Trailers - max load

[maxapple]

I have an old richardson trailer. Its the larger version (similar dimensions to Ifor 510) and is very solid and heavy. I pull it with a diatsu 4 track (which can pull 3.5 tonnes)

How can i estimate the load it can take? Its old and has no 'instructions' / tages etc inside.

I'm asking as i'm supposed to be taking my friends to a local show next week - two chunky 16.1 horses and just want to be sure it will be ok??

 

[scrumpygus]

If it helps i have a ifor williams 510 and take both a 17hh and 16'1 out together regularly in it - no probs at all.

 

[maxapple]

Thank you !

I'm sure it will be fine too

 

[Donkeymad]

Take it to a weighbridge and weigh it empty. Take this weight away from 2.5T. The answer is the weight you can carry (which needs to include any tack, water etc)

 

[xena_wales]

Why 2.5t?

OP, I would start by contacting Richardson and asking them to identify the trailer (maybe from a pic or is there a serial no anywhere?) and tell you what weight it was DESIGNED to carry.

Then you can take a little bit off this to allow for the trailer's age.

The Ifor Williams 505 max weight is 2340kg and the 511 is 2600kg, so approx 1400kg payload in the 505, which would be two VERY chunky 16 handers.

If I were you, I would have a good look underneath to check that the floor and the crossbracing underneath is sound, and a visual check that the rest of the trailer structure (frame etc) is ok. Hopefully you keep it regularly serviced, so the brakes etc should be ok, and your towing vehicle should be well up to the job!