Rice Horse Trailers

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kymw90

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I want to get a trailer but I really cannot afford anything over £1200. I see lots of the Rice trailers for under that an was wondering what people thought about them and if any I you have bought a proper cheapo and had good experience with them. I'd be transporting donkeys and it wouldn't get tons of use so really just wanting something that's there when I need it but safe. Before you say oh just hire one that's ok but i won't be able to always get booked in because everyone hiring on the same day.

Also what should I check when going to view a trailer? Floor etc should I ask to try towing it before buying?

I can do work on one if need be like looks tatty and electrics but I don't want one that's unsafe on the axels and floor so what should I check? My friend got a trailer for around same price and it wasn't perfect, needed a bit of work but it's a great box an we can't share because it's not big enough for 4.
 
floor, brakes and tyres are most important. Also hitch it up and make sure electrics work. Rice trailers are pretty much bullet proof but very heavy so you may need a 4wd to tow it even with donkeys in. Make sure the ramp lifts and fastens easily - if someone has had a big horse in there and it has leaned on the ramp or been tricky to load it may be warped or the springs may need adjusting. Check that that partition is easy to move, and have an especially good look at the floor where it slots in and also against the walls - people often leave dirty bedding in these areas and it causes rotting.
 
I have a Rice trailer. I find they are heavier to tow than some other makes, but I think this gives the horse a more stable ride.

Do check the framework and axles as if they are very rusty and starting to wear it may cost more than the trailer is worth to replace parts/have bits welded. The floor is quite easy to replace - I did mine with tongue and groove, bottom layer front to back and top layer side to side. Marine ply is not safe!

The electrics need doing but for now I am using a trailer board.

I have never asked to tow a trailer before buying but have connected electrics to see if they work.

What area are you in? If anywhere near me you are welcome to come and see what I have done to mine :)
 
As has been said, they are sturdy well built but heavy trailers. The mechanics on a trailer are pretty simple but possibly a test tow would tell you if the electrics are working & also if the brakes on the trailer are working. They should come on under braking of the towing vehicle. Check out the floor & the ramp floor for rot. Also look at the walls of the tyres as they can crack up by being left parked up & sunlight effects them.

I bought an old horse trailer years ago & cleaned it up, re-wired it & painted it. I used car paint & a gloss roller to apply it. I finished it off with a couple of coach lines & 'jumping horse' transfers. It looked really nice. I sold it after about 4 years use & made a profit on it. It's not rocket science, if you are willing mto do some work on it yourself you can end up with a really good & relative;ly cheap trailer.
 
Love mine - sounds like you have a small summer project on your hands!
I find things that are nervous in an Ifor will often travel better in the Rice due to the smoother ride. - But yes, they are heavy and will need a 4x4
 
The Rice Europa is only 747kg unladen, so they are not all big heavy beasts!

Love mine, but they do need ongoing maintenance, but like all trailers really.
 
I'd rather have a 30 year old Rice than a 10 year old IFOR.

My first trailer was a PRE-WAR Richardson, on leaf springs! When a wheel stud went, we couldn't get a replacement, so the blacksmith had to drill and plate the hubs. It's probably still going...
 
Thanks everyone that's sealed my decision then. Cosmetics i will deal with and I like a project to keep me busy when riding isn't available. All I care about is that the safety of my girls so yeh I when time comes ill test hitch and check tyres and lights and all. My dad has the 4x4 and he will come with me to look and check it over. He knows what he's looking at. I asked my friend and she said we've spent little on ours all that needed was the jockey door rehung and electrics because the donkeys actually chewed the wiring and a blast from a pressure washer. Best get saving then
 
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