Inexpensive "hobby" trailers

[donkmeister]

Next year I would like to buy a small trailer for tip runs (we have a max size allowed at our tip, IIRC a 1.8*1.2m bed but will double check before purchase!) and taking on continental holidays.

For my limited usage I can't really justify the premium brands such as Ifor Williams. So the obvious choices are the Daxara/Erde trailers that are available at so many places. I'm not dead set on a new one but as they seem to hold their value a used one might not offer much of a saving.

Are there other brands in this part of the market I should be investigating?

[smokey mow]

I’ve had mesh sided versions of both the Ifor Williams P8E and now currently a P5E, i know you said you can’t justify the cost but if you could stretch the budget I would thoroughly recommend them.

I came from having ERDE trailers and the quality of the IW is vastly superior, and the mesh sides together with a waterproof cover are so useful for the tip runs.

The P8E I bought new and kept for around 5 years, I sold it last year for almost the same as I’d bought it for 5years previously so it had cost me absolutely nothing in that time.

[KTMsm]

There's no point buying a Rolls-Royce to pop to the shops

Just have a look on Facebook, eBay, etc and buy a cheap galvanized trailer. The make doesn't matter, they're all up to the job for tip runs

I have a lightweight galvanized trailer that I bought second hand to use behind the lawn tractor and it has taken 10 years of abuse

I have far heavier duty trailers that are great when you've got 3 tons on them but a bit pointless for a tip run

[topknines]

Hi Donkmeister,

If you're mainly using the trailer for tip runs and occasional continental holidays, I think a second-hand galvanized trailer might be your best bet for value. There’s no need to go for premium brands if the usage is limited. As KTMsm mentioned, a lightweight galvanized trailer can serve you well without breaking the bank.

For peace of mind, check the condition and any rust on used ones before buying. Some of the smaller brands could also offer solid options at a more affordable price.

Best of luck with your search!

[Lefty]

The premium brands hold their value very well and parts are easy to get. I’d get a second hand Ifor in your shoes. In fact, I have done, got three of them.

[donkmeister]

Thanks all. Just need to get my towbar and I can start scouring eBay!

[Spare tyre]

Whatever you do, check all tyres for cracking, can cost good money to put right

Also buy something with broken lights cheaply and fit your own led

It’s an investment in your future time / sanity

[donkmeister]

I realise I forgot to update. I ended up buying a very good condition used Brenderup 1150 (Thule owned company). From various reading and video reviews they seemed to be the middle of the quality spectrum (Erde/Maypole type trailers at the bottom, Ifor Williams/Brian James at the top).

It's about the biggest trailer my local council will accept through the standard booking system for the dump. I've used it to haul (yeah, I'm a haulier now ) a few hundred kg of building materials at a time, various eBay purchases, and I've used it for a lot of tip runs.

I don't have a point of comparison but I'd recommend it in a heart beat, and I can see me using this for many years.

I've learned that reversing is definitely easier when loaded, I'm fastidious about nose weight and I always do the "caravan club test". Definitely a winner, very happy.