New Open Trailer
Discussion
I have decided to buy a slightly bigger trailer to replace my BJ Clubman.
I thought BJ would be the obvious choice but have visited the local dealer today to look at the A4 there are a few details that I just feel are shoddy on what would be a £4k+ trailer, for example a bungee cord to secure the jockey wheel handle and rear lights that stick out proud of the guards designed to protect them.
I have subsequently looked at the web sites Ifor Williams and PRG. I'm looking for a 5m bed ideally at under 650kg unladen and plated for about 2.6t. Are there any other makes I should consider?
I thought BJ would be the obvious choice but have visited the local dealer today to look at the A4 there are a few details that I just feel are shoddy on what would be a £4k+ trailer, for example a bungee cord to secure the jockey wheel handle and rear lights that stick out proud of the guards designed to protect them.
I have subsequently looked at the web sites Ifor Williams and PRG. I'm looking for a 5m bed ideally at under 650kg unladen and plated for about 2.6t. Are there any other makes I should consider?
I had a new Woodford until last year and it was very easy to use, and well designed with the wide body design allowing a wider bed without impacting the overall width. Unfortunately after a change of car I needed somthing bigger so bought a used BJ Clubman which just winds me up - the mudguard (drivers side only) needs to be flipped down to enable access/exit from the car, but even on my Fiesta that is not massively lowered, the door still rub on the trailer tyres. The ramps are awkward and difficult to stow compared to the slide out items I used to have in my Woodford. I won't go into the separate saga trying to retrofit a new winch from BJ for their own trailer...
Following further investigation I think I will be going for a PRG. They were really helpful on the phone and there is the opportunity to visit the works to discuss exact specification etc. They also look good value.
I emailed BJ to point out what I consider to be obvious short-comings with their A4/C4, I got a standard response, it is a shame that they are not willing to take on board objective customer response. To have lights that protrude beyond the guards designed to protect them is crass!
I emailed BJ to point out what I consider to be obvious short-comings with their A4/C4, I got a standard response, it is a shame that they are not willing to take on board objective customer response. To have lights that protrude beyond the guards designed to protect them is crass!
I ordered a new trailer from PRG a few years ago and it turned out to be half a metre shorter than advertised, meaning my car wouldn't fit. It also turned up with marks and scratches on, which was strange for a brand new £8k trailer. What I will say though is that they were fantastic to deal with - I got a full refund with no questions asked and they were friendly and professional throughout. I'd use them again.
DanTVR said:
I've heard good things about eco trailers. See quite alot of them about now in paddocks as the prices are competitive and everyone I have spoken is happy with them. Let us know what you go for as I'll be looking to replace ours later in the year.
I agree with your regarding Eco covered trailers, they look really good quality and good value. I would love to have one however she who must be obeyed would go nuts if I parked a box trailer outside her window so it has to be an open trailer I'm afraid! I just need to find time to get to PRG to see it fist hand and discuss spec, certainly I will post my feedback if I go for one.
I visited PRG and Woodford following on from my original visit to my local BJ dealer.
I had a list of half a dozen key requirements which included dimensions, unladen weight, ramp size/stow method etc. Both PRG and Woodford were very attentive to my enquiry but neither could offer me a spec that ticked all my boxes. After comparing various details I decided the BJ was the best of these three options. (About the only want I could not get was LED lights).
I have now ordered the C4 Blue, 5m, it will be my third BJ and one of the reasons I reached this decision is because BJ have strong residue values, indeed I just sold my Clubman very easily.
I had a list of half a dozen key requirements which included dimensions, unladen weight, ramp size/stow method etc. Both PRG and Woodford were very attentive to my enquiry but neither could offer me a spec that ticked all my boxes. After comparing various details I decided the BJ was the best of these three options. (About the only want I could not get was LED lights).
I have now ordered the C4 Blue, 5m, it will be my third BJ and one of the reasons I reached this decision is because BJ have strong residue values, indeed I just sold my Clubman very easily.
BertBert said:
Perhaps to derail the thread (sorry), I'm wondering why you are buying a different trailer. Do you need to transport a bigger car?
Not so much size, it was a weight distribution issue. I recently purchased a new motorhome and the recommended weight at the tow bar is 75 kg. I purchased a hitch weight measure device, with my existing trailer I was at 135 kg with my Magnette and 120 kg with the Gilbern. I needed to get them further back and the only way to do so was a longer bed. Given what I paid for the motorhome I decided that a new trailer would be a whole lot cheaper than damaging the chassis and or invalidating warranty!Edited by Keep it stiff on Friday 6th November 19:58
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