I have replaced my ageing Indespension trailer with a brand new GH1054 model from Ifor Williams. After a few weeks use, I give my thoughts on how I have found it to live with.
Have to agree on the poor finish on the trailer. That trailer was not prepped properly for galvanizing. Welding not the best either, poor quality control by manufacturer and dealer. Design looks right, what’s the tongue weight at max payload, and how does it tow and brake? Like the way you loaded the excavator, I prefer this way with the blade at the back safer for loading and unloading. If the weight distribution allows it, for big mileage the boom should be over the blade for aerodynamics and tow ability. Nice, honest review. 👍🏴🇺🇸
I really do agree the build quality is not as good as they used to be, they have gone cheap on a lot of them, however we still run a fleet of them with great dealer support, great parts service and also great second hand value, we have been able to sell second hand trailers and replace them for new with not a lot of extra in put! still dont think you can beat ifors from a pure business point of view
Great information as usual Ollie, Ive had three of this model and they've all served me well, got a new one beginning of the year haven't used it much but Im pretty sure we had a 3 ton swivel dumper on it from Rawstone plant..!👍
I concour regarding the welding, i have seen similar weld splatter both on a small p6e and on a similar plant trailer. The guy with the plant trailer was effectively told by the dealer that if he didn't want the trailer, he would refund him and could sell it within the week. The dealer admitted ifor quality control has gone down in order to get through the order backlog. If buying another dropside trailer, i would buy a nugent. However, for a plant trailer, weld splatter or not, the ifor is still excellent.
Agree with all your points Ollie, ours is exactly like yours finish wise, we aslo learned the hard way by towing a 120 roller down farm tracks that the floor is unsupported, we ended up welding in extra x-members when we replaced the then cracked floor to help with sitting the roller on. Ours came with the ramp option and now has more cracks in it that have been welded up then we can count, if it wasn't for the roller id be tempted to just take the ramp off and lift yourself in with the mini digger as the noise it makes is unberable with the window down.
I went with Nuggent, very quiet, good quality 3 years in very happy. I'm sure you've got it covered but Data Tags, wheel clamps, locking nuts and tracker are a must.
I have had Ifor williams GH126 for 3 years and really like the look of the Nuggent to replace it, I also like that it is still a family business and fully fabbed and assembled here, I was told most trailers are only assembled In UK now and fabricated in China.
Hi Ollie Nice trailer good explanation of why you got that spec Ifor willams are in someway trading on there reputation from it's old trailers the finish on the newer ones isn't as good Dad got a new flat bed must be 10 years ago and was pointing out the sharp bits of galvanising on that the old GD 85 & P6 trailers I have got second hand are probably better finished off Thanks again
I have repaired loads of the slightly larger ones but it was for the Road service who have rough people in diggers and skidsteers,Spatter isnt very professional at all i can understand one or two but that much is crazy
I just have a Set of Mag Mount Trailer lights in order the lights can be kept in the Warm Dry Vehicle as Trailer lights never seem to stay working or Intact.. WiFi Mag Mounts are now available hence no Lead !!
I have a set too for the tractor - really handy when you have something wide on the back and want to mark it better at night. Ill see how long these last then it might be the way I go too
I'm in the US and am curious what you mean by the weight restrictions? I'm assuming something like a graduated license for heavier gross weights and the trailer needs to be as light as possible for the version of our DOT to be legal? Just a guess.
@@charlescarrolljr75 In Europe the max gross for a "car" is 3,5t. Both license wise and technical limit. Max trailer weight also 3,5t. Gross train weight respectively 7t. But there are only a few cars which have a tow rating of 3,5t and can gross 3,5t themselves while towing. Most SUV's and pickups only got like 5,5-6,6t gross train weight. This is why Olli said "Your lunchbox might put you over the limit" Anything over is considered a truck and is "CDL territory". I assume Olli doesn't have the european version of a CDL, this is why he is so cautious to stay under 3,5t. When you get pulled over and they put you on a scale, and you are over the limit(s), you are in big trouble. Then it's considered driving without a "CDL". Cheers
@@FPVForLife 7 metric tons(I'm guessing metric tons) is a little over 15000lbs. That is not a lot to be moving equipment around. In the US it is like $5000 fine to be driving without a CDL. We have the ability to go to 26000lbs (gross total weight, trailer or not) before a cdl is needed.
@@charlescarrolljr75 Yup, metric tons. Yes, it ain't much you can move without a CDL over here. When you go into the european "truck" or "CDL" territory everything get's super complicated and very expensive. The CDL itself is lot of money and you have to have a refresh on several topics every few years. You need air brakes, quite frequent inspections, limited speed, a lot of road tax and tolls, digital log books with absolutely strict rules regarding driving time and here we have got fuel prices you couldn't even imagine seeing the US .... I could go on and on. It's just too much for most small contractors like Olli. And not worth the hassle. Thats why he's trying so hard to mostly buy stuff he can tow with his pickup. Oh and a 5000$ fine is pretty cheap. Over here your only means of transportation would be your feet, a bicycle, the bus and train. For a very long time.😂😂😂
@@FPVForLife I know a regular drivers license is a lot of money in many European countries (I have been to several), so I can imagine a CDL equivalent costs a pretty penny. I have a Class A CDL in the US and I just went and took the written test and then had a friend drive with me to the road test (I already owned a truck and trailer) Now you have to go to school and I'm sure its probably 5k or so for that now. We have federal yearly inspections for anything individual or in combination over 10,000lb gross (Yes, an old f150 pulling a dual axle landscape trailer is over 10k combined and with commercial tags requires both truck and trailer to have federal safety inspections once a year). Yearly smoke tests where I live. I have seen fuel prices when I visit Europe and think at first glance that doesn't seem high.... then you realize that's the price per liter... not gallon. By me anyway a lot of people might get the impression that you don't need a CDL for a lot of things, just tractor trailers.... But most people don't realize that an f350 dually and a skid steer trailer is most likely gonna put you into a class A CDL territory (12,400 gross on truck with a 14,000 gross trailer is 26,400lbs. Class A CDL needed. You get 400lbs off of either and like magic, no CDL needed.)
It is not just the license, but also a lot more to consider when you cross the line of 3,5/7 tons... You need to have an electronic log, you need to get your vehicle inspected yearly or even twice a year (otherwise just every two years), you need to have airbreaks and in a lot of countries you need to pay road fares. Then there is speed limits specially for heavier vehicles. Also you can use a pickup or SUV as your personal car, too. Not so much even with a light truck.
No it didnt. I used it to transport various machines and even materials sometimes. And the Autolock system gets in the way for anything other than the machine its designed for. Good idea if you just tow the one machine though
@@Olliegunns Funny but thats about the only comedy they have never shown over here in the USA, what a gem they have missed, best comedy of all time.Lubbly Jubbly.
@@Olliegunns If you call them, they will ship one to Immingham. Their model 6417 is their Pro+ version, but with only 2902 kg payload. Google images look glorious.
@@elbuggo yeah sure, but fitting a digger with a longer shield while keeping the tongue weight below 150kg will be hard. + where does one put the buckets in?
Have to agree on the poor finish on the trailer. That trailer was not prepped properly for galvanizing. Welding not the best either, poor quality control by manufacturer and dealer. Design looks right, what’s the tongue weight at max payload, and how does it tow and brake?
Like the way you loaded the excavator, I prefer this way with the blade at the back safer for loading and unloading. If the weight distribution allows it, for big mileage the boom should be over the blade for aerodynamics and tow ability. Nice, honest review. 👍🏴🇺🇸
I really do agree the build quality is not as good as they used to be, they have gone cheap on a lot of them, however we still run a fleet of them with great dealer support, great parts service and also great second hand value, we have been able to sell second hand trailers and replace them for new with not a lot of extra in put!
still dont think you can beat ifors from a pure business point of view
Great information as usual Ollie, Ive had three of this model and they've all served me well, got a new one beginning of the year haven't used it much but Im pretty sure we had a 3 ton swivel dumper on it from Rawstone plant..!👍
I concour regarding the welding, i have seen similar weld splatter both on a small p6e and on a similar plant trailer.
The guy with the plant trailer was effectively told by the dealer that if he didn't want the trailer, he would refund him and could sell it within the week. The dealer admitted ifor quality control has gone down in order to get through the order backlog.
If buying another dropside trailer, i would buy a nugent. However, for a plant trailer, weld splatter or not, the ifor is still excellent.
Agree with all your points Ollie, ours is exactly like yours finish wise, we aslo learned the hard way by towing a 120 roller down farm tracks that the floor is unsupported, we ended up welding in extra x-members when we replaced the then cracked floor to help with sitting the roller on.
Ours came with the ramp option and now has more cracks in it that have been welded up then we can count, if it wasn't for the roller id be tempted to just take the ramp off and lift yourself in with the mini digger as the noise it makes is unberable with the window down.
Worth reinforcing the floor then you reckon?
I went with Nuggent, very quiet, good quality 3 years in very happy. I'm sure you've got it covered but Data Tags, wheel clamps, locking nuts and tracker are a must.
I have had Ifor williams GH126 for 3 years and really like the look of the Nuggent to replace it, I also like that it is still a family business and fully fabbed and assembled here,
I was told most trailers are only assembled In UK now and fabricated in China.
Hi Ollie Nice trailer good explanation of why you got that spec Ifor willams are in someway trading on there reputation from it's old trailers the finish on the newer ones isn't as good Dad got a new flat bed must be 10 years ago and was pointing out the sharp bits of galvanising on that the old GD 85 & P6 trailers I have got second hand are probably better finished off Thanks again
Do the side Edge mounted Lugs comply to the Inboard Spec
I have repaired loads of the slightly larger ones but it was for the Road service who have rough people in diggers and skidsteers,Spatter isnt very professional at all i can understand one or two but that much is crazy
I just have a Set of Mag Mount Trailer lights in order the lights can be kept in the Warm Dry Vehicle as Trailer lights never seem to stay working or Intact..
WiFi Mag Mounts are now available hence no Lead !!
I have a set too for the tractor - really handy when you have something wide on the back and want to mark it better at night. Ill see how long these last then it might be the way I go too
I'm in the US and am curious what you mean by the weight restrictions? I'm assuming something like a graduated license for heavier gross weights and the trailer needs to be as light as possible for the version of our DOT to be legal? Just a guess.
@@charlescarrolljr75 In Europe the max gross for a "car" is 3,5t. Both license wise and technical limit. Max trailer weight also 3,5t. Gross train weight respectively 7t.
But there are only a few cars which have a tow rating of 3,5t and can gross 3,5t themselves while towing.
Most SUV's and pickups only got like 5,5-6,6t gross train weight.
This is why Olli said "Your lunchbox might put you over the limit"
Anything over is considered a truck and is "CDL territory".
I assume Olli doesn't have the european version of a CDL, this is why he is so cautious to stay under 3,5t.
When you get pulled over and they put you on a scale, and you are over the limit(s), you are in big trouble.
Then it's considered driving without a "CDL".
Cheers
@@FPVForLife 7 metric tons(I'm guessing metric tons) is a little over 15000lbs. That is not a lot to be moving equipment around. In the US it is like $5000 fine to be driving without a CDL. We have the ability to go to 26000lbs (gross total weight, trailer or not) before a cdl is needed.
@@charlescarrolljr75 Yup, metric tons.
Yes, it ain't much you can move without a CDL over here.
When you go into the european "truck" or "CDL" territory everything get's super complicated and very expensive.
The CDL itself is lot of money and you have to have a refresh on several topics every few years.
You need air brakes, quite frequent inspections, limited speed, a lot of road tax and tolls, digital log books with absolutely strict rules regarding driving time and here we have got fuel prices you couldn't even imagine seeing the US ....
I could go on and on.
It's just too much for most small contractors like Olli.
And not worth the hassle.
Thats why he's trying so hard to mostly buy stuff he can tow with his pickup.
Oh and a 5000$ fine is pretty cheap.
Over here your only means of transportation would be your feet, a bicycle, the bus and train. For a very long time.😂😂😂
@@FPVForLife I know a regular drivers license is a lot of money in many European countries (I have been to several), so I can imagine a CDL equivalent costs a pretty penny. I have a Class A CDL in the US and I just went and took the written test and then had a friend drive with me to the road test (I already owned a truck and trailer) Now you have to go to school and I'm sure its probably 5k or so for that now. We have federal yearly inspections for anything individual or in combination over 10,000lb gross (Yes, an old f150 pulling a dual axle landscape trailer is over 10k combined and with commercial tags requires both truck and trailer to have federal safety inspections once a year). Yearly smoke tests where I live. I have seen fuel prices when I visit Europe and think at first glance that doesn't seem high.... then you realize that's the price per liter... not gallon. By me anyway a lot of people might get the impression that you don't need a CDL for a lot of things, just tractor trailers.... But most people don't realize that an f350 dually and a skid steer trailer is most likely gonna put you into a class A CDL territory (12,400 gross on truck with a 14,000 gross trailer is 26,400lbs. Class A CDL needed. You get 400lbs off of either and like magic, no CDL needed.)
It is not just the license, but also a lot more to consider when you cross the line of 3,5/7 tons...
You need to have an electronic log, you need to get your vehicle inspected yearly or even twice a year (otherwise just every two years), you need to have airbreaks and in a lot of countries you need to pay road fares. Then there is speed limits specially for heavier vehicles.
Also you can use a pickup or SUV as your personal car, too.
Not so much even with a light truck.
Did your okd indespension trailer have auto lock to save tying down, i would miss that on the ivor williams.
No it didnt. I used it to transport various machines and even materials sometimes. And the Autolock system gets in the way for anything other than the machine its designed for. Good idea if you just tow the one machine though
Triggers Broom, Nice one🤣🤣🤣
Only the UK audience will get that reference ;)
@@Olliegunns Funny but thats about the only comedy they have never shown over here in the USA, what a gem they have missed, best comedy of all time.Lubbly Jubbly.
Ifor Williams Trailers are the BEST 🏴 💪🏻👍🏻, Ollie how come you went with the skids in stead of the one piece ramp 🤔
Weight! The ramp weighs more than the skids
Good machine,how can I contact u?
My next trailer will be a Nugent they look good 👍
They do look good. As do some of the Brian James ones. But all heavier I believe
@@Olliegunns Brian James have some great touches I had a 3.5 plant trailer loved it to tow my cat 302.5 couldn’t fault it
Option: Tysse 6407 equipment trailer. Max weight 3500kg, kerb 548kg, payload 2952kg (112kg more than Williams), about 5000P.
Once again you have all the better options - I have never heard of Tysse, they do not appear to have a dealer in the UK!
@@Olliegunns If you call them, they will ship one to Immingham. Their model 6417 is their Pro+ version, but with only 2902 kg payload. Google images look glorious.
@@elbuggo but they are tiny!
@@bios31 Payload is the point here. You can get a bigger trailer, with less payload.
@@elbuggo yeah sure, but fitting a digger with a longer shield while keeping the tongue weight below 150kg will be hard. + where does one put the buckets in?
that issue with weld spatter pretty bad they could take a little more pride in their construction
Brian James all the way
Another option:
Variant 3516 B3
2907kg payload
Is there a UK dealer? Made in Denmark aren't they?
@@Olliegunns I did a quick Google search, it seems there actually are dealers in the UK.👍🏻
And yes, they are made in Denmark.
@@Olliegunns Have you found a dealer in the UK or even one in your area?
All the ifor trailers I work on now are pure rubbish nothing like they use to be very flimsy and all sheet metal
We brought a new plant and tipper at Christmas and I think the worst quality I’ve ever seen