Side loading trailer

[gina2201]

Looking at buying my own trailer soon, and considering a side loading trailer. My horse will reluctantly load into a rear load trailer (travels well) but takes time and some convincing to load. As I'm wanting and will need on occasion to take her out on my own I want to make this much less stressful for all of us.

She loads into a 3.5t lorry perfectly fine, so obviously finds the space, height and possibly rear facing travel direction more preferable. I have looked at the Equitreks which look promising but having a quick google are there issues with these? Or a certain range of years to avoid? Or any other brands to consider? I also find the small living/storage area a bonus with these trailers!

Thank you.

 

[Annagain]

It depends on the model - the early Show Trekkas had issues with axles and stories of poor customer service when they went wrong. The Space Trekkas haven't had the same problems as they're not so heavy and the really big ones (name ecapes me) haven't as they have triple axles.

All of them of a certain age are prone to problems with the ramps - the seal when the ramp closes isn't great so water gets in and soaks under the rubber into the wood on the ramp which then softens. They did solve it, I believe, with improved seals. I'm not sure when problems were sorted sorry but some googling should help you find the answer.

The only slight downside to everyday ownership is that the tyres have to be pumped up to a really high pressure and the air machines at garages won't go high enough. We have to take my friend's to the local tyre place and put a few quid in the charity box in return for them pumping up the tyres. If you have your own compressor it's not such a big deal.

Other than that, they're great trailers. They tow really well, my horse travels much better facing backwards and is much easier to load on my friend's Equitrek than my IW. I'm saving up for one.

 

[gina2201]

Thank you for the reply.

Aside from finding the right model and year the things you mention wouldn't be a problem, they certainly sound promising as I really feel the extra head height and space inside helps my mare load and travel better, as they load like a little lorry. I shall certainly be doing some more research whilst saving up!

 

[marmalade88]

Following as also looking for side loading trailer.

 

[Annie B.]

I owned a 7.5 tonne Equitrek from new and the quality is nothing short of appalling. Repeatedly taken back with faults and dreadful workmanship, I was sent away with trailers and various small boxes and all suffered the same problems. I found it intriguing that each time I used the wagon or replacement loose screws would turn up on the floor or in the lockers as the vehicles literally fell apart. There are many other company's out there I just wouldn't put yourself through the hassle of owning one of these.x

 

[MissJessica]

I have a tricky loader and couldn't afford a 3.5 tonne that wasn't rusting or falling to bits so over time I passed my trailer test...months later changed my car for a 4x4 & then again...months later once the bank had time to fill up again found the right trailer. I purchased an EquiTrek trail trekka m which is side loading & I love it.

 

[gina2201]

I did come across the Trail Trekka which seems to be a much newer model and based on a regular size trailer, can't find any tried and tested reviews on it though (build quality/safety) etc although they seem to be the best of both worlds although they do face forwards in them....might have to try and test one

 

[Sprig]

Have you tried loading/travelling without a partition? I have a Bateson Ascot and do that with mine. It also has barn doors so the horse just steps up in to the back (there is a small pull out ramp but we never use it). They all seem to love it.

 

[Nativelover]

It was the 2007 trailers that had axle problems. So avoid those unless there's proof of the replacement.
I had a 2008 showtrekka and it was the best trailer I've owned. Gutted when I sold it but I just couldn't afford a big 4x4 at the time.
I would check everything though, and have it serviced. My boy loved travelling in it, very stable and gave a good ride. The set up is great as the partition is moveable. Plus the living was a godsend !!

 

[popsdosh]

I went from a lorry to a space treka and not regretted it . I had never been a equi trek lover up till then but everything loads well into it and they tow so ewasily with none of the crashing around and noisy suspension of an ifor.
The Equi trek is the only side loader you will get as they somehow managed to get a patent on it so nobody else can use it. However that wont last forever and when they can more manufacturers will go side load as well.

 

[Hannahgb]

I have a 2 yr old Space Trekka. One horse has always been a nightmare to load but walks straight up the ramp wit this. Also have a large 18hh who fits brilliantly in the trailer with room to spare. Love having the space at the front for tack etc too rather than filling the car up!