Buying a trailer - please help me pick one

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CBAnglo

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Right, have decided to finally buy my own trailer. As I am useless at anything mechanical I am too scared to buy a second hand one, so will be buying a new one.

Please help me choose. Options are:

Ifor Williams 511
Bateson Ascot
Equitrek Space Treka L

I have two 15.2hh TBs and a 14.2 connemara. Car tows 3.5T.

I have tried the IW511 and the Equitrek Space Treka M. I preferred the Equitrek but I know these have notorious build quality issues (so suggestions for dealers in a 50 mile radius of London also appreciated) but not so keen on the build quality of the 511 either. I would have preferred a 510 but am too scared to buy something 2nd hand in case there is a problem with it.

No budget (just got my bonus!) and am open to other suggestions too!

Thanks in advance.
 
I have a IW511....I think its the newer one so the build quality issues have been sorted....its very basic, but great at its job. I part-ex'd my 505 for it about 9 months ago, purely for size....

I have no experience of the others though....
 
Similar to Maisy but just swapped 3 yr old 506for 511 which I love only put one 16.1 hh in but have 17 hh which had got tight in 506 and had had problems ie nose cone coming adrift from body bent rear left top door and that catch didn't work now newer ones are metal nose cone not plastic so hopefully a better trailer time will tell .I used Barnwell trailers in bundle northants.as other come from Blains and customer support over problem non existent.
 
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What about a good new Rice?

ETA - sorry just realise you had three to choose. Hmm I'd go for the Ifor. I've heard of chassis problems with equi trek. No experience with Bateson but I believe they are made from fibreglass or something ?
 
Thanks everyone. Hadn't even looked at the Rice always thought they were heavy?

I liked the IW511 - good to know improvements have been made. I have friends who rent trailers and they have had no end of probs with the IW; plastic door hinges snapping, partitions bending, mouldy roofs, flaking paint.

I like the idea of the separate tack locker.

Aggh so hard to make a decision!
 
CBAnglo said:
Thanks everyone. Hadn't even looked at the Rice always thought they were heavy?

I liked the IW511 - good to know improvements have been made. I have friends who rent trailers and they have had no end of probs with the IW; plastic door hinges snapping, partitions bending, mouldy roofs, flaking paint.
I like the idea of the separate tack locker.

Aggh so hard to make a decision!
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I think that was the case with them years ago, but I'm sure modernisation has lightened them up. I'll have a look. Certainly not heard any bad reports about them whereas I've heard a lot about the new ifors, and in some cases tHe old ones.
 
The rice Beaufort sixty t is a big one , but may be a bit big for yours. It has an unleaded weight of 1140kg so not bad at all.

The rice Beaufort double is the smaller double. It's unleaded weight is 1020kg which is really good.

I love the little added extras in these too like the saddle racks.

I'd definitely choose a rice over these three!
 
Love my equitrek, loads well, travels well, u can keep everything in trailer so just hitch up, load and go, car stays clean too. I have spacetrekka m, 2005 model bought second hand, finish on outside could be tidiervbur no issues with it. U never forget anything as it is all with u, spare rugs, coats etc. Only I did do as put more ventilation in, window in rear door and roof vent as was warm in summer but is now fine. Friends have bateson with American barn doors at rear and they r putting more ventilation in as it is like a sauna, middle partition keeps coming loose in transit too !
 
I love my bateson, lovely and light, mine is the deauville but a lady on our yard has the ascot and it is really nice. Also the manufacturer is really nice, friendly and helpful, though a bit far for you to go to direct.
 
The deciding factor for us which may be worth bearing in mind was that there is an Ifor dealer/ workshop very close so if we needed parts or repairs its easy. We only have a 505 but its great never had any problems.
 
Bateson as I prefer to unload on the left hand side which is the opposite for the ifor. Now I can understand both arguments. Ifor say you need to be able to unload on the pavement, Bateson allows you to unload on the roadside which I felt was preferable in an accident. I have had absolutely no issue with my trailer overheating? Mine has has the normal ramp and if its hot I leave the top open! Also preferred the fact that a lot of the extras on an ifor are standard on the Bateson (reversing mirror, plastic window at the front of the trailer, more light for the horse and your passenger can see the horses when travelling).
 
I love my IW 510, I think they're tougher than the 511.

If I were you, i'd go to your nearest IW main dealer and buy one. They completely check them out, every part is very fixable and you'll get a warranty
 
Both my horses and myself LOVE my Equitrek Space trekka, and the chassis problems where with the older bigger models ( show trekka and above I believe) The new ones are brilliant! And it's lovely to have somewhere to sit and drink your tea! :)
 
I have had a Besteson Deaville and an Equi-trek. I found the Bateson a bit light and bouncy to tow but did not have any quality issues with it. I loved my Equi-trek. So civilized to have space for your things and to sit inside. Again no quality issues despite mine being an older 5*.
 
I have a IFOR 510 classic for my TB and he travels really well in it, had same trouble as you did look at 511 but 510 Classic seemed better and love it
 
Kat said:
I love my bateson, lovely and light, mine is the deauville but a lady on our yard has the ascot and it is really nice. Also the manufacturer is really nice, friendly and helpful, though a bit far for you to go to direct.
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I am not sure about the bateson have heard good things but have not seen one is real life (everyone seems to have an IW!). Was not overly keen on the design when I saw it but I am trying to find a local dealer so I can see one.

ROG said:
Check out the last link in my signature below
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thanks - my proposed combinations work.

poiuytrewq said:
The deciding factor for us which may be worth bearing in mind was that there is an Ifor dealer/ workshop very close so if we needed parts or repairs its easy. We only have a 505 but its great never had any problems.
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My friend sells them so again it would be pretty simple for me to get one from her; she has a mechanic etc who can do the servicing etc so this would be the easiest option but if there was something better out there then I would go for that option.

Luci07 said:
Bateson as I prefer to unload on the left hand side which is the opposite for the ifor. Now I can understand both arguments. Ifor say you need to be able to unload on the pavement, Bateson allows you to unload on the roadside which I felt was preferable in an accident. I have had absolutely no issue with my trailer overheating? Mine has has the normal ramp and if its hot I leave the top open! Also preferred the fact that a lot of the extras on an ifor are standard on the Bateson (reversing mirror, plastic window at the front of the trailer, more light for the horse and your passenger can see the horses when travelling).
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I looked at this as well; I dont think either one is better than the other, I can see lots of situations where one or the other would be needed. I guess I would just back them out if needed?

I find the dark coloured IW pretty hot in summer too - will definitely be looking at extra vents etc.

Clippy said:
I love my IW 510, I think they're tougher than the 511.

If I were you, i'd go to your nearest IW main dealer and buy one. They completely check them out, every part is very fixable and you'll get a warranty
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I know this sound horrible but I kind of also want a shiny new one. It will be the first trailer that I have bought for myself so I wanted to be in a position to afford whatever I wanted which is why I have waited and saved for the last 2 years. I looked at a couple of older 510 (2006+) and they all had various bits of rust in places/slightly leaky roofs/cracked bits here and there and they were around £3k. I thought for a bit more I may as well get a new one?

Paddy and Dandy said:
Both my horses and myself LOVE my Equitrek Space trekka, and the chassis problems where with the older bigger models ( show trekka and above I believe) The new ones are brilliant! And it's lovely to have somewhere to sit and drink your tea! :)
Click to expand...

One of mine can be a bit of a pig to load in trailers (loads himself onto lorries) and he loved the equitrek and marched straight on. He wont go into a 510 for some reason well, not without A LOT of "encouragement" and will load onto a 511 6 times out 7 - the problem is when it is that 7th time it takes him 2 hrs to load and he becomes increasingly stressed and then usually ends up hurting himself. I dont really want to put him through that which is why I thougt the equitrek would be the best solution. Cant get a lorry as I already have 2 cars so cannot afford effectively a third (and need the other 2).

Sprig said:
I have had a Besteson Deaville and an Equi-trek. I found the Bateson a bit light and bouncy to tow but did not have any quality issues with it. I loved my Equi-trek. So civilized to have space for your things and to sit inside. Again no quality issues despite mine being an older 5*.
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Thanks for the feedback - have added another tick in the Equitrek column.

Sue C said:
I have a IFOR 510 classic for my TB and he travels really well in it, had same trouble as you did look at 511 but 510 Classic seemed better and love it
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Thanks for the feedback Sue - I personally agree about the 510 but it is just being lucky enough to find a really good one. I would still have the loading issue but at least I would know that the doors werent going to fly off!
 
JCWHITE said:
Take a look at the recent Bateson and Ifor thread
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Thanks JCW I will take another look.

meesha said:
Love my equitrek, loads well, travels well, u can keep everything in trailer so just hitch up, load and go, car stays clean too. I have spacetrekka m, 2005 model bought second hand, finish on outside could be tidiervbur no issues with it. U never forget anything as it is all with u, spare rugs, coats etc. Only I did do as put more ventilation in, window in rear door and roof vent as was warm in summer but is now fine. Friends have bateson with American barn doors at rear and they r putting more ventilation in as it is like a sauna, middle partition keeps coming loose in transit too !
Click to expand...

This really appeals to me too; in an ideal world I would have bought a small lorry due to loading issues but I cant afford one so this would be a good compromise. Have also wondered about the 3 horse equitrek so going to see if I can find a dealer with one to view. it should fit all 3 horses (1,500) + give me 500kgs for fueld, 2 people and tack etc which I think will be ok.
 
CBAnglo said:
One of mine can be a bit of a pig to load in trailers (loads himself onto lorries) and he loved the equitrek and marched straight on. He wont go into a 510 for some reason well, not without A LOT of "encouragement" and will load onto a 511 6 times out 7 - the problem is when it is that 7th time it takes him 2 hrs to load and he becomes increasingly stressed and then usually ends up hurting himself. I dont really want to put him through that which is why I thougt the equitrek would be the best solution.
!
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Think your horse has decided for you really, not sure I would bother asking for opinions on the others if he so clearly prefers one type..

That said, remember that all that extra space in an Equitrek for storage and extra horses etc comes at a price.. They are made out of lighter materials.. Hubby wouldn't let me have one after seeing how flimsy a DIY on our yard's was, and after her horse cracked the wall by kicking!!
 
CBAnglo said:
One of mine can be a bit of a pig to load in trailers (loads himself onto lorries) and he loved the equitrek and marched straight on. He wont go into a 510 for some reason well, not without A LOT of "encouragement" and will load onto a 511 6 times out 7 - the problem is when it is that 7th time it takes him 2 hrs to load and he becomes increasingly stressed and then usually ends up hurting himself. I dont really want to put him through that which is why I thougt the equitrek would be the best solution. Cant get a lorry as I already have 2 cars so cannot afford effectively a third (and need the other 2).
Click to expand...

Honey08 said:
Think your horse has decided for you really, not sure I would bother asking for opinions on the others if he so clearly prefers one type..
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This what I thought :) I have a problem traveller and she chose the Cheval Liberté 3-horse trailer, so that was that, even though there were some negative reports. We're really happy with it though, so it turned out fine!
 
Honey08 - yes, we did think that it would be easiest to go with an equitrek, but again like you I thought they were a bit flimsy and was worried about the build quality. I posted on here ages ago when I had to option of buuying either a 2nd hand Equitrek or a second hand IW and everyone scared me off! In the end I decided to save up for a new trailer and hope the build quality improved.

We always used to travel around in a lorry but now I have a 2nd car I have to go down the trailer option. He is normally good in the 511 (it seems to be a lot lighter/brighter than the 510) and mostly goes straight in. Its just that once in a while he decides that he wont go on. He travels fine etc afterwards. And it is not that he would load at the yard/coming home it could be any time.

He doesnt travel very much now (retired) so really just need it for the other 2 who do go about together and both are fine in trailers or lorries.

I just know that I will bring home a nice shiny trailer and all 3 will refuse to go in it just to spite me.
 
JGC said:
This what I thought :) I have a problem traveller and she chose the Cheval Liberté 3-horse trailer, so that was that, even though there were some negative reports. We're really happy with it though, so it turned out fine!
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yes, have now booked to see an equitrek dealer in east sussex to check out the new model (it is arriving in april) so I can see if they are improved (really hoping they are). If not, I will check out the Bateson as I think this is directly comparable to the IW in terms of functionality and cost.

I havent seen many CL around but BeckyD on here has one and really raves about it. I am now going to check out the 3 horse model online (as if I needed any more choices!)
 
I have another horse who 'picked' their trailer lol mines just loves the IW510 and finally got my own last year. I prefer them to the 511 as well like some others have said. And my girl is a problem loader hence the big one even though she's only 15.2hh. The big bonus is as it's the bigger one my friends 17hh horse fits as well :)
 
CBAnglo said:
I am not sure about the bateson have heard good things but have not seen one is real life (everyone seems to have an IW!). Was not overly keen on the design when I saw it but I am trying to find a local dealer so I can see one.



thanks - my proposed combinations work.



My friend sells them so again it would be pretty simple for me to get one from her; she has a mechanic etc who can do the servicing etc so this would be the easiest option but if there was something better out there then I would go for that option.



I looked at this as well; I dont think either one is better than the other, I can see lots of situations where one or the other would be needed. I guess I would just back them out if needed?

I find the dark coloured IW pretty hot in summer too - will definitely be looking at extra vents etc.



I know this sound horrible but I kind of also want a shiny new one. It will be the first trailer that I have bought for myself so I wanted to be in a position to afford whatever I wanted which is why I have waited and saved for the last 2 years. I looked at a couple of older 510 (2006+) and they all had various bits of rust in places/slightly leaky roofs/cracked bits here and there and they were around £3k. I thought for a bit more I may as well get a new one?



One of mine can be a bit of a pig to load in trailers (loads himself onto lorries) and he loved the equitrek and marched straight on. He wont go into a 510 for some reason well, not without A LOT of "encouragement" and will load onto a 511 6 times out 7 - the problem is when it is that 7th time it takes him 2 hrs to load and he becomes increasingly stressed and then usually ends up hurting himself. I dont really want to put him through that which is why I thougt the equitrek would be the best solution. Cant get a lorry as I already have 2 cars so cannot afford effectively a third (and need the other 2).



Thanks for the feedback - have added another tick in the Equitrek column.



Thanks for the feedback Sue - I personally agree about the 510 but it is just being lucky enough to find a really good one. I would still have the loading issue but at least I would know that the doors werent going to fly off!
Click to expand...

If you have a loading issue try Max (Richard Maxwell) will sort it out and they you can have what you prefer, not the horse
 
He's not a problem loader really anymore; he used to be, now he is just ar$ey so on those odd days (like today, borrowed my friends IW510 and he decided it was beneath him) he needs a 10 min lunge before getting on. At no time was he scared - he over his fear and he used to shake with terror but having a horse pr@t about on an icey yard is not good.

If the build quality on the equitrek looks better then I will go for one of those. I had forgotten until I unloaded how he also hates coming off the IW if he is the only one travelling as the turn down the ramp is too sharp for him.
 
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