of the year you can find themed events as well! This state park has a very cozy feel to it where you can truly get away from your everyday life. If you want to walk and clear your head, take a short drive to the nearby beaches. When visiting, you can enjoy great hiking trails which provide stunning views, especially in the fall! The train ride for the children is just darling and teaches everyone about the park. Take a step back in time and visit one of the most unique state parks in the Northeast.

High Point State Park

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Get ready for some absolutely breathtaking views! At High Point State Park, you can see a view from 1,803 feet above sea level. You will be in awe of the farmland and gorgeous valleys. When you aren’t hiking, take the boat out to Sawmill Lake. If you want to get some fishing in, you can find some excellent places along the several lakes and streams around the park. There is so much to do and even more to see when you camp at this incredible state park. For nature views at its finest, make your reservation today.

 

Camping season is transitioning from hot summer days to cooler autumn nights. Nothing is better than experiencing nature as the leaves are falling beside you. New Jersey is known for a lot of things, and camping should be one of them! There are acres upon acres of beautiful nature and foliage that surrounds some of the best campgrounds in the Northeast. New Jersey is home to incredible views, family fun resorts, and historic towns. Here are 5 of the best rated campgrounds in New Jersey.Pack up your RV and hit the road. You have 5 of the most amazing campgrounds in New Jersey at your fingertips. Each one of these campgrounds offers something unique. Whether it is the resort style amenities, breathtaking views, or historic details, you can find something special wherever you go. Before we know it, the leaves will be falling, and you can enjoy a nice crisp hike on the trails. Enjoy your camping in New Jersey this fall!

Everything You Need to Know about Forest River Fifth Wheels

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Thinking about buying a fifth wheel? Great choice! You are now the potential owner of a luxurious towable trailer that will serve as your second home! Fifth wheels are known for being spacious, fuel efficient, and equipped with some awesome features inside and out. Forest River fifth Wheels are known being some of the very best on the market. If you are looking to buy a fifth wheel, definitely check them out!

Forest River has over 20 brands of fifth wheels for you to choose from! So how do you know what to look for when you are shopping around? Consider what the most important features to you are! How many beds, number of slides, or specific floor plans can help you decide what the best option is! Here are a few popular Forest River Fifth wheels to consider when looking for your next RV!

Forest River Fifth Wheels For Sale In New Jersey

Cedar CreeK Hathaway Edition

This is a great example of the beautiful workmanship of Forest River. This is the 34IK Floorplan and you can get it at a great price! You will love the beautiful appliances such as the large refrigerator, stove top burner, and oven. Enjoy the surround sound system, exterior awning and skylight. This Forest River fifth wheel is spacious and sleeps 4! The GVWR is 16,113 and has a dry weight of 11,261- to compare to other options with your towing vehicle!

Forest River Fifth Wheels

Salem Hemisphere 

This is that luxury fifth wheel that you have been looking for! The best part, it comes at a competitive, affordable price. The interior options are absolutely amazing and allows you to get as customized as you would like! We are talking a king bed, his and hers sinks in the bathroom, a gorgeous kitchen area and a recliner to end your day of hiking and exploring!

Sierra 372LOK

Check out another gem of a Forest River Fifth Wheels! You will love the front living area and mid bunk floor-plan layout. If you are looking for something that sleeps the whole family, this is your best bet! With room for 11, this fifth wheel has it all! Equipped with an outdoor awning, exterior grill, skylight and 4 Slide Outs, your family will love every part of this!

Forest River provides the best of the best when it comes to their RV’s. Buying a fifth wheel doesn’t have to take your life savings.  Search your nearest dealership and admire the beautiful craftsmanship and prices that come along with Forest River Fifth wheels! We are a proud dealer of this manufacturer and love to see happy clients drive away with their new RV!

Exiss Horse Trailers

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If you are looking for a sturdy, aluminum, long lasting horse trailer, Exiss has what you need! Exiss offers Bumper Pull, Gooseneck and living quarters horse trailers. Before you buy a new horse trailer, consider asking yourself these questions. How many horses are you going to be traveling with? What type of vehicle do you have pulling the trailer? And what amenities or features are you wanting with your trailer? Here are the options to look at when exploring Exiss horse trailers.

Exiss horse trailers

Bumper Pull ExisS Horse Trailers

Bumper pull trailers are easy to tow and maneuver when you are traveling with your animals; that is why this is the most common way that people transport their horses. They are small which makes them easy to move and park.  Because they are compact, they are typically more affordable as well which is a great asset of these trailers. You can use a variety of vehicles to pull it and it can be compatible with several hitch types.

Gooseneck Exiss Horse Trailers

Exiss Gooseneck horse trailers are a great option when traveling with your animals as well. With a gooseneck, you are going to have a more spacious trailer. Your overall living quarters will be larger and more comfortable for your animals. If you have more than 1 or 2 horses, a gooseneck would be your best bet. When you are out on the road, you can feel stable and safe when hauling a gooseneck. It has minimal sway and allows you to maneuver around tight corners.

 Living Quarters Exiss Horse Trailers

If you plan to travel several places and want to stay near your horses, it doesn’t get much easier than a living quarter horse trailer. This allows you to camp and stay with your horses while sleeping just a room away. If you don’t want to worry about finding a location to put them, if you run into inclement weather, or if you are traveling across the country this can be a great option. You have plenty of floor plans to choose from and you will love the interior amenities! You are able to choose from designer décor and all the extras that they have available. When shopping for a horse trailer, you can’t beat the durability and stature of their living quarters horse trailers.

 

If you have 1 horse or 3, Exiss Horse trailers has something for you. If you plan to drive a few hours or across the county, you have options of different types of horse trailers. These trailers are economic, versatile and comfortable for you and your horses!

 

 

How To Pick the Tires For Your Horse Trailer

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When traveling all over the country with your favorite 4-legged friends, safety is a huge concern. Although you may have the trailer that fits your horses perfectly, finding the proper horse trailer tires is just as important. Consider the roads you will take and the weather that you will be going through. Construction zones, and rough terrain can also greatly affect the tires. You also have to contemplate the weight of the trailer because that could put more wear and tear on your tires!

Find the Right Horse Trailer Tires

Find a tire that encourages long time use. For a lot of us, we plan to be on a road pretty frequently with our horse trailer. The tires should have an enhanced shoulder design and a center groove. This will help with rough roads and wear and tear that you may experience.  Some also recommend finding tires with a nylon overlay. This is for strength and stability while you are out on the road.  You can think of this as an additional layer of protection for your tires.\

What kind of horse trailer are you going to be towing? When choosing tires, you need to find some that are versatile with different types of trailers.  Consider where you are going to be traveling. Find tires that do well with wear and tear, but they should also resist heat. While you are driving around this summer, having somewhat heat resistant tires can really help. You can also look for something called, interconnected tread blocks.  The purpose of this is for your tread to last longer in your tires and give it more durability.

What is your price point? Budgeting can turn into a bigger factor that you anticipated when buying a trailer. You spend so much time and energy with the actual trailer itself, accessories and additional parts; But when you think about it, the tires are one of the most important aspects of the trailer and allows you to get from point A to point B.  Make sure that if you must replace your tires, you look at different maintenance and warranty programs so that you do not spend too much. Also consider that buying cheap tires are definitely going to hurt you in the long run when you have to replace them in a few months.

Some of the top rated horse trailer tires are: Trailer King ST radial tires, Carlisle Radial Trail HD tires, Freestar m-108 8 Ply D Load Radial tires, and many more that you can check out. Make sure to talk to your dealership and get additional opinions when you are buying tires.

There are so many aspects to look into and you want to make sure that you, your horses, and your trailer remains safe when you are on the road.

What Kind of Camper Can my Vehicle Tow?

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Before you head down to the dealership and find your perfect camper, the first step is to always ask, what kids of camper can my vehicle tow? Buying a camper does not have to be a tedious process, but you always need to make sure that you can actually get it home afterwards! If you buy an RV that is too large for your vehicle to tow, it will cause serious damage to both the camper and the vehicle. If you have a mini can, SUV, small truck, or large truck there are a few things you need to research before you attach a camper to it.

What Kind of Camper Can my Vehicle Tow?

What Is My Tow Rating

Do you know your vehicles weight and tow ratings? We recommend you going to get it weighed on a large scale. Stop by a weigh station, quarry, dump and pack your car up to the max! If you plan to go camping or on a long road trip, your vehicle will be much heavier, so pack accordingly for a proper weight. (Include your hitch as well.) This will allow you to figure out how much the vehicle can handle on its suspension. At weigh-in, you will get your total vehicle weight and the Gross vehicle weight rating. Subtract your truck weight from the gross vehicle weight and the number you have left is what you can carry.

Picking a Trailer Based On Tow Capacity

Two of the most popular types of RV’s are fifth wheels and travel trailers. They are great for the whole family, camping trips, and long-distance traveling. You should know that these trailers are also great to tow because they only transfer between 15%(travel trailer) to 25%(Fifth wheel) of its weight on your vehicle; this is call the Pin weight. From here you figure out the vehicle’s suspension. When you go to a dealership, things go much quicker if you already know what you are looking for and what you are capable of taking home.

What Kind of Camper Can my Vehicle Tow?

This will allow you to make sure what you are towing away is going to hold up on long trips and not cause any damage to your vehicle. If you plan to transfer this to another vehicle, we strongly urge you to get everything weighed and measures properly and not “wing it”. If you have any additional questions, give Crossroad Trailers a call and we would be happy to help!

How To Choose The Right Travel Trailer For Me

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So, you are finally ready to buy your first travel trailer! As you do your research on what the right travel trailer would be for you, we want to help give you some tips on how you can decide what the best choice is. Before you even start looking, consider your budget, the towing capacity of your vehicle, and the size that you are envisioning. These are some major factors that will affect your decision!

Right Travel Trailer

Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle

As you start to shop around for the right travel trailer, you may read all about these trailers. The size, what they are made out of, and the amazing add-ons. Before you pick “the one” make sure you know what your current vehicle is capable of towing. Check out your owner’s manual for your vehicle and find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

This will give you a better idea of what it is capable of. When you are looking at trailers, find out the dry weight and the gross vehicle weight. Talk to your manufacturer or dealership when you are purchasing the RV and make sure that your vehicle can tow it. You should also look to make sure that you have the correct hitch and that everything is installed properly.

Picking the Right Travel Trailer Floor Plan

If there is anything to remember when buying a trailer, it is to not settle. You should get what makes sense, but you are also allowed to put all your opinions, wants, and needs on the table as well! What size are you wanting? Are you planning on bringing the whole family and some friends? Think about the floor plan you need. Would like you more space for sleeping and rooms or an open floor plan where you can all congregate together? There are several different brands that you can choose from to ensure that you get the exact trailer you are looking for.

What Size Travel Trailer Do I Need?

Have you considered what size travel trailer you want? If you didn’t already know, there are several different trailers you can choose from. Light weight, ultra-light weight, and full-size travel trailers are all at your nearest dealership. If you want a light trailer that you can tow with a midsized SUV or a small truck, consider the light weight trailer. If you need something a little bigger, more luxurious, and sleeps 6 or more people go for the full-size travel trailer. We have something to fit your wants and your needs!

How To Choose The Right Travel Trailer For Me

When you are searching for your perfect travel trailer, consider all of these options. You want to make sure that it fits your budget, hitches onto your car, is the proper weight, and is your preferred size and floor plan. There so many great brands to choose from and we hope you find the best trailer for you and your family. If you have questions, we would love to help! Feel free to call us or stop by our dealership!

Horse Trailer Buying Guide: What You Need to Know as a First Time Buyer

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Buying a horse trailer is a large investment and is something you should do your homework on! Have you considered what size trailer you want, what manufacturer and what model? Many will vouch for the “best” option, but our best advice is that you find out what is the most ideal fit for your traveling and for your horse We want to make the process easy, so we have created this Horse Trailer Buying Guide to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Horse Trailer buying guide

Horse Trailer Buying Guide: What Do You Need in Your Horse Trailer?

Consider the size of the horse trailer that you want. First, think about the size of your horse, the number of horses you are bringing, the size of your vehicle and how wide you need it to be. Bumper pull trailers attach with a hitch to your vehicle. They can haul several horses at the same time but not quite as safe as other options with in climate weather.

What Type of Horse Trailer Is Best For Me?

You can also look at gooseneck horse trailers which are heavier, easy to handle, and great for more than 2 or 3 horses. Living quarter trailers are a great option if you plan to travel with your horses a long distance, and need a bed to sleep in at night. This is definitely the most convenient way to travel with animals.  Straight load trailers are popular; this is where the horse’s heads are faced forward and tails towards the back. This allows the horse to be more comfortable when traveling. Slant load trailers are all about that extra room! If you are traveling far distances, this could be a smart decision, so the horses do not excerpt as much energy during brakes and accelerations, during the trip.

Horse Trailer Material

Consider the material that the trailer is made out of. The two most common types are made from steel or aluminum. Steel is the heavier of the two. It seems to be more reliable in the case of an accident.  Aluminum trailers typically require less maintenance. They have fewer rust and corrosion issues… And are very durable over time. Both can be good options depending on the number of animals you have and your travel plans.

Horse Trailer Buying Guide

All in the Details

Details are everything when you are purchasing your horse trailer. Besides identifying what brand, you want to buy, you have so many other aspects to consider. Some additional details to think about are, the specific style, your budget, and where you are traveling to. Styles consist of a manger, a walk-through and a slant-load. All have their pros and cons regarding space, convenience, and practicality. If you need a trailer that is more open, allows the horse to brace himself and gives you more access to the horse, consider the walk-through. If you need something for several smaller horses, consider getting a slant-load.

At the end of the day, you can purchase what you can afford. Consider your budget when buying this trailer. Although you may not want to finance, you have to understand that this is a long-term, important purchase that will essentially be the home on wheels for your horses. Look over different options, different dealerships, and learn about different manufacturers and their materials.

You also should consider your surroundings. Where do you and your 4-legged friends plan to travel to this summer? Keep in mind that different climates are going to affect your type of trailer. Keep them covered, keep them clean, and continual maintenance will definitely help with the durability and longevity of your trailer.

We hope this is a great start to you finding your first horse trailer. It can be very overwhelming to buy a trailer, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what you are looking for. As long as it fits the needs of your horses, your budget, and your traveling plans, you will be good to go! Happy and safe travels!

Horse Trailer Buying Guide: What You Need to Know as a First Time Buyer

Featured Manufacturer: Bison Horse Trailers

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Bison Coach has been one of the top manufacturing companies for horse trailers since the 1980’s. They have continued to build their infrastructure to become one of the nation’s largest horse trailer manufacturers with living quarters. When searching for their trailers, you can find steel trailer and aluminum framed trailers. Within Bison, they have 7 product lines for you to choose from! This offers so many different options so you can choose the perfect trailer for your horses.

Bison Ranger Living Quarter Trailer

Check out this beautiful 2019 Ranger horse trailer, by Bison. You can save $13,520 from the MSRP pricing. This trailer comes with top of the line appliances, air conditioning, and a power awning. You will not have to worry about your horses with the extensive additions! We are talking bridle hooks, escape door, load lights, saddle rack, brush tray, hay rack and mangers. This is one of the many trailers that Bison makes. They use the very best materials and create gorgeous living quarters for your constant traveling.

Bison Trail Boss Trail Living Quarter

Finding a Bison horse trailer available is always a wonderful buy! Finding a Bison trailer where you can save almost $14,000 is a steal! Bison Horse Trailers can go fast so if you are interested in this amazing deal, come talk to us!

This trailer has an enclosed water tank, microwave, stove top burner and plenty of room for your living quarters. It also comes with load lights and a saddle rack for your horses or livestock.  It has a double rear opening and a gooseneck hitch so you can load and unload easily and efficiently. You do not have to worry about the infrastructure of these trailers! Built with an aluminum frame, you and your animals will remain safe in troubling weather.

If you are looking for well built, top of the line, technologically equipped horse trailers, Bison is the way to go.  They offer such a diverse line of trailers to fit whatever you need. Traveling with animals can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to when you are driving the right trailer. If you have questions about Bison trailers for sale in New Jersey, or want to come see what we have in stock, give us a call today or stop by our lot. We are proud to sell Bison trailers, and know you will be in good hands when you drive off in yours.