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wgs
Bronze Member
162 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 09:25:40 AM
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Hi All, am after some advice on which trailer to buy. My boy is 16hh (Pure bred so fairly lightweight) with the possibility of sometimes taking a 13.2hh part bred so dont need anything too big.
Had begun shopping with my heart set on a 505 Ifor Williams up to about 5 years old but have just been introduced to a new Cheval Liberte which I can buy brand new for about the same price as a second hand Ifor.
The Cheval is very lightweight, light and airy inside, with loads of nice additional features. There is no wood to it so in principle shouldn't rot,it has a plastic floor but am just not 100% happy with the overall sturdiness (sp?)of the build. Does anyone have any experience of these trailers? It looks lovely but wonder if long term it will match up to the good old Ifor Williams.
Advice please!!!
Thanks, Sarah
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Kharidian
Platinum Member
England
4297 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 09:40:41 AM
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Hi Sarah,
I've heard good reports (not first hand, only on t'internet) of the Cheval Liberte. However I don't think anything could persuade me to part with my 10 year old, as good as new Ifor Wiliams 505!
Caryn |
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud)
aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips"
     
The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
South-East Essex |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 09:44:44 AM
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Hi,
just to throw a spanner in the works, I have no idea what the Cheval Liberte is like, but I would recommend a Bateson - I found it towed better than the Ifor Williams, is light and airy inside and I have owned my current one for ten years with no issues about sturdiness. I also feel safer with the ramp opening onto the verge rather than into the road (i.e. on the left rather than the right), should I have to unbox on a road due to some unforeseen circumstance. I rented a brand new Ifor Williams to take my youngster to a show while the Bateson was being serviced, and I really wasn't very impressed.
I don't know whether this helps or just muddies the water.... |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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jillandlomond
Platinum Member
Scotland
3586 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 09:48:50 AM
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Ifor Williams have been in the business of manufacturing trailers for many many years, for very good reason.....they're the best!
I'd advise you to go for the 510 model though, which will give your 16hh horse extra head room. |
    
Borders, Scotland |
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Kharidian
Platinum Member
England
4297 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 10:31:45 AM
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Callisto,
I'd never thought about what side the front ramp is on as I don't use it! I've seen too many accidents with horses rushing/jumping off the front ramp. All the horses I've travelled in mine (and everyone else on the yard who has trailers) backs out - much quieter and safer IMO!
Jillandlomond,
Good point about the headroom.
Caryn |
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud)
aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips"
The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
South-East Essex |
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wgs
Bronze Member
162 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 10:36:01 AM
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That is one of the reasons why I like the Cheval, its front ramp is on the left, you can also open both ramps as a door so they horse can step in and out, good or bad?? The cheval also has 7'6 head room which is considerably more than the Ifor. Decisions decisions!!!  |
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precious
Platinum Member
England
2253 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 2:38:07 PM
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| If you go for the I for W510 rather than the 505 the extra headroom makes a difference. |
     
Gemma Thompson
Birmingham West Midlands
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nn
Gold Member
England
659 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 2:48:59 PM
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Ifor every time for me.
I now have a wagon but loved my ifor.When i sold it i lost no money on it as we got back what we had payed minus the VAT.
My neighbours have a cheval but they found that there horse didnt travel as well as in the ifor so have put it up for sale to replace it with an ifor!
Nicky |
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spyros
Bronze Member
England
210 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 3:07:51 PM
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| We have the 506 IFOR williams, fantastic trailer gives the same height as the 510 but not as wide perfect for a 16 hh Arab. |
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enewton
Gold Member
England
549 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 3:21:12 PM
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I had an Ifor for a couple of years, towed everywhere. Wouldn't knock them at all.
However I bought a new Bateson earlier this year and love it, I have towed it from Kent to Teeside and back and did feel like it towed a little better than the Ifor. (altough I now tow with a Range Rover and used to tow with a Freelander) |
Emma Newton
  
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kimzi
Gold Member
865 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 5:56:05 PM
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| Cheval also make the robinsons requisite trailers,after owning both types i would never go back to an ifor, the larger horses travel so much better in the cheval made trailers we have found. Good luck on you're hunt! |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
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kimzi
Gold Member
865 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 5:57:45 PM
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| sorry had to add you can also choose which side you want the front unload on on the requisite trailers. |
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Karon
Gold Member
England
1411 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 7:06:58 PM
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| I've got a Cheval Liberte, the horses travel really well in it and the Pullman suspension makes for a smoother ride for them than an IW gives. I also like the ramp on the left, and everything is easy to handle and move around. I can move the trailer on my own by hand. The ramps also come out like doors which makes loading up with hay easy! Mine really don't like travelling in IWs, in fact I started having loading problems with Ash and Shef after they travelled in an IW and the ones of mine who load easily are the ones who have never been in an IW. |
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moatside
Platinum Member
England
3224 Posts |
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wgs
Bronze Member
162 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 9:48:35 PM
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This is interesting reading but am now even more confused!! The Cheval seems to be quite impressive all round.
what about resale value, anyone any ideas, as theres not many for sale to compare?
Doh |
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Nedds71
Gold Member
Wales
679 Posts |
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Mrs Vlacq
Platinum Member
Wales
3776 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 10:51:43 PM
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Would have to have the biggest IW as they are solid, sound and last! Have nosied around a lot of newer/lighter/posher ones and been tempeted but have known good travellers be awfully on edge in Bateson and Rice. Having stood in the classic 505 I do feel cramped (having got so used to the extra room in larger version).
There are things to like and niggle about all of them, but a s/h Ifor is always a good bet! |
    
- V Khazad - V Calacirya & V Sulime - Quarida(L) - V Boogie Knights - V Hamra Tofiq |
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pat ww
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3459 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2009 : 10:36:33 PM
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My friend swears by the Rice Beaufort double that takes 2 16.2's. She says it is much better build quality than Cheval or Ifor, and its current new prices is 6,300.
Its advantages are that it opens on the kerb side in case you have limited unloading room, much safer. And you can open the jockey door from the inside so you can't get locked in as with the Ifor.
Hers has the hitch lock, saddle racks, pourable water container on the side so you don't have to take it off the vehicle, usual centre pole partition, floors guaranteed for life, aluminium with coating and one piece rubber mat.
Its her pride and joy, only 4 years old and hardly used, but now her husband has been made redundant will have to put it up for sale. The local Rice dealer says it is still worth 3750.
The old Rice I have is 40 plus years old and still solid as a rock!
If anyone would like her contact details just PM me, as it will have to be sold sooner rather than later. |
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vanishtrik
Bronze Member
England
136 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2009 : 07:34:46 AM
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| i had a 25year old rice, my horses always travelled well in it,i was reluctant to sell it, but i have a 510 ifor now and it tows well and the horses like it too so thumbs up for both, |
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angelarab
Platinum Member
Wales
2876 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2009 : 08:26:37 AM
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| I like the Ifor Williams, Was looking at Cheval but worry about parts for servicing etc and they do look a bit weak, Ifor hold value very well if i had the cash i would only be looking for an Ifor HB510 or 511 |
 "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
www.northwalesarab.co.uk |
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jennie
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
130 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2009 : 12:23:52 AM
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| Sold my wagon because I am out of the country a lot and it was left standing. Borrowed a Cheval, bought a Rice, sold it - big heavy lump of a thing, borrowedan Equitec (overpriced) and now have a IW. Best resale value, easy to hitch on & off alone. My mare is a real diva and has travelled best in the IW. But of course your tow vehicle will influence your decision. Can you not do as I did and borrow just to see. Good luck!! |
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wgs
Bronze Member
162 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2009 : 12:46:09 PM
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Just wanted to say eveyone and all your advice.....after all that I opted for the Bateson Ascot, hopefully have made the right choice - it does seem a lovely box!!
Thanks all !!! |
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Gemma
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1802 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2009 : 5:59:54 PM
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| I have a Bateson Ascot. You won't be disappointed - they are EXCELLENT trailers. |
 
Photo 2: West End Photography |
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Trailer Advice Please
