trailer hire - head to head
Bateson vs Cheval Liberte
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Bateson | Cheval Liberte | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | England | France |
| Making trailers since | 1934 | 1995 |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Hydraulic tilt and transport trailers, Platform, Plant, Box | Horse trailers - single, double, herringbone and living |
| Weight range | 550kg unbraked to 3,500kg braked, plus tractor-drawn livestock at 8,000kg and 10,000kg gross | Touring Country at 2,600kg gross; wider range unverified |
| Best known for | 22-15, 27-16, 35-16 | Touring Country |
Choose Bateson if...
The hydraulic tilt-bed specialist, and a company that has been making trailers since 1934. Avonride independent rubber suspension, full hot-dip galvanising and long-tail spares support make it the pick for buyers who intend to keep a trailer for decades rather than years.
Look at: 22-15, 27-16, 35-16, PT56, 520, 720, B84
Full Bateson profile →Choose Cheval Liberte if...
The continental alternative in a horsebox market that otherwise defaults to Ifor Williams. Aluminium construction, herringbone layouts and Pullman suspension give more space per kilo and a smoother ride, and Maxi Living adds changing space without stepping up to a lorry.
Look at: Touring Country, Maxi 2, Maxi 3, Maxi 4, Maxi Living and Maxi Living Signature
Full Cheval Liberte profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK trailer hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Bateson vs Cheval Liberte - common questions
Is Bateson better than Cheval Liberte?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. The hydraulic tilt-bed specialist, and a company that has been making trailers since 1934. Avonride independent rubber suspension, full hot-dip galvanising and long-tail spares support make it the pick for buyers who intend to keep a trailer for decades rather than years. The continental alternative in a horsebox market that otherwise defaults to Ifor Williams. Aluminium construction, herringbone layouts and Pullman suspension give more space per kilo and a smoother ride, and Maxi Living adds changing space without stepping up to a lorry.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Bateson or Cheval Liberte?
Bateson: An appointed dealer network, built to order, with a spares department that still supports trailers 20 years old. Cheval Liberte: Cheval Liberte (UK) Ltd has been the sole UK and Ireland importer since 2005, with a named distributor network and a parts department.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK trailer hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.