trailer lovers - convert me!

anj789

anj789

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I've always been a lorry person but now from current truckless position am thinking of getting a 4x4 and trailer. Practically 4x4 isn't great for work / motorways but with recent snow and living in semi-rural area it could make more sense than running/taxing 2 engines. Shogun SWB seems best possibility, I don't want a tank!

But, I've never liked trailers and based on very little experience of them, my prejudices are:
less comfortable for horse than a lorry
always look really 'rattly'
always seem to crawl along
don't know what horse is up to
no room for 'stuff' / getting changed etc

Anyone out there got thoughts on the above & can help convert me? Thanks!
 
You never get stuck on a muddy field waiting to be towed out and you never have 'my lorry won't start' problems.............!
 
my lorry starts first time everytime,its nice and warm and cosy,if you get stuck in this weather at least you can go and have a kip in the bed over the cab lol
 
My trailer isn't scruffy/rattly - I've noticed mine to be less rattly than other makes though, I have a Bateson.

It also has a large tack locker, I can fit 2 saddles, 2 bridles, a bucket and a grooming tray in there.

Mine both travel well in it, and I could fit a camera if I wanted, but with a big window I can see in anyway.

You are speed limited when towing to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on motorways, however, even when we have borrowed a lorry we haven't hit those speeds.

Its also infinately more comfy on a long journey to be sitting in the nice warm car!
 
I used to have a lorry and whenever I went to use it it would never start.
In the winter I do not compete much so had all the expense of it without using it.
I now have an Equitrek with the living in and it is fab.
I haven't used mine since September and it has sat here and not cost me a penny!
I also used to have an Ifor but wouldnt have another as I do like the living area in the Equitrek and the horses travel much better in it.
smile.gif
 
Sorry not "re crazymare" - I dont know how to change it tho... )

Equitrek with small living, wireless camera - sorted!!! Horses travel well in them and you have extra storage space if needed. You get the best of both worlds. Maintenance / running costs are cheaper. The downside is that you will need at least a Shogun LWB to tow them. We had a Mitsu L200 and they were not legal to tow them.

I have traditionally always disliked trailers (for all the usual reasons including manoevarability!) but never been able to justify / have the money, to keep both car and lorry on the road.

I can honestly say that having the Shogun / Equitrek combo has been a real pleasure. They tow superbly and easily. The horses travel well in them and they are soooooo easy to manoever (reversing being a pet hate of mine!!! - especially in narrow country lanes when incredibly lost!!! *roll eyes* )
 
Interesting, thanks. I have seen Equitreks around, certainly look more substantial.
So - manoeuvrability - good point. What about the 'myth' also in my mind of what happens if it's windy? Don't trailers wiggle all over the place?
 
Not this one!!! I have towed many different trailers over the years. I am totally hooked on my "Trek" This one hugs the ground. It is solid without being heavy. They are nicely balanced so dont tend to wiggle / wobble or get caught n the wind.

Yes they are expensive and I am very lucky to have had one bought for me. But they are an investment, especially if you have "various" who have varying needs.

My old boy for example will not load into a rear load trailer because he is convinced "he will hit his head and there is no way that at 17.3 he is going to fit into it!!!" (*roll eyes* ) The baby (Friesian) likes to "experiment" with everything, but hasn't managed to damage anything yet. The welsh thug is just that! LOL

They have a good build quality and plenty of space for the horses. They are nice and solid to tow and I have the confidence that I can leave the trailer if at a show and my equipment will be safe as you can lock everything up.
 
Easier to store.
One vehicle to tax.
One vehicle to insure.
Tow with a 4x4 and you'll never get stuck in a sodden showground.
Cheaper to buy.
Won't suffer if not used regularly.

As for being rattly - take a look at some of the ancient lorries wheezing their way into local shows! There are advantages to both, but financially, you cannot beat a trailer.
 
Nah, I'd stick to my lorry - feel far too safe and know too many people (my sister included) who have been involved in horrendous accidents with trailers.

I would rather get a small wagon. Maintain it properly you shouldn't have problems starting it. We couldn't start ours the other day - realised cos we don't have an isolator (yet) and the taco had run the battery down. Simple to rectify - recharge battery and disconnect when box not in use.
 
For me it's lorry all the way after losing a horse in a trailer accident. My lorry starts first time every time, horse travels very well in it, and I have a small living at the back (I've got a 3.5t). I did find my Bateson trailer I had was not too rattly (and it wasn't the trailer involved in the accident) but for me I couldn't use a trailer again.
 
Another vote for Equitrek here, having done 2 stay away shows with it, don't know how I managed before!! Like aniother poster I haven't used it since October, pony has had a tendon op, so its parked up not costing anything.
 
Equitrek all the way! weve got the star trekka - loadsa room in the living - double bunks, toilet, hob, sink etc, plus plenty of storeage for horsey stuff incl the horse shower.

mine doesnt rattle, the horses love it and is fantastic to tow - My OH collected it today and towed it away in all the snow we had this morning - he loved it, said he didnt feel any difference it being on the back of his Range Rover.

wouldnt go back to a lorry.
 
My 17.2 prefers his trailer to a lorry.

Probably because he is yet to find a lorry that has as much room as his ifor 510.

With his trailer he will load straight away, with a lorry he takes persuasion and sweats up.

As far as I am concerned there is swings and roundabouts to both. the main advantage of a trailer is you travel in comfort, the main advantage to a lorry there is more confort when you get there.
 
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