Head to head
Bateson 26MD vs Brian James Race Transporter 5
The Bateson 26MD is 700kg lighter empty. The Brian James Race Transporter 5 is rated 900kg heavier gross.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Unladen weight: the Brian James Race Transporter 5 weighs 700kg more empty.
- Gross weight: the Brian James Race Transporter 5 is rated 900kg heavier gross.
Specifications side by side
| Bateson 26MD | Brian James Race Transporter 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | 2,600kg | 3500kg |
| Unladen weight | 500kg | from 1200kg |
| Payload | 2,100kg | up to 2300kg |
| Internal bed length | 2,450mm | - |
| Internal bed width | 1,270mm | - |
| Internal width | - | 2.12m |
| Internal bed | - | 5.0m / 5.5m long |
| Axles | - | Twin |
Sources: Bateson 26MD, Brian James Race Transporter 5. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 26MD if...
- you want one that is 700kg lighter empty
A compact plant trailer built to carry a 1.5 to 2 tonne mini excavator plus buckets and attachments. It is a common sight behind pickups on groundworks and landscaping jobs, sized to stay within an unbraked or standard car licence towing limit.
Listed by
- Warrior Trailers Limited - Worcester
Buy or hire the Race Transporter 5 if...
- you want one that is rated 900kg heavier gross
Used by race teams and professional recovery operators moving cars that need slightly more bed length or restraint options than the Race Transporter 4 offers. It remains a twin-axle single-car trailer rather than a multi-car hauler.
Listed by
- Bicester Trailer Centre - Bicester
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bateson 26MD and the Brian James Race Transporter 5?
The Bateson 26MD is 700kg lighter empty. The Brian James Race Transporter 5 is rated 900kg heavier gross. The Bateson 26MD is a plant trailer for mini excavators up to 2,100kg; the Brian James Race Transporter 5 is a an open twin-axle hydraulic tilt-bed car transporter, longer than the Race Transporter 4.
Which is lighter, the Bateson 26MD or the Brian James Race Transporter 5?
The Bateson 26MD. It is 700kg lighter empty than the Brian James Race Transporter 5.
Can I tow the Bateson 26MD or the Brian James Race Transporter 5 on a car licence?
Yes, as far as the licence goes. Both are rated at or under 3,500kg gross, and a car (B) licence has covered towing up to 3,500kg since 16 December 2021. Your car still has to be rated to tow the loaded weight - check the handbook or the VIN plate.
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