Trailer opinions - equitrek v's Ifor?

[gightpony]

As much as I would love to move onto a 7.5t with living, it just ain't happening until we buy a house (

So, looking at getting a trailer. I have kind of narrowed it down to an Ifor 506 or an equitrek 'trail treka' and was wondering what people had heard / experienced with them - good and bad. Been trawling forums online, but they all seem to be quite old so looking for an update??

[jmk]

I bought one of the 511's last year and I'm very pleased with it. They did have a bit of bad press when they were first made but I think they have overcome the problems now. It is very airy and tows like a dream with 2 big horses. I did like the look of the equi trek's and the storage area but my concern was they are enclosed, which for long ferry journeys I would be concerned about the lack of air circulating in it.

Sorry can't be more help

[nag777]

I have had an Equitrek and loved it. However, you have to have a large powerful towing vehicle because they are pretty heavy etc.

[alanatabz]

I bought a 511 last year, and despite several visits to dealer, still have concerns on trailer juddering on turning one way. when horse is loaded in drivers side, problem is not apparent in passenger side of trailer.

As long as I carry one horse on drivers side, no problem.

[gill]

Do you mean it only happens when you travel a single horse in the passenger side? Because you're meant to travel a single horse in the driver's side, so that might explain it?

[haltnotsquare]

Of the two I'd go for an Ifor, tried and tested and personally think the trail trekka is quite ugly and very dark inside, the partition is very cumbersome and weirdly shaped - IMO!!

I have a Bateson and love it but obviously the 511 can carry bigger cuddys than it ;-)

[alanatabz]

The problem happens when I put horse on drivers side, the trailer judders on left hand turns and on one occasion hurt the horse. After 2 attempts to look at it, safer option is put the horse in Passenger side!

[gill]

Ah I see - not good!

[Vicky]

I really like the look of the trail treka and contacted Equi Trek with regards dealer, waiting times etc .... that was last November and I've not yet heard from them !!!

So I'm always very wary of buying from companies with bad pre-sales customer service, as it often sets the pace for their after sales service !!!

However, on our recent holiday the M6 was closed because a trailer had overturnt (being towed by a new discovery) and the horses had ended up loose on the carriageway, ending up with north and south carriageways being closed. It was a new style Ifor and had crumpled like a pack of cards on going over, honest to gord you couldn't credit how mangled it was - would have provided absolutely no protection to the horses inside it whatsoever and I vowed I'd never buy an Ifor !

At least with the more 'structured' trail treka you stand some hope of it withstanding an accident, gord forbid like.

[gightpony]

Thanks guys.
I don't need anything big (inula is only 14.2, and the majority of the time it will just be her in the box). Towing with a SWB Shogun.
The trail trekas weight wise are on a par with the ifors. I like the idea of the side loading as she likes to see whats going on when at a show - however, their jockey door is on the same side as the ramp, so god forbid it flipped onto that side, how do you get in?
As you say, the new ifors have had a varied review - but then so have equitrek over the years (although very hard to find a review of the trail treka)

Really just don't know what to go for. OH will want to buy new more than likely so looking for something that will hold its value.
I really liked our old rice trailer, but they are really expensive new and dont have a great resale value...aarrggghh

[tamstouch]

Ive had the Trail treka- i dont anymore as i just did not like it one bit!, it looks so tall and narrow IMO,
BUT It was very easy to tow and the horses liked it , the tack compartment from inside is plastic as is the paneling round the bottom outside which to me is just waiting to be kicked and broken= more money!

[boo]

i have looked at trailers and if i ever sell my lorry it will be the trail treka, main reason its the only trailer that a freelander can tow within the weight limit & the way the partition moves is ideal as i could have 1/4 of the trailer for storage/toilet etc and 3/4 for 1 horse, i am never ever planning on taking fred +1 again lol!

[frozzy]

I bought a new Multitreka last year and as much as I love the trailer it has "niggles" that require sorting.
What I ordered was an M with tack locker, what I got was an L with no tack locker. This was from John Gibson at Biggar. He promised me he would swap them over when the one I had ordered came in. Guess what? no swap and no communication from Mr Gibson. The front bar is set at horse height and when we tried to drop it to the lower height my OH had to get out his drill!! The bulkhead is splitting away from the side and the tie rings/haynet rings are in the most peculiar positions. We got no warranty information or paperwork and NO receipt. When my OH took it up with Equitrek they told us they dont speak to customers, to take it up with the dealer. My OH does not give up easily and eventually spoke to the MD who is as much use as a chocolate watch. He is clueless as to what goes on in his company to the extent that he totally denied they had a dealer in Castle Douglas. (Its Robertson Gemini btw).
Mr Gibson after obviously having his ear chewed by Equitrek turned up without even the courtesy of a teleohone call at 6.45 in the morning. He was told to go away and arrange an appt suitable to both of us. He didnt phone again but once more turned up unannounced without a phone call clutching a tube of silicone.
The problems are not sorted out and although I asked Mr Gibson to phone my husband he did not so my advice to those buying an Equitrek of any model is choose your dealer carefully. Caveat Emptor!!!

[alisonm]

Not keen on Equi-treks for towing. Personally prefer the old style Ifor Williams 505, very sturdy, more stable for towing and much better build quality than new style IMO.

[kermie]

Not one of your options, but the Bateson all the way for me - much better suspension than the IWs....try jumping up and down in them and you will feel the difference