IWT 511HBX v Cheval Liberte

dixie

dixie

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I’m considering upgrading my 511 to a newer trailer and am considering both of these.
I’m drawn to the internal tack locker in the Cheval but am not sure of the quality of the build of these trailers.

Researching back through I see posts suggesting they are not the best but wondered if the new ones were improved.

Also I wonder about the resale value although that’s not the number one consideration.
 
I’ve got a 2 year old CL tourer (the smaller version) and absolutely love it! Have had it since new and zero issues with it really, they are fabulous trailers and give a very smooth ride for the horses. I know several people with them and they all love them. If I could I’d get the bigger XL version now just because there is more room for bigger horses, but we only have 1 14hh pony so it’s perfect for us. I have travelled a 16.1 TB in it too and it was fine.

Very good trailers and certainly haven’t experienced any of the so called build
Issues nor have any of my friends who have one (some have maxis too)
 
I looked at the CL because of the better suspension compared to the ifor but imo the build was poor and no back doors above the ramp just a curtain. The ifor is much sturdier but noiser.
 
I have an IW HBX511 and I wouldn't swap it for anything, I removed the centre partition and it has so much room. I have an integrated tack locker in it too
 
irishdraft said:
I looked at the CL because of the better suspension compared to the ifor but imo the build was poor and no back doors above the ramp just a curtain. The ifor is much sturdier but noiser.
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Me too. I had a look at the CL main dealer in Corwen fully intending to buy new and was shocked how at flimsy the build was 😳. I would never travel a horse in one. Check out what that whole shiny black front nose cone is made of - it’s single skinned plastic which not even strong enough to take a small CCTV camera screwed in - we asked the dealer about that.

We drove straight on to the Ifor main showroom, which is a few miles away, and the better standard of construction of the Ifors was clearly evident.

The CLs are better looking, the Ifors are better at safely carrying horses.

Have a look at this on the CL owners group, and how the centre partition failed with a horse in transit - the horse is still in situ. And somebody else who merely braked sharply and this is what happened to the breast bar. Backed up by others as to how flimsy they are.

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My CL Touring is fantastic, wouldn't have any other trailer, horses travel really well in it, have no issues with the build of mine, my husband is an engineer/mechanic so always checks it thoroughly before travelling and has never found issues, I've travelled up and down the country in mine.
 
Steerpike said:
My CL Touring is fantastic, wouldn't have any other trailer, horses travel really well in it, have no issues with the build of mine, my husband is an engineer/mechanic so always checks it thoroughly before travelling and has never found issues, I've travelled up and down the country in mine.
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Yep totally agree can’t fault mine either!

I personally found the ride in the ifor HBX trailers incredibly bouncy, I’d not have one!

I’d recommend trying both and see which you prefer? You can long term hire both types so you could feasibly see which suits?
 
Unsurprisingly mixed results !
I’m used to Ifors and find them nice solid trailers. I’ll have to see both in the flesh I think and whatever else is available.
 
I went to view the CL Touring with tack box but found it very flimsy, looks nice but I went back to the Ifor Williams because they are so much more stronger. I did hear that someones whole roof came off of one so that made my mind up. The steel to hold the breach bars are nothing compared with Ifor Williams. Stick with what you have and go with your gut. Good hunting.
 
I have a HBX511 from new and it's now nearly 6 years old.

I also take the partition out as one of mine is a particularly stressful traveler but since getting the HBX is travels like a pro.

I travel alot of miles in it, both short trips and motorway miles and I love it to tow. Certainly don't find it bouncy and have towed with a variety of vehicles.

I have a tack pack in the front (wheeled) but use this for saddle pads, rugs etc as my dressage saddles don't fit.

I do keep an eye on the market re swapping as I would love a bit of living but theres nothing I'd swap it for!

Ps. I also have the big awning for stayaways which is always very popular
 
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