New IW model

J

Jenz

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 July 2008
Messages
121
Visit site
I've been without a trailer for years (since my mum used to tow it!) and really miss it. I've got a pansy version of a 4x4 so didn't think I could tow anything, but apparently a single trailer could be an option. Apparently they are like rocking horse poo to buy second hand (waiting lists for them!), so have been looking at maybe buying new. I've been to Newport show today and quizzed the man on the IW stand!

However, in the brochure it says, and I quote, "A 4x4 may not be necessary to tow the HB403 (depending on vehicle’s towing capacity) and also provides towing options for drivers without the B+E category on their driving licence."

First question, will a Daihatsu Sportrak (not Fourtrak) pull that?
Secondly, why can you tow that without a B+E licence?? I thought you needed that for any size trailer, even a 2x2ft trailer just big enough for your shopping??
Thirdly, has anyone used a single trailer? Any feedback/downsides? Apart from the obvious that you can only fit in one horse!!!
Lastly, because the singles are rare do you lose less on depreciation when selling again (i.e. are they almost as expensive to buy secondhand?)
 
Regarding licence I believe the limit is 3.5 so if you had a car, a light weight single trailer and a trim pony you would get away with it. I personally wouldn't get a single incase I got something that wasn't a straight up the ramp and quiet as a lamb to travel.
 
No. In actual fact he refused point blank to load when I bought him and I then spent a whole summer sitting in a box reading a book with a bucket of feed on my lap! He now loads IF the front ramp is down and no one is standing behind him looking as if they're going to trap him in (as a result of every 'expert' under the sun tried lunge lines round his bum, blind folds, buckets of water etc.) But if ramp is down and no one around he does walk straight in (that hard work paid off).

But as soon as he's in he stands and travels really well. Am I being blonde, why would being a single make much difference? Apart from opening the partition across when loading, but the singles aren't an awful lot more narrow (much wider than half a trailer). Is there something I'm not thinking about? Please tell me, it's a lot of money to think 'I wish I'd though about that before i bought it'.
 
Well two reason, of course the less room, which would make a difference if you have a bigger, clasthpohic horse but also you don't have the opition of using another horse to load or travel with. I like to keep my opitions open for whatever I might get in the future but I think you'll be just find with your horse and if you have your own trailer he'll soon get very used to it : )
 
He's not very big and because of his past dislike of trailers I would be hesitant to load with anything I wasn't 100% sure wouldn't put him off anyway. Was also hoping if they held their value I wouldn't be lumbered with it and could swap for a double if I got a second or bigger horse. That would also include getting a bigger and better car! Thanks for the pointers, I totally see why in another situation they wouldn't be suitable. Just making sure it would suit me!
 
There are double trailers around that are lighter than the IWHB403, so it might be worth shopping around. Cheval Liberte have a range of trailers that are much lighter. I love mine, but it's a double not a single.
 
I would say....

a. get a double trailer
- more stable, better resale, more space - horse more likely to load.
b. Dependant on age you will need a towing test to tow a horse trailer legally. If in place, you can do upto 3,5 ton (IW box and two horses is fine)
c. you DONT NEED a 4 x 4 to tow a horse. its the payload which is important not having a 4 x 4, I would reckon your car would not be suited to towing due to the payload, engine size, unbrake load ability and I would reckon stability due to the length of wheel base which is important when towing.
d. All IW trailers barely lose value (unless damaged) - buying from new to be avoided due to VAT. Second hand is the best way forward. they are a good ROI trailer.
 
[ QUOTE ]
)
c. you DONT NEED a 4 x 4 to tow a horse. its the payload which is important not having a 4 x 4, I would reckon your car would not be suited to towing due to the payload, engine size, unbrake load ability and I would reckon stability due to the length of wheel base which is important when towing.

[/ QUOTE ]

ahhh but remember it is not the "pulling power" that is a problem with smaller cars/4x4s when towing.......its the braking. You must have a bigger sturdy car/4x4 that is heavier than the combined weight of the trailer and horse otherwise you wont have a hope in hells chance of stopping when you need to in an emergency!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top