Ifor 511 side panel replacement

[miss_spooky_b329]

Hi all

One of the side panels on our 511 is starting to bow inwards (gap between wheel arch has increased) and isn't quite as solid as the opposite side. I believe its starting to take in water and rot.

Options:
1) Get it sorted at an Ifor dealer (I've heard thats over £1000, the wait time for Ifor replacement panels is terrible and Ifor customer service is similarly appalling, but thats just what I've read and happy customers don't tend to complain online so who knows...)
2) 3rd party horsebox conversion/service company (I've heard that the Ifor panels are an off the shelf aluminium painted coated panel that anyone can buy and cut to size, can anyone confirm?)
3) DIY replacement, this is my preference but I'd prefer to hear from someone who has done it so there are no nasty surprises (I believe its a roof off job but I'm not afraid of drilling out a few rivets...as long as it can be done with two people and perhaps a couple of sets of step ladders)

Its an older Ifor 511 so I don't care about warranty or anything, just that its a solid repair. Finally, seeing as its a roof off job, I'm considering if I should just replace both sides whilst I'm at it, though the price of the panels versus hassle of dismantling the trailer again in a few years time will of course influence that decision.

Thanks for any pointers

 

[Annagain]

Yes the panels can be bought from IW and as I understand it, it's a time consuming job rather than a complicated one so you probably could do it yourself. However, I believe they are quite difficult to get at the moment. Demand seems to be outstripping supply. It's a pretty common problem and many independent horsebox servicing companies do this work as a matter of routine so they often have panels in stock. Depending how quickly it needs replacing, this might be your best shot.

 

[Suechoccy]

Ifor Williams 505 replacement panels can be bought from Ifor Williams trailer dealers, either for you to fit yourself (if you are competent to dismantle the insides of the trailer, the bolts, and fiddle it in and out. (It's not as straightforward as it looks like it ought to be).

My OH and I did the labour ourselves when one panel rotted out bottom back edge and we had no spare money - we removed panel and refitted it so rot was top front edge and bottom back edge was now firm. Our choice but not something I'd recommend.
A couple of years later, we had more money and we ordered replacement panels for both sides from our local Ifor Williams dealer (Barnwell Trailers at Oundle, near Peterborough). When I drove to theirs with my trailer to collect the panels, I asked them how much to fit them, and it was a really reasonable price, less than the cost of the panels, so I left the trailer with them and collected it a day or two later with two brand new professionally fitted side panels. Much less than the "over £1000" you've put in your post. From memory I think it was something like £150 panel cost and £150 labour (about 4-5 years ago). Well worth it.

 

[irishdraft]

I have the same problem with my 510, so enquired in January at our local Ifor dealer & was quoted £1400. for both sides to be fitted. My OH refitted both my ramps a few years ago but thinks the side panels are a big fiddly job, yes you can buy the panels to fit yourself, they are about £400. each. My local dealer does tend to be expensive so you might get them abit cheaper.

 

[Sossigpoker]

My dealer charges about £600-700 for a 505 panel to be fitted so presumably a 510 wouldn't be much more?

 

[miss_spooky_b329]

Thanks all, sounds like it's worth calling around considering the variation in labour quoted. I think the 505/510 is cheaper as the 506/511 are the models that need the roof taking off!

 

[Sossigpoker]

Google Devizes Trailer Centre , really, really honest and decent people.
Would be worth travelling to IMO.
They will have a bit of a wait though as they are - deservedly - very busy.

 

[Landcruiser]

Google Devizes Trailer Centre , really, really honest and decent people.
Would be worth travelling to IMO.
They will have a bit of a wait though as they are - deservedly - very busy.

I agree. They've put floors in my last 2 trailers, as well as sundry modifications and replacement parts. It can be difficult getting hold of them on the phone but worth persevering.

 

[sport horse]

I waited many months for new sides for Ifor trailer via the local agent. When I mentioned it to the local horsebox builder he said be buys the sheets of 'stuff' (sorry dont know the tehnical term!) for builidng horseboxes and can easily cut to size and do the job. Was too late for me but would suggest looking for a local horsebox builder/service person and have a chat.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I waited many months for new sides for Ifor trailer via the local agent. When I mentioned it to the local horsebox builder he said be buys the sheets of 'stuff' (sorry dont know the tehnical term!) for builidng horseboxes and can easily cut to size and do the job. Was too late for me but would suggest looking for a local horsebox builder/service person and have a chat.

I would never use anything but genuine parts /panels. You just don't know what is inside the glossy top paint /layer .

 

[Tiddlypom]

The main Ifor dealer in Lancs has just posted on FB that the Ifor parts situation is improving. They have taken delivery of a load of spares including many side panels.

ETA Found the post

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0gb6gLv1U2bS1N5yseDHM9WcSjn9hzosz593w5hzTu4tUL8NLdFnNzbuR8afE6bHyl&id=100064155812699

 

[sollimum]

I had a side panel replaced last winter by a local horsebox/trailer service and repair place. They told me it is a fiddly job but have done quite a few now so they have worked out the best way to do it relatively quickly. They did a great job and ordered the part from IW which took about a month to arrive. If you let us know where you are located, then someone may know of a repairer close to you.

 

[miss_spooky_b329]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'm in Sussex

 

[sollimum]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'm in Sussex

I can message you the details of the repairers I use in Hampshire - it would be worth contacting them for a price at least and they use genuine IW parts.

 

[sport horse]

I would never use anything but genuine parts /panels. You just don't know what is inside the glossy top paint /layer .

I guess it depends on how much you trust your horsebox person. Mine has built boxes for years and I would trust him far more than IW. I think he is skilled enough to be able to assess the quality, thickness etc of the products he uses for his business. I waited two years for my IW parts through a very reliable maojr dealer. That is the reason I no longer have an IW trailer as I was forced to leave it sitting in the yard unused for that length of time. Shocking.

 

[TheBigPony]

Can I ask how often you need to replace the panels? I'm considering buying an ifor.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Can I ask how often you need to replace the panels? I'm considering buying an ifor.

It really depends on how the trailer has been looked after and stored.
If looked after the panels should last at least 10 years but the only way to be sure is to take it to a reputable person for checking.
If you press hard on any corners of the panels, there shouldn't be any movement at all. The panels can look perfect on the outside but be rotten and soft underneath.
505s are now coming to around 20 years of age so you'd want one re-built if you were buying a 505. I just bought a 2008 model and had it completely rebuilt.
It needed all new panels and ramps.
Personally I wouldn't by a 505 or 510 without it being rebuilt due to their age now.

 

[TheBigPony]

It really depends on how the trailer has been looked after and stored.
If looked after the panels should last at least 10 years but the only way to be sure is to take it to a reputable person for checking.
If you press hard on any corners of the panels, there shouldn't be any movement at all. The panels can look perfect on the outside but be rotten and soft underneath.
505s are now coming to around 20 years of age so you'd want one re-built if you were buying a 505. I just bought a 2008 model and had it completely rebuilt.
It needed all new panels and ramps.
Personally I wouldn't by a 505 or 510 without it being rebuilt due to their age now.

Thanks very much for the information.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Thanks very much for the information.

More info from the awesome Devizes Trailer Centre:

"
Trailer side panel post!

As a most of you are aware our 505 and 510 trailers have got to the age where the side panels can become rotten and are in need of replacement. If not please check regularly that there is no movement in the outer skin - usually starting in the corners or behind the wheels but will spread.

The problem we are now seeing more and more is replacement panels are not being fitted correctly making the trailer nearly as dangerous as when the panel was rotten!

If the rear corner pillar (the part that holds the rear ramp spring) has not been removed and then refitted with the correct structural rivets.
If the internal kick-board (behind the corner post) is not fixed.
If the side panels are not a genuine phenolic plywood panel with an aluminium skin (any gloss panels other than silver, white fibreglass panels, 'composite' panels, vinyl wrapped panels etc.).
If the structural bolts have not been fitted (the bolts at the bottom of the roof channels through the chassis, roof channel and side panel) sometimes this has been refitted with a sub-standard wood screw, small bolt or even an aluminium rivet.
Doors or ramps no longer fit or line up correctly (may be difficult to open).
If the panel has been joined in the middle.
If EVERY fixing, nut and bolt has not been replaced.

Any of the above and it has not been fitted correctly!!!

Please check the above if you or a friend have recently had a panel fitted (or bring it over to us for a free safety check).

Devizes Trailer Centre - Main Ifor Williams Distributors."