Equitrek Trail Treka vs Ifor Williams

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LouiseG

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Just wondered on opinions between the new Equitrek Trail Treka L and a new Ifor Williams 511? I am torn between the 2 and am swaying towards the trail treka with it being side loading and with excellent storage etc. it's easy to tow and it looks really comfy for the horses! any thoughts would be hugely appreciated!!!
 
A friend just sold her equitrek as she found it to big to reverse/manouvre and is downsizing to the ifor. Good news is she sold it for more than she bought!
 
I considered these two as well. I went with a 511 in the end for the following reasons:

1. Preferred build quality of 511, the Equitrek felt very plasticky and flimsy, especially the tack locker.
2. Head height of side ramp not great - I have (well had!! :) ) a difficult loader who would throw her head up, so was worried about this as it felt quite low.
3. Equitrek felt darker and less spacious inside, I did like the sliding partition though to give more room. But i didn't think it was encouraging for a reluctant loader.
4. I worried that there is only one way out for the horse, if you were in an accident and the trailer flipped on that side, the horse would need to be cut out (dramatic I know! But a consideration for me).
5. Resale value on 511 are really good, I got mine new at a very good price and now 2 years later I could get back nearly all of what I spent (based on advertised prices at the moment).
6. I didn't like the fixed breast bar in the Equitrek either, the 511 has different heights and also has the emergency release feature on the outside, should they get over the breast bar.

I did look at the larger Equitreks too, but couldn't justify the extra expense. But they are much nicer inside and felt better built and lighter/airier than the Trail Treka.
I am very happy with my 511, had no issues (other than where to tie the haynet!), so I think I made the right choice for us. Hope this helps!
 
comparing the trail trekka and the 511: and taking Lucy_Allys comments for starters :

1. build quality of 511 vs Trail Trekka:
Both trailers main body panels are made from similar material, Equitrek have independent suspension for a smoothride, IFW is antiquated leaf spring, axles are both galvanised steel. Equitrek unladen weight is less than IFW.

2. Head height of side ramps are both 7'6" so this is purely optical.

3. Trail Treka and 511 are the same size. As to loading the equitrek has side ramp gates akin to a lorry and therefore a wider entry point for a reluctant loader vs the IFW that offers a smaller loading area and a narrower entry.

4. The majority of accidents are not flip overs they are rear shunts!
If a trailer flipped over rear load or side you would not take a horse out the back ramp. You would take it out the roof or in with a IFW the front ramp or an Equitrek the side ramp (at least 2x the size of the IFW front ramp). Howeer in all cases we know of they've been cut out via the roof. Regardless of make.

5. Resale value on 511 are really good, I got mine new at a very good price and now 2 years later I could get back nearly all of what I spent (based on advertised prices at the moment).
511s may advertise good prices but a wellknown dealer in equestrian transport (not linked to any make) I know would resell a 510/505 but not 506/511 or take them in part exchange.
Trail Trekka's are very rarely on the 2nd hand market.

6. Equitrek also an emergency release feature on the outside.

7. As to the build being different by Equitrek model they are all built in the same factory

8. It is possible to fit blanket racks in the Equitrek and it isn't in IFW also you can't fit a tack locker in IFW. You'd need to purchase the wheelie bin style one.

Personally if you do decide IFW go for the 510 not the 511. Being in the "industry" so to speak these are still preferred.
 
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I would go for the IW 510 over either of the two models you mention. I would go for a Fautras or a Bockmann myself if I was looking to buy a trailer.
 
Fautras are French Frank smith in Sussex supplies these, and to the best of our knowledge Bockmann (German) have no presence in the UK as the importer is no longer in business.
 
and just to give some other HHO views have found these:
sonjafoers said:
I started off with an old Ifor 510 and loved it, traded it in for a 511 and had nothing but trouble - and I mean real trouble. On the 3rd time of it going back the dealer sent it up to Ifor in Wales and they had it a month yet when it came back it still wasn't right. The list of problems could fill this page but the worst of it was when it starting coming unhitched when I was pulling away.

After a year I gave up and traded it in for an EquiTrek ( interestingly I would have got more on the trade in for my 12 year old 510 than I got for my 1 year old 511 ) and I love it.

Yes there are a few things that could be better, for example the saddle rack gave way on me during my last trip BUT I had 4 saddles on a 2 prong rack so I'm completely to blame. I love the fact my girls stay dry when it's raining, I love the fact I keep everything in the tack room so when going somewhere I only have to pack tack and the girls travel beautifully in it. They used to sweat up like crazy in the 511 but there's never even a damp patch on them after travelling in the Space Trekka.

I'd definitely recommend one but you do have to bear in mind the quality of the build could be improved in places.
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hunteress said:
I have just bought the space treka I used to have a Ifor 511 the equi-trek is much more solid which I wanted for my cob and my baby 3 year old to travel together long distances I am going to start small journeys as my 3 year old is being backed in August has anyone travelled youngsters first time with a friend who he is out with him in the field 24/7 how did it go. As for getting a equi-trek I wouldn't hesitate again as there is more room for your things a the front and the car dosn't get messed up !! I also tow with my Jeep grand cherokee overland and its ace.[/QUOTE
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I stick by my earlier post, had no problems at all with my 511 and happy I bought it. It took a real hammering from my 16.2 stroppy Irish Draught and been brilliant. She now loads like a dream and we haven't looked back, it is light and large inside and feels sturdy. If I had the cash and was doing more I may have considered the Equitrek Space Treka L as they feel very airy and spacious, with the bonus of a human changing room! But cashflow limited me to only consider 511s Bateson Ascot (i couldn't find one bear me to view, so discounted ) or the Trail Treks; I thought the plastic of the tack locker in the Trail Treka was very thin and was worried a hoof could easily go through it - I compared them both side by side at Badminton horse trials before I got mine.

At the end of the day it is personal choice and experience, but the OP wanted thoughts on the two models; I was in their position 2 years ago and my research and opinions meant I chose the 511. My review is based on 2 years of ownership and I am very happy, not just hearsay.
 
With 20+ experience in the trailer industry as well as owning IFW/Richardson Rice/BAHill and Equitrek. I endeavoured to give a professional opinion not a personal one that's all.
I am delighted you are pleased with your 511 but as I posted I would advise the 510.

( And on a personal note I like the Star treka !! but dont have enough dosh either!!)
 
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