Head to head
Brian James General Plant vs Ifor Williams GD85
The Brian James General Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross and has a bed 1.1m (3.5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Gross weight: the Brian James General Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross.
- Internal bed: the Brian James General Plant has a bed 1.1m (3.5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Brian James General Plant | Ifor Williams GD85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | 3500kg | 1,400kg single axle / 2,700kg twin axle |
| Internal bed | 3.6m x 1.8m | 2.5m x 1.58m (8ft 2in x 5ft 2in) |
| Payload | 2593kg | - |
| Axles | Tri-axle (12in wheels) | - |
| Unladen weight | - | 395kg single axle / 485kg twin axle |
| Brakes | - | Braked, auto-reverse over-run |
Sources: Brian James General Plant, Ifor Williams GD85. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the General Plant if...
- you want one that is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross
- you want one that has a bed 1.1m (3.5ft) longer
A tougher all-round plant trailer for contractors who need to move a range of machines - diggers, dumpers, rollers - rather than one specific type. The tri-axle chassis spreads load for towing at higher gross weight on public roads.
Listed by
- Fieldfare Trailer Centre - Salisbury
- Bicester Trailer Centre - Bicester
- Formula Trailers,, Brian-James Trailers Main Dealer in the SW UK - Wellington, Poole
Buy or hire the GD85 if...
The entry point of the Ifor Williams general duty range and one of the most common working trailers in Britain. Smallholders, gardeners and tradespeople buy it for everyday hauling without needing a heavy tow vehicle, and the twin-axle version roughly doubles the payload for a modest gain in unladen weight.
Full GD85 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Brian James General Plant and the Ifor Williams GD85?
The Brian James General Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross and has a bed 1.1m (3.5ft) longer. The Brian James General Plant is a a tri-axle equipment trailer for general building and groundwork plant; the Ifor Williams GD85 is a general duty box trailer, single or twin axle.
Can I tow the Brian James General Plant or the Ifor Williams GD85 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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