Head to head
Brian James Tipper vs Ifor Williams GD85
The Ifor Williams GD85 is 390kg lighter empty. The Brian James Tipper is rated 1.3 tonnes heavier gross.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Unladen weight: the Brian James Tipper weighs 390kg more empty.
- Gross weight: the Brian James Tipper is rated 1.3 tonnes heavier gross.
Specifications side by side
| Brian James Tipper | Ifor Williams GD85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | 2700kg / 3500kg | 1,400kg single axle / 2,700kg twin axle |
| Unladen weight | from 785kg | 395kg single axle / 485kg twin axle |
| Payload | up to 2500kg | - |
| Internal width | 1.6m / 2.0m | - |
| Internal length | 3.1m to 4.0m | - |
| Axles | Twin or Tri | - |
| Internal bed | - | 2.5m x 1.58m (8ft 2in x 5ft 2in) |
| Brakes | - | Braked, auto-reverse over-run |
Sources: Brian James Tipper, Ifor Williams GD85. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Tipper if...
- you want one that is rated 1.3 tonnes heavier gross
Used by builders, landscapers and small hauliers who need to tip loose materials rather than lift them off by hand. The range of widths, lengths and axle counts lets a buyer match capacity to their tow vehicle's rating.
Listed by
- Formula Trailers,, Brian-James Trailers Main Dealer in the SW UK - Wellington, Poole
- Fieldfare Trailer Centre - Salisbury
Buy or hire the GD85 if...
- you want one that is 390kg lighter empty
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 Tipper and the Ifor Williams GD85?
The Ifor Williams GD85 is 390kg lighter empty. The Brian James Tipper is rated 1.3 tonnes heavier gross. The Brian James Tipper is a a hydraulic tipping trailer for aggregate, waste and general building materials; the Ifor Williams GD85 is a general duty box trailer, single or twin axle.
Which is lighter, the Brian James Tipper or the Ifor Williams GD85?
The Ifor Williams GD85. It is 390kg lighter empty than the Brian James Tipper.
Can I tow the Brian James Tipper 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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