Advise please on which new trailer to buy.

juliag

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Hi there, sorry if this is in the wrong place but as it is my first post I do not know my way around this site yet.
I am thinking of (almost certainly going to) changing my 4 yr old Ifor williams 510 for a new trailer in the next couple of months. I have had this box from new. I would like some advise from people who have had other brands of trailer as I only have knowledge of my ifor williams. I tow with a large 4x4 so weight is not a problem but also having towed a caravan I find the brakes on the caravan much more responsive than on the horsebox. When I go downhill and brake I feel that the car is doing all the work in slowing down the horsebox. Is this something others have found. What is the braking like on whatever kind of trailer you have? I also seem to have constant problems with my lights which drives me mad!!! all advise welcome. I expect to buy from Ralph Bailey trailers as that was where the ifor williams came from, any other suggestions?
 
Maybe its the extra weight rather than the brakes themselves you are feeling. I have a 505, I like it, but not sure I would buy another if I had the choice.
 
I have an ifor and the brakes are just fine - as are the lights. We've never had a problem.

Before going to the all out expense of a new trailer can I suggest you get your current one serviced? That might make the difference - and is a heck of a lot cheaper!
 
Thanks for the replies. The trailer is servised twice a year by Ralph Bailey. (we do a hell of a lot of miles!!). Last time it was in I got them to check the brakes and they said they were fine. I do agree it could just be the extra weight which causes it to feel heavy when slowing down, however it feels the same even when empty. I think I may borrow a couple of friends trailers to test drive just to see if they feel any different. This is my second Ifor williams , we had a 505 before this and this was one of the boxes that was recalled due to the mats rising and horses panicking and falling over, It was a whole batch of 505's that were affected and when we got the letter recalling it we decided to get the larger 510 instead.
There seems to be so many on the market now, I would just be interested in anybody elses thoughts........:)
 
We always had an ifor but after downsizing cars we needed a lighter trailer so we got a Cheval Liberte. They are fantastic trailers, you can choose which side you want the ramp on and are really light and inviting in the inside as I find the ifors are very dark inside.

The hitch is also on pullman springs so when you go over bumps in the road the horse won't feel it so they have a better journey. Its the best trailer we have ever had and I'd recommend it to anybody, we've had a year now and not one problem with it. Ohh and tehy are cheaper then any other trailers we looked at almost half the price of an ifor)

http://www.cheval-liberte.co.uk/products_trailers.htm

I think ours is the 2000 series :)
 
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Hi there, sorry if this is in the wrong place but as it is my first post I do not know my way around this site yet.
I am thinking of (almost certainly going to) changing my 4 yr old Ifor williams 510 for a new trailer in the next couple of months. I have had this box from new. I would like some advise from people who have had other brands of trailer as I only have knowledge of my ifor williams. I tow with a large 4x4 so weight is not a problem but also having towed a caravan I find the brakes on the caravan much more responsive than on the horsebox. When I go downhill and brake I feel that the car is doing all the work in slowing down the horsebox. Is this something others have found. What is the braking like on whatever kind of trailer you have? I also seem to have constant problems with my lights which drives me mad!!! all advise welcome. I expect to buy from Ralph Bailey trailers as that was where the ifor williams came from, any other suggestions?
the brakes should hold the trailer back when you are braking I would have them checked/adjusted and if nessary overhauled ASAP!! you could try appyling the hand brake then with someone looking, try and pull away see if all the wheels are locked which will give a idea if they are working.... I think the batson ascot is the best regular type horse trailer I loved mine just lovely to tow and well made....
 
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