trailer hire - head to head
Cheval Liberte vs Ifor Williams
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.
| Cheval Liberte | Ifor Williams | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | France | Wales (Corwen, Denbighshire) |
| Making trailers since | 1995 | 1958 |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Horse trailers - single, double, herringbone and living | General duty, Flatbed, Livestock, Horsebox |
| Weight range | Touring Country at 2,600kg gross; wider range unverified | About 500kg unbraked through to 3,500kg braked |
| Best known for | Touring Country | GD range (GD84, GD85, GD105, GD106) |
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 →Choose Ifor Williams if...
The UK default, and the benchmark every other make gets measured against. Farmers, contractors and hire fleets buy Ifor Williams for galvanised durability, strong resale and the fact that any dealer can get parts on a shelf the same week. Rarely the cheapest option and rarely the wrong one.
Look at: GD range (GD84, GD85, GD105, GD106), LM range (LM125, LM126, LM147, LM166), GH and GX ranges
Full Ifor Williams 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.
Cheval Liberte vs Ifor Williams - common questions
Is Cheval Liberte better than Ifor Williams?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. 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. The UK default, and the benchmark every other make gets measured against. Farmers, contractors and hire fleets buy Ifor Williams for galvanised durability, strong resale and the fact that any dealer can get parts on a shelf the same week. Rarely the cheapest option and rarely the wrong one.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Cheval Liberte or Ifor Williams?
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. Ifor Williams: The widest network in Britain - over 50 UK main dealers, plus the factory showroom at Corwen. Parts are available almost anywhere.
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.