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Tarter Kennels - Opinions

10K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  Brad B  
#1 ·
Did a search and the most recent thread on kennels that came up was 2013. Been shopping for new kennels that will be set up under a covered porch on the end of my metal barn so they will be partially exposed to weather. After comparing costs and quality I will probably go with a "middle of the road" kennel. Prefer welded wire over chain link - my labs get out of a chain link kennel. Just sold some nickel plated, welded wire kennels I got at the farm store that had been outside for 7 years in a very humid climate and were showing some rust but did the job well. Kind of focused in on Priefert and Tarter which both claim they used galvanized metal that is powder coated. My research showed a lot of complaints about Priefert rusting and they are expensive. Tarter is priced a little better but when I checked them out at the local Rural King store I was not very impressed. As far as quality goes the panels had weld spatter all over them. At the store they were just in a jumble in some racks and the finish was damaged by shipping and poor handling at the store. An invitation for rust and they looked like crap. I would have to go through them carefully to find the least damaged finish. Can't afford the expensive stuff so I am interested in what recent experience folks have had with the Priefert and Tarter kennels in terms of holding up to weather.
 
#3 ·
Thanks, I will check them out.
 
#4 ·
Went to Behlen's website to find dealers in So. IL area and called most of them. They either don't answer their phone and do not return my calls or they do not stock the dog kennels. The big box farm stores listed as dealers didn't even know if they carried the kennels. One guy says "they are really expensive but we have our Retriever brand in stock" (cheap chinese imports). Frustrating - whatever happened to quality and service?
 
#10 ·
I just ordered the Behlen Magnums in hot dipped galvanized. Dealer was very helpful and priced them several different ways for me. While on the ph also priced the Tarter for me. The Tarter was $400 cheaper for what I'm getting(5 runs) The Behlens are 6 gauge galvanized and the Tarters are 8 gage painted. Find a farm type dealer not a box store. I got mine from a place in Morganton NC. I pick them up July 3rd
 
#5 ·
I love my Prieferts....
 
#6 ·
I have Prieferts and a few of them have a rust spot where one dog choose to pee every day for 9 years. Otherwise, I like em. If you every quit raising dogs, use them for a fancy garden fence to keep the critters out!
 

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#9 ·
Brad, how long have you had yours? Curious as to what to expect for longevity after your comment. Tarter is very similar. I liked the latches better on the Preiferts but the paint is a huge consideration.