Head to head
Bateson 355B vs Brian James A4 Transporter
The Bateson 355B carries 470kg more and is rated 500kg heavier gross. The Brian James A4 Transporter is 30kg lighter empty.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Payload: the Bateson 355B carries 470kg more.
- Gross weight: the Bateson 355B is rated 500kg heavier gross.
- Unladen weight: the Bateson 355B weighs 30kg more empty.
Specifications side by side
| Bateson 355B | Brian James A4 Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | 3500kg | 3000kg |
| Unladen weight | 800kg | 770kg |
| Payload | 2700kg | 2230kg |
| Axles | Twin axle | Twin axle |
| Deck length | 5000mm | - |
| Deck width | 2100mm | - |
| Internal bed | - | 4.5m x 2.0m |
Sources: Bateson 355B, Brian James A4 Transporter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 355B if...
- you want one that carries 470kg more
- you want one that is rated 500kg heavier gross
Bateson's most popular beavertail transporter, used by garages, race teams and recovery operators to load a car under its own power up a shallow ramp rather than winching it onto a flat deck. It comes with ramps and a hand winch as standard.
Listed by
- Mid Norfolk Trailer Sales & Hire LTD - King's Lynn
Buy or hire the A4 Transporter if...
- you want one that is 30kg lighter empty
The A4 Transporter suits driving schools, small dealers and enthusiasts who need to move one car at a time behind a car-derived tow vehicle, offering a simple twin-axle bed without the cost of a beavertail or enclosed body. Its compact size makes it easier to store and manoeuvre than the longer trailers in the A Transporter range.
Listed by
- Compass Trailers - Lewes, Ringmer
- Saxons Trailers - Westerham, Biggin Hill
- R M Trailer Centre - Middlesbrough, North Ormesby
- Formula Trailers,, Brian-James Trailers Main Dealer in the SW UK - Wellington, Poole
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bateson 355B and the Brian James A4 Transporter?
The Bateson 355B carries 470kg more and is rated 500kg heavier gross. The Brian James A4 Transporter is 30kg lighter empty. The Bateson 355B is a twin axle beavertail car transporter trailer; the Brian James A4 Transporter is a twin-axle open car transporter trailer from Brian James' A Transporter range, built for towing one car on a 4.5m bed..
Which is lighter, the Bateson 355B or the Brian James A4 Transporter?
The Brian James A4 Transporter. It is 30kg lighter empty than the Bateson 355B.
Which carries more, the Bateson 355B or the Brian James A4 Transporter?
The Bateson 355B, by 470kg.
Can I tow the Bateson 355B or the Brian James A4 Transporter 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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