Rice Europa trailers

[limepickle]

Does anyone have any experience of these ? One has just come up which looks in good condition - alu walls and floor, regularly serviced etc. Its about 10-12 years old. Desperate to get some transport so I can start doing stuff with my boy. Would like an IFOR but this seems like a good deal ! Many thanks for any advice !

[Callisto]

Rice is a good make and as long as the trailer has been well maintained then it should be fine. Make sure you check the electrics and flooring, check underneath it too. Open and close all of the ramps to make sure nothing sticks or needs to be forced.

How much is it on the market for? I have noticed that trailers around here (Cotswolds) are about a third more expensive than those for sale in my Dad's area (darkest Worcestershire) so it may be worth looking out of you area if you live somewhere expensive.

[CMOTDibbler]

I'd get someone who knows about brakes/suspension etc to come and look at it to check the bits you can't tell the state of easily.

I'm in Worcs, and non Ifor trailers go for £300-£700 generally, but often are tattier underneath

[limepickle]

Callisto its about an hour's drive away from ma (I'm Hants/Surrey border), into a cheaper (?) more rural area. Floor and ramp have been replaced two years ago, along with the electrics. I would struggle to get an IFOR around here for £1500 (prob nearer £2K), so this seems a good compromise. Its my first trailer so just being able to get out and about will be good - no serious competing planned !
CMOTDibbler there are are lots round here in that price range, this is slightly over, but the fact that it's not wooden sided and had been well maintained tempts me ( and includes a hitch lock).

[Callisto]

Don't take anyones word for any replacements - if you can see proof that would be great, and taking someone who knows their stuff is really good advice.

£1500 sounds about right for around here too for an all metal trailer, especially with a trailer lock.

[horseylady]

Remember metal floors also degrade!! Rubber is the best option (if you can afford it!)

Get it checked over by a third party but you should be ok! Good luck!!

[limepickle]

OK, I've asked whether they have receipts for the work, and to confirm exactly what the flooring is made of. Its been replaced, has aluminium on top, and rubber matting. Struggling to think who I could take with me who know's about trailers........

[CMOTDibbler]

If you Google, you should find a trailer/horsebox service engineer. Mine cost £70 for a service, and if I'd had him out before I bought, it would have saved me £600 and a lot of heartache

[limepickle]

Well I've seen the receipt for the last service so am happy that its been maintained well. Looks a though I have a trailer to go and see :-)

[Callisto]

Great! Good luck with it.

[frostyfingers]

Rice used to have a reputation of being heavy, but I don't know if that's changed. We have a Wessex Clubman, which we bought because our original towcar wouldn't have had the oomph for a heavier make. Not a problem now we have a Land Cruiser, but it does mean I can shunt it about the yard on my own if it's not perfectly parked!