Equitrek Trailers

[Jolie]

I am considering changing my horsebox for a equitrek tailer, does anyone have any thoughts, good / bad or in-different. Thanks

[ponymum]

A friend of mine bought an equitrek but hated towing it...she went to a 3.5 lorry instead...

[Jolie]

Thanks, what was the reason for not liking towing them?

[Auntycath]

I towed one several times for a friend, and hated every single occasion. It was a huge thing - not sure which model I'm afraid - but had three axles and had VERY low ground clearance. Bearing in mind I was towing with a 4.6L Range Rover, I didn't expect to feel it shoving me round even the gentlest bends in roads; had I not been mostly transporting in-foal mares and therefore going fairly slowly, it could quite easily have jack-knifed the whole rig. Also, on one occasion going up the rather well worn A34 to Newbury, the trailer would not "sit" steadily, and rode around from side to side in the lorry grooves, pushing against the car all the way. Luckily on that occasion the trailer was empty - any passengers would have felt rather ill. I can't imagine what it would have been like with a full load on board.

[poop]

After seeing one on the back of a recovery lorry that had obviously gone over on its side and all the fibreglass was wrecked all down one side it reminded me why i think trailers are a no no. Hope there wasnt a horse inside when it happened.

[thecremellosociety]

i like my cheval liberte and wouldnt swapit for the world, light and safe and corners smoothly doesnt pull or jerk and can easily be stopped in emergency by our discovery, freind has a Equi trek, trying to be posh i think it looks more like a posh burger van and after follwoing it and seeing it woblle will stick with what i know !

[baileybob]

I have just ordered a Show Trekka M and I can't wait for it to arrive. The Show Trekka M is much shorter and lighter than both the Show Trekka L and the 5 STAR which you would need a top end (weight wise) towing vehicle to tow, it is HUGE and very heavy - it must border the top of a kerb weight for even a Disco or a Range Rover - in fact have just looked, the 5 Star weighs 1800kg and a Range Rover's kerb weight is 2220kgs - by my maths that only leaves 420kg for horse??? - although the max towing capacity of a Range Rover is 3500kgs - but if the tail weighs more than the dog, it can wag it!. The M is the same width (including wheel arches) as my Ifor, just a few feet longer and only 250kgs heavier. I will only ever be towing 1 horse as otherwise I would exceed the kerb weight of my 4X4 - but that is fine for me, I only have one horse! The M has a very small but perfectly formed living, which will do me fine for somewhere to eat, change and sleep in privacy.

I have been considering one of these for 2 years now and have asked many people on showgrounds who have them what they think - I don't think I have had a negative answer yet.

It is worth remembering though that it is recommended you travel a single horse in the off side rather than near side to balance out the weight of the ramp.

ETA - might have my near's and off's confused (I have just finished a night shift then ridden my horse, so I am a bit tired) but I'm sure you know what I mean!

[ponymum]

Mar 2, 2009 21:52:25 GMT Jolie said:

Thanks, what was the reason for not liking towing them?

She just said it felt unsafe and was worried if a gust of wind blew at them it would tip up!

[helenatrunshaw]

Think they are a bit like marmite, you love them or hate them. I know people who wouldn't swap them for the world and others that just couldn't get on with them and gone back to lorries/ ifor williams. I like the theory behind them and having been in one find them very practical working but personally wouldn't have one, or indeed any trailer full time.

[Jolie]

Might stick with my Renault master then, was only thinking of one to save money on tax and Mot.

[gniwxaw]

We had an equitrek. When ponies were in it, it towed like a dream but when empty found it was all over the place. Definately prefered my ifor!

[diane]

Mar 3, 2009 11:45:37 GMT @helenatrunshaw said:

Think they are a bit like marmite, you love them or hate them. I know people who wouldn't swap them for the world and others that just couldn't get on with them and gone back to lorries/ ifor williams. I like the theory behind them and having been in one find them very practical working but personally wouldn't have one, or indeed any trailer full time.

And we all know what I thought about mine don't we Helen I sold my lorry in May 2008 and bought a new StarTreka...used in three times and then gave non horsey husband a heart attack by begging to go back to a lorry Sold ET in December and bought ny lovely new lorry....a lesson learnt as they say ...and don't even ask about getting it stuck up an allyway in Yorkshire compliments of the SatNav

[dsmum]

I have had two and both I and my horses loved it....very easy to tow if you have the right car - I had a shogun as they are heavy. Dont budge on the motorways when heavy lorries pass you and very easy to manage on your own. I didnt lik the living which was offered by equitrek so had my own done complete with TV, microwave and so on. I have just bought a lorry as I now tend to stay away 3 or more nights and wanted a bit more comfort otherwise I wouldnt have sold it. Good luck.