Horse trailers? The good and the ones to avoid

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JCbruce

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Looking for advice on the best trailers to buy second hand that will fit my 17hh boy in.

I am thinking either a 511 or Bateson. I'm new to towing (will get some lessons) will be using a 2022 ford ranger truck so will already be long and horse is only young so new to travelling. Have been in a 3.5ton a few times and was a good boy.

Can I have peoples recommendations on most reliable trailers, least likely to rot. Is the original 510 better then a 511. Looking for the safest thing for my most important family member ;)
 
I have a HBX511, which is fully aluminium (floor and sides) so won't get soggy.

My previous (and first trailer) was an old Sinclair, which again had aluminium sides. We upgraded the lights, took the central partitions out and fitted full length ifor bars with nuts that I could undo from outside in the case of an accident. I loved it as did my ticky traveler
 
I love my Bateson. I got it 14yrs ago second hand, and it’s still going strong! It’s been serviced yearly since purchase, and the front and rear ramps have been replaced once each, but other than that and other small fixes, great. I’ve always been told by the service guys that it should keep going for years yet as long as it’s taken care of.

Never had a 17hh horse in, but my 16.2/16.3 ID always travelled well in it and had plenty of room, although we did take the partition out as only ever travel one horse.
 
If you can find one I can highly recommend the old Richardsons. They don't make them anymore but they built them to last. Many of them are the footprint of a 2 horse/1 pony trailer but partitioned for 2 horses so they are big. Mine is 17 years old and the frame is still solid as a rock.
 
Beware that 505s /510s are now getting to around 20 years of age and even of they look fine on the outside, they will be needing new panels and ramps.
The aluminium skin will make it look OK on the outside but at that age ,.the wood inside will be rotten.
So if going fit either one of those , go for a refurbished one - and by a recommended person.i bought a completely rebuilt 505 for under £5K ,.it is a brand new trailer essentially on an old chassis. I saw some of these rotten panels at the dealership- just mush inside.
 
Cheval Liberte trailers are fantastic! The Tourer would be too small for yours, but have a look at the Maxi models, the horses stand herringbone. They are a dream to tow and becoming more popular! Also a handy tack locker 😊
 
I started with a really old trailer with a rear ramp only. It cost be £350 and I gradually renewed loads on my driveway. I painted it in blue & grey similar to Ifor Williams. Did the brakes & checked over the floor & the lights & we were off. I used this for my pony for about 4 years & I then bought a Bateson Deauville which was wonderful. I advertised & sold my old trailer, which still looked smart for £700. Eventually we hade two horses, a 16h2" & a 16H3" so decided to change to a lorry. I sold the Batesaon for about £300 more than I bought it for. I've been lucky selling my trailers because I bought well when I got them.
I'm not a fan of Equitrek, I saw a horse tied to what and his rope got caught around the mud guards and ripped them off making a hell of a mess of the trailer. There's a lot a fible glass on them, They are light weight but not that strong'
 
Avoid Equitrek! Dreadful build quality (from personal experience). A well maintained older Ifor will last and last, while Batesons have a really good rep for giving the horse a comfortable, well ventilated ride.

I have an old single Ifor 401, and it's great - bombproof, and relatively inexpensive to buy. If I'd had a bigger budget, and had wanted a "normal" width trailer, I'd probably have considered a Bateson, because they do seem to give the horse a better ride. Having said that, my horse is perfectly happy in the Ifor and snoozes while we're on the road.
 
What Sossigpoker said. I sold my 505 last year and got it serviced before I advertised. On one side the panels had rotted inside but it looked fine. I was horrified to see the state of the inside of the old ones once they were removed.
 
I've just my sold my IW511 which I owned for 14 years. I often towed two chunky hunting horses of 16.1hh and 17hh no problems. One panel did go soft but you can easily see if this has happened on the 506/511. A friend recently had all the panels on her 510 changed as they were all rotten but you can't tell from looking at it that the panels have been replaced as the original outer skin is not replaced. I'd ask to see receipts if someone claims the panels have been replaced on an older trailer.
 
I’ve got a 403 so the second last new style model of ifors that were made. Made 2014z Are these completely aluminium, even the sides? As far as I’m aware the ramps are wood as the silicone seal degraded in one that I know and the horse went through the ramp. I’ve re done my seal but now questioning the state of the wood in the ramp, I always thought the full thing was aluminium.

Other than that it’s a great trailer. When they first came out, there were issues with the latches but that was the circa 2010 Models.
 
abbijay said:
If you can find one I can highly recommend the old Richardsons. They don't make them anymore but they built them to last. Many of them are the footprint of a 2 horse/1 pony trailer but partitioned for 2 horses so they are big. Mine is 17 years old and the frame is still solid as a rock.
Click to expand...
Mine I thought was a Bayhill but it turns out is a Richardson trailer after I saw the exact same model on ebay the other day! First time I've ever seen the exact replica. Its 7ft 2 of head room and took all my 17hh horses with ease. I have only even travelled with one horse so the partition is set 3/4 to 1/4 with the bigger section for the horse which you can see from the photo.

Its worn well, the frame is fine although we decided to refloor it with buffalo board and reinforce the frame although it didn't need it. Its a tidy trailer and looks spotless. Here is a photo from a FB memory.

1692189167086.png
 
Again loving my Equitrek, I think if buying new then the build quality on the Equitek and the new ifors would really annoy me. But with second hand your at the mercy of whoever owned it before and how well they looked after it, so as long as you get a good inspection done (or know the previous owner :D) then I think it depends on whats important to you and your horse.

Mine all travelled so well in my little box so I love that they travel backwards in the Equitrek too, plus space to sit and get changed without getting covered in hay is amazing!
 
I really love my little ifor williams 505. I bought it refurbished from a main dealer, it's lighter and easier to tow and maneuver than my previous 510 - there's only a small difference in size between the two models, but I really notice it, especially in the narrow lanes.
 
I own a second hand equitrek show treka and love it but I had to replace one of the axles. I keep mine in a barn and the previous owner had it from new. However, it is very long and parking can be an issue at a tight venue. My cob loves it and it is great to have a bed for camps etc
 
I had first had a HB511 but it had issues with the panels getting soft & also the hinges on the front ramp perishing - apparently both known issues.

I then bought Bockmann Big Champion R which I must say was absolutely amazing build quality & to tow with BUT its supposed to carry up to 17.2hh, my 16.2hh was a squeeze! So much so, I sadly sold it.

I know have a HBX511 with the aluminium sides so no issues to be had there, the design has come on so much & had many of the design features I loved on the Bockmann - barn door option on the back & door hinges. I love it! Fab to tow & loooads of room for my big lad now.
 
You can see on an Ivor if the panels need replacing, they are softer to touch and can also have a bubbled appearance on the outside .
I have had both ramps and half the Panals replaced over time , my trailer gets inspected annually when it is serviced.
The trailer specialist that services it says the old Ivor’s 510 etc are much better build quality than the newer , and I’m much better off looking after my old one , than selling and getting a new or newer .
 
I *had a 2007 Richardson Supreme Ultra with a rot-proof floor You can fit 18hh Shires in them, they're very roomy and well made I travelled my 15hh traditional mare around in it in style 🤣

*I only sold it because I retired from horse-ownership last year.
 
If you're looking at used IWs, get either a really late 510 (2007/8) or a 511 from 2012 onwards. The first 511s were renowned for issues, most of which had been addressed by 2012. It goes without saying that you should get any trailer you buy inspected by a professional unless you really know about these things. The benefit of IWs is there are plenty of them and parts are relatively easy to get, although there are some shortages on some parts at the moment.
 
Im in the process of looking for a trailer having sold our lorry last year & its a blooming minefield!!
I only really want an Ifor but torn between a 505 which all Ive been to see have movement in the panels or a 506 which Im told are more flimsy & more desireable to be stolen!!
So Im going round in circles.
We do have a trailer renovating company nearby so am holding off to see what comes up with them as maybe that will give me something in between!!
 
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