When buying a second-hand horse trailer, it’s important to take your time and check it thoroughly. A careful inspection helps ensure both safety and long-term reliability. Here are the main things to look out for:

• Check the trailer’s history:
Confirm legitimate ownership and rule out any risk of the trailer being stolen by verifying the chassis number with the manufacturer.

• Inspect the overall condition:
Look carefully for rust, structural corrosion, and any damage to the chassis, flooring, side panels, and tyres.

• Test the ramp and brakes:
Make sure the ramp is easy enough for one person to lift and lower, and check that the braking system works smoothly and effectively.

• Examine the roof and electrics:
Inspect for leaks, damaged seals, working lights, and secure connection cables to ensure everything meets safety standards.

• Assess size and capacity:
Ensure the trailer is spacious enough for your horse and that your tow vehicle is rated to safely pull the trailer when loaded.

• Know the trailer types:
Choose a model suited to your towing vehicle and the number of horses you plan to transport.

By following these steps, you can make a confident, informed purchase—helping to ensure a safe, comfortable journey for you and your horse.

We have added this qestion as people don’t like to ask you MUST BE AWARE. If you’ve found a trailer that appears suitable, it’s essential to confirm its legitimacy before focusing on its mechanical condition.

Unlike cars, trailers don’t require the same registration documents, so carrying out a thorough check is especially important.

Start by reviewing the trailer’s history and locating the serial or chassis number stamped on the frame, which can help confirm ownership and reduce the risk of buying a stolen trailer.

Always ask to see any available paperwork and cross-check it against official records, such as service or maintenance history.

Some manufacturers keep registers of stolen trailers, so when buying privately it’s wise to contact the manufacturer with the chassis number for verification.

Missing items such as partitions or breastplates can also be a warning sign, as stolen trailers are often stripped for parts. In these cases, checking with the manufacturer is advisable, as the trailer may be flagged as stolen and replacement parts may not be available.

When you buy a trailer from us ALL our trailers whether horse or plant, these are always TER checked - NEVER buy a trailer that hasnt been or the plate on the side is illegible or clearly too modern for the trailer. If in doubt ask us, we can help.

This is easier than you think, and most sellers guess or mislead you. We have on many occasions looked at buying a trailer and been told “its a 2015”. When we ask for a photo of the side plate we can tell the age from it… some sellers still try to say that we are wrong. If in doubt ask us to check if you find a trailer that is with someone else, we are happy to advise.

Sure, we can do that no problem. We will do a video | facetime | whatsapp so you can see exactly what you are buying.

Always check the lights, connection cables, breakaway cables and electrical systems to guarantee they meet safety standards.

If the trailer has been recently repainted, be sure it’s not covering up something which could be a problem down the road.

Well this is easy?

Lets reverse the question - what happens when you buy a brand new car?.. what happens to the value immediately when you’ve driven it off the forecourt.. you loose a lot of money straight away.

Buying a used/second-hand trainer is the most cost-effective option in the short term, with the potential for customisation, and a slower depreciation in cost.

(A) If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you will normally keep your existing entitlements to drive a vehicle with a trailer.

(B) If you passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997, you must pass an extra driving test to get entitlement to drive categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE.

(C) Since 16 December 2021, if you have passed a car test (B) you can automatically drive a car with a trailer (BE).

The Ifor Williams HB403, HB506 and HB511 horse trailers are designed for different numbers and sizes of horses.

The HB403 is a single-horse trailer, ideal for transporting one horse up to around 16.2hh, and is lighter and easier to tow, making it well suited to smaller towing vehicles and horses that prefer more individual space.

The HB506 is a mid-sized double trailer built to carry two average-sized horses, offering a balanced combination of internal space, stability and practicality for everyday use.

The HB511 is the largest model in the range, providing extra width and length to comfortably accommodate two larger horses, making it the best choice for owners of bigger breeds or those wanting maximum space.

All three models share Ifor Williams’ reputation for strength, durability and good ventilation, with the main differences being size and carrying capacity.