Height of Ifor 403

[sherry90]

Does anyone know if the internal height of the Ifor 403 model depends on the year of manufacture?

I need a couple of extra cms headroom ideally than a 401 but only want a single trailer. The Ifor 403 is apparently 7.2m vs 7m than the Ifor 401.

 

[holeymoley]

Absolutely no help whatsoever but I have a 2014 (might be a 2015?) ifor 403 and it is extremely tall. It’s easily the same height as the larger double model. I borrowed an older 401 years ago and don’t remember it being as tall.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

We have a 403 and there's plenty of headroom - I think it's 2.2m - plenty enough for a tall horse, the issue would be with a long horse - our old boy was in 6.3" rugs and had plenty of space but if you had a horse in 6'9" rugs I'm not sure you'd be able to squeeze them in length-wise ...

 

[Annagain]

The specs for each model are available here:
http://www.horsetrailersales.co.uk/IforWilliamsIndex.asp

The 403 is 2.20 internally, the 401 (older model) is 2.14 so not much in it.

 

[sherry90]

Thank you all- he’s 16.3 and in 6’9 rugs. He has fit in a friends 401 previously for short journeys but if I’m looking to buy one to travel frequently I’m looking for something he can be 100% comfortable in!

Sadly don’t have one to try him in and don’t want to make an incorrect purchase!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Can you hire a 403 first? Various places do hire trailers out.

 

[Annagain]

Thank you all- he’s 16.3 and in 6’9 rugs. He has fit in a friends 401 previously for short journeys but if I’m looking to buy one to travel frequently I’m looking for something he can be 100% comfortable in!

Sadly don’t have one to try him in and don’t want to make an incorrect purchase!

I've just checked and the 510 is 2.30 internally. My horses are the same height and length as yours and they fit very comfortably on there so I would imagine he'd be ok on a 403. 10cm isn't that big a difference. Do you really have to have a single? The 510/11 would give you extra height if you think he'll need it.

 

[sherry90]

Can you hire a 403 first? Various places do hire trailers out.

That is an idea! Might just do that to give us a trial run.

 

[sherry90]

I've just checked and the 510 is 2.30 internally. My horses are the same height and length as yours and they fit very comfortably on there so I would imagine he'd be ok on a 403. 10cm isn't that big a difference. Do you really have to have a single? The 510/11 would give you extra height if you think he'll need it.

Ideally yes, more for preference/tow weight than anything.
He’s 625kg average and my car will tow 2200kg so it’s got enough there for a double towing one horse, but if I can I’d like to keep well under just to be safe. The doubles tend to be tipping 1000kg each whereas a single is between 700/900kg so just a bit more to play with.

I’m going to be doing my trailer test anyway so my own towing capability doesn’t hinder, more just peace of mind I suppose ??‍

 

[Annagain]

Ideally yes, more for preference/tow weight than anything.
He’s 625kg average and my car will tow 2200kg so it’s got enough there for a double towing one horse, but if I can I’d like to keep well under just to be safe. The doubles tend to be tipping 1000kg each whereas a single is between 700/900kg so just a bit more to play with.

I’m going to be doing my trailer test anyway so my own towing capability doesn’t hinder, more just peace of mind I suppose ??‍

If your vehicle's capacity is 2200kg, towing around 1600kg (510 is 1000kg) will be a breeze. That's barely 75% of the capacity, it should do it with its eyes closed. I really wouldn't worry. I have a Defender as taking two means towing close to 2400kg but in the past I've towed one in a 510 with a Freelander that had a 2000kg capacity and it was absolutely fine. I'd be more comfortable with the extra weight of a double to ensure he was comfortable than with restricting his space to keep the weight down.

 

[Tiddlypom]

The stall width of the 403s is quite a bit wider than that of even the 511s with a partition in, though.

The boss at Barlow Trailers (Lancs Ifor main dealer) always uses a single if he’s moving just one horse, and he puts large horses in it.

I’ve been toying with the idea of downsizing to a 403 HBX for a while, but plans are hold due to Covid. I am going to hire one first.

ETA My biggest mare is a chunky 16.1hh IDx, who takes 6’9” rugs.

 

[Sealine]

When I bought my second hand Ifor Williams trailer from a main dealer I arranged to hire the same model trailer for the day as a trial and for the hire cost to be deducted from the purchase price if I went ahead. I'd been told my horse wouldn't load into a trailer and wanted to check before I bought one. He walked straight on and travelled perfectly so I was happy to go ahead with the purchase.

 

[sherry90]

He loads on anything like a dream and travels nicely - having been in a 3.5, 7.5, single and double trailers. He only really gets a bit ‘aggy’ in standstill traffic ? not really one to expand energy on much other than eating!
I think I’ll do what a poster above suggested and hire one - see how we get on for a month then make a decision from there.
Thank you all ?