Bateson Derby trailers, how easy are they to tow with

[MyBoyChe]

First, thanks to everyone who replied on my post last week about ladies towing on their own, much appreciated. Im going to look at a few trailers tomorrow but the one that has taken my eye is a Bateson derby. As I will always be on my own with horse, trailer and truck what do you all think. Just to reiterate, wont be going far and its just to get to safe hacking routes or a friends school so doesnt need tack area etc. Are they fairly easy to manouevre, advertised as lightweight? Any major negatives to consider. Other options are all Ifor 505s, similar prices but all seem to be a bit older.

 

[ROG]

BATESON DERBY TRAILER

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I used to have the Bateson Deauville & it towed like a dream. The travel a little lower than many trailer & that makes them extremely stable. They don't rattle like IWs. I would imagine that the handling will be similar to the derby so in all they are a lovely trailer. Only down side of the Derby though is it's not a walk through, you go in & out of the rear ramp.

 

[Shazzababs]

I've got a Bateson Ascot and it tows like a dream.

 

[PercyMum]

Nice trailers - I had a Bateson Ascot with the barn doors for my first trailer. It was lovely, very smart and easy to keep clean but I found it a bit too lightweight. I used to alot of motorway miles with it and found it moved quite a bit. I found the IW the same. Best trailer I have found is a Rice. I picked mine up for £2000. Only 4 years old with a built in tack locker. Tows like a complete dream and is nice and sturdy. I actually found it through some very helpful HHO-ers!

 

[diddy]

Ooh, a thread where I have something to contribute - exciting!

I've just bought a Derby and I'm very happy with it. It tows well and is easy enough to hitch and unhitch (with lots and lots of practice but you're probably not as incompetent as me!)

It's really nice and airy on the inside. Obviously, not having the front ramp might be an issue but it makes it lighter, which is why I went for this model rather than one of the other Batesons. And I find it easy enough to back the pony off the ramp. You can leave the jockey door open when you load up so it looks a bit more inviting...

The company are very good to deal with too. You get a discount for dealing with them direct if you can go and pick it up yourself - they're based near Stockport.

As for moving it by hand... When it's not perfectly aligned, you can certainly shove it over to hitch up. And when I went to see it, the man was moving it round one-handed in the carpark. However, if you're on grass or gravel I think you'd struggle to move it more than a few inches. Or maybe I'm just too weedy

Good luck with your decision!

Diddy (who doesn't work for Batesons, honest!) x

P.S. If you're looking at second-hand you might struggle as there aren't many about. If you've spotted an ad go see it right now before someone else snaffles it up! I didn't want to go new but got fed up waiting..!

 

[JCWHITE]

Good report from me too

 

[MyBoyChe]

Thanks all, no major negatives then. Im going to have a look tomorrow so can weigh them up against each other, but I am quite taken with the Derby!

 

[MissMistletoe]

Hi, Ive just found this thread.

OP, do you mind letting us know whether you went ahead with the Derby or not?

Only Im researching into buying my 1st trailer next year, and I have developed a bit of a soft spot for the Derbys too!


Thanks.

 

[TJ&Ozzie]

I've had mine nearly 15 years and still love it. I can tow it on my B license which is great. All my horses have been perfectly capable of backing off and have all travelled beautifully in it.
Highly recomend it!