trailer hire - head to head
Bateson vs Equi-Trek
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 | Equi-Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | England | UK (Thirsk, North Yorkshire) |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Hydraulic tilt and transport trailers, Platform, Plant, Box | Horse trailers, Motorised horseboxes, Trailers with living accommodation |
| Weight range | 550kg unbraked to 3,500kg braked, plus tractor-drawn livestock at 8,000kg and 10,000kg gross | 2,000kg - 7,500kg |
| Best known for | 22-15, 27-16, 35-16 | Sonic / Equinox |
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 Equi-Trek if...
Equi-Trek makes both towed horse trailers and motorised horseboxes, ranging from small car-licence models up to 7.5 tonne trucks, with several ranges built around living or changing accommodation rather than just horse transport. It is bought by competition riders and yards who want a UK-built alternative to Ifor Williams-style trailers or to continental motorised horsebox builders, often specifically for the added living space its Treka trailer ranges offer.
Look at: Sonic / Equinox, Victory / Evolution, Star-Treka / Multi-Treka
Full Equi-Trek 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 Equi-Trek - common questions
Is Bateson better than Equi-Trek?
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. Equi-Trek makes both towed horse trailers and motorised horseboxes, ranging from small car-licence models up to 7.5 tonne trucks, with several ranges built around living or changing accommodation rather than just horse transport. It is bought by competition riders and yards who want a UK-built alternative to Ifor Williams-style trailers or to continental motorised horsebox builders, often specifically for the added living space its Treka trailer ranges offer.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Bateson or Equi-Trek?
Bateson: An appointed dealer network, built to order, with a spares department that still supports trailers 20 years old. Equi-Trek: Sold new and used through a dedicated UK dealer network, including the multi-region Trek Trailers group and other equestrian dealers, across England, Wales and Scotland.
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.