Bateson trailers

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi everyone
I’m looking for a new trailer having owned a Fautras in the past. I really like how well made the Fautras was and it’s fibreglass body and rot proof floor. I didn’t like it not having ramps. Bateson look similar to Fautras, are they nice well made trailers? I don’t have a big budget now so will be an older model (2000’s). Any other brands that are good? Ifors are very popular but I’ve never owned and again would be buying an old one. Thanks

 

[COldNag]

I had one for several years - and honestly I'd only buy Bateson again.
Really good, horses seem to travel well in them, and Bateson themselves are fantastic for advice, spares etc.

 

[scruffyponies]

I like my Bateson, but they still have plywood panels which will rot (like an Ifor).
For preference I would have an old Rice. Many are upwards of 60 years old with the original bodywork.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I like Batesons, they are good safe trailers, but their finish is a bit agricultural. We went to the Bateson HQ and had a good look around. It would be a good supportive company to deal with.

Ifor panels are wooden except in the new HBX range, which came out about 3 years ago, so second hand ones are still pricey. Having said that, my 16 year old Ifor 510 has just had a thorough inspection during its annual service by an Ifor dealer, and all panels and both ramps, all original, were pronounced good for at least another year.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I like my Bateson, but they still have plywood panels which will rot (like an Ifor).
For preference I would have an old Rice. Many are upwards of 60 years old with the original bodywork.

Oh that’s a shame, I hoped they would be fibreglass (like my old Fautras). Am I right in thinking the floors are rot proof plastic like a Fautras? I’ve never thought of Rice, I’ll give them a look thank you

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I had one for several years - and honestly I'd only buy Bateson again.
Really good, horses seem to travel well in them, and Bateson themselves are fantastic for advice, spares etc.

Thank you, that’s good to know. They look really well made

 

[julesjoy]

I've a 20 year old bateson. Have replaced the floor a couple of times myself but the body work is in great condition and bateson have been great when I've requested spares, including a wheel guard when I crashed into a gate post!

 

[Horseysheepy]

Highly recommended the Rice Europa. Takes 2 X 16.2hh.

My first trailer was one. Be prepared for some tlc and ongoing maintenance but it's quite easy to work on.
We got mine for £650 and stripped it down to its chassis, sand it down repaint it then new timber floor on top.

Very light and easy to tow and looks smart.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I've a 20 year old bateson. Have replaced the floor a couple of times myself but the body work is in great condition and bateson have been great when I've requested spares, including a wheel guard when I crashed into a gate post!

How much does a new floor typically cost?

 

[scruffyponies]

I just replaced the floor on my Bateson. It's quite an old Deauville, so the original wood floor was shot.
Bateson made me a plastic and steel one like they fit in their new models. £400 delivered. It was on my doorstep the next day!

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Highly recommended the Rice Europa. Takes 2 X 16.2hh.

My first trailer was one. Be prepared for some tlc and ongoing maintenance but it's quite easy to work on.
We got mine for £650 and stripped it down to its chassis, sand it down repaint it then new timber floor on top.

Very light and easy to tow and looks smart.

I’ve just been looking at some older trailer like this on eBay. I wouldn’t have usually given them a second look. So even though they are older do they tend to be well made (compared with things like an Ifor Williams). They seem to be cheaper too. My OH is good at making and fixing things so I wouldn’t mind fixing stuff as needed

 

[MagicMelon]

Ive only ever had Bateson, we're onto our 3rd Ascot.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Ifors are better made and finished than Batesons, IMHO.

 

[Horseysheepy]

I’ve just been looking at some older trailer like this on eBay. I wouldn’t have usually given them a second look. So even though they are older do they tend to be well made (compared with things like an Ifor Williams). They seem to be cheaper too. My OH is good at making and fixing things so I wouldn’t mind fixing stuff as needed

Just check for rot on the panels which also can bend or get dented, and obviously, the timber floor and the usual breaks tyres etc.
I found it easy to get spares or source bits second hand.
I depends how well they've been looked after, lots of them have been left parked up in a field or forgotten about a bit, but you may find a bargain out there that's in as good condition as you can afford.