Cheval Liberte trailers? (Yes, another trailer thread from me)

[MyDogIsAnIdiot]

I am having an absolute nightmare finding a Bateson with Boston doors second hand. I have a big budget, but not quite big enough to buy one new. I've got no distance/age/condition constraints - I will travel to the top of Scotland if I have to.

I'm currently checking Facebook, eBay, Preloved, Gumtree, and Freeads multiple times a day and am driving myself slowly insane . There were loads on the market before Xmas but they've all gone poof. I've contacted/tried to contact the ones advertised and they're all either sold or not returning calls, texts, and emails.

SO.

I found a Cheval Liberte (2006 model) on eBay. It's in budget and only 100 miles away! The floor was recently replaced with marine ply so we'll be replacing this with ali if we get it. Does anyone know how easy/difficult it is to get parts from Cheval? Any horror stories? Should I avoid like the plague?

I'm in 2 minds about this trailer as it's not what I want and I've no experience of them. But I can't keep putting stuff off because we've got no transport and am getting desperate.

 

[ezililaur]

I have a Cheval and I love it!

I needed a lightweight trailer as I have a Ford Kuga so this was my reason for specifically going after a Cheval. They do seem to be like hens teeth second hand.

So nice to tow. Horse travels very well, better than in my previous Richardson trailer.
As for parts, I haven't had to order anything myself as yet. However I know someone else with a Cheval and they have ordered from Anglian Trailer Centre, they stock all parts.
I know there were floor issues, a recall I believe some time ago.

I haven't looked back and have been very pleased with it.

 

[Joeyjojo]

I have one and also love it - very light but stands up to my mare's kicking - phew!

When I needed a new part I ordered it from a lovely man from who was extremely helpful http://www.chevaltrailers.co.uk

 

[LovesCobs]

I had a cheval/requisite trailer, lovely to tow and I liked it overall. Downsides- I had my local trailer repair guy fix bits like the electric plug as it shorted and was wet inside. He had to reinforce the breach bars for me (one broke at the weld point when I had to do an emergency stop and the mare broke it with the force of the stop. However over all the trailer coped really well with the incident)
I tried and he tried to get a long breach bar for front and back so I could travel without the partition and a spare wheel part. Neither of us managed it, they were rubbish. The jockey wheel ended up a bit bent and we couldn't get hold of another from them either and they aren't standard so couldn't get a different brand to use.
Loved how lightweight and airy it was, high and easy to tow, use ramps. Mine had an aluminium floor and the rubber on top stayed in good condition. The top break light and the back lights were great as well.

 

[flaxen]

Ive got a cheval and also think its great however parts are expensive, mine needs new gas struts and can only get ones from cheval as an exact copy and have been quoted £45 each plus vat plus postage so have opted for ifor williams ones and had longer bolts put on to hold them on. I also needed brake pad set and got quoted just short of £90 from cheval for 1 pair!! However they are the exact same ones as on an ifor williams ( knott 50x 200 ) so bought ifor ones at half the cost. The dealers nearest to me arent very helpful and it was another cheval dealer/ stockust who helped me out with my brake pads as my nearest werent interested. The other thing I like about my trailer is the fact that the ramp also opens as a door which is helpful and before our accident my pony would load himself by stepping up and into it without me having to lift a ramp I found very heavy.

 

[fjordhorsefan]

I used to have one before I got my lorry, and it was a great trailer which I never had any problems towing. It depends on who your nearest trailer person is - I have two very good local dealers who deal with Cheval, and both can source parts easily.

 

[Victoria25]

I had a Liberte (double) and absolutely loved it - sold it year before last as no longer needed it but would def get another! x

 

[misswagtails]

I have had mine for years and I love it.

However I have had the floor replaced with aluminium and extra bits welded on right at the back to support the frame.

I use it 2/3 times per week all year round so its had some serious wear (for around 8 years). Its still going safely but i have managed to find a really good lorry builder locally who has fixed anything that has gone wrong without having to source original parts.

I have driven/ borrowed ifors and it makes me appreciate mine. the doors/ catches/ partitions/hitch are much easier on the Cheval.
the sideways opening door is very handy for collecting round bales!

I do like them and its stood up to some wear but aside from all the little handy things I cant see too much difference (you sound like you know more than me about the varieties of trailer!) I would say I am a supporter rather than a fan!