If you’re looking for Bateson trailers for sale in Lincolnshire, Sleaford Trailers is an official appointed Bateson dealer with over 25 years of experience. In that time we’ve supplied Bateson trailers to farmers, horse owners, builders, landscapers, and everyone in between. We’ve also serviced them, repaired them, and taken them back as part-exchanges when customers have upgraded.
This guide covers the Bateson range in full, what each model is suited to, what to check when buying used, and why Bateson has such a loyal following in the UK. If you have any questions after reading it, give us a ring on 01529 462188. We’re always happy to talk trailers.
A bit of background on Bateson Trailers
Bateson is a family-run business based in Manchester, and they’ve been making trailers since 1934. That’s nearly a century of manufacturing in the UK, which is a rarity these days.
They started in agriculture and have grown steadily from there. The current range covers everything from small unbraked utility trailers up to 3.5-tonne livestock and plant trailers, with well over 100 models in between. Every trailer is built to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, and each new one comes with a certificate of conformity, useful if you ever need to take it into Europe, but also a mark of the engineering standards involved.
The two things that define a Bateson trailer are the fully hot-dip galvanised construction and the Avonride independent rubber suspension. The galvanising means there’s no painting to maintain and no rusting out. The independent suspension gives a noticeably smoother, quieter tow than a leaf-sprung trailer, which matters more than people realise, particularly if you’re transporting livestock or horses regularly.
The Bateson range: which model is right for you?
Unbraked trailers
The entry-level range covers the B53, B64, and B85, compact, unbraked trailers for light general use. These are the ones to look at if you need something straightforward to tow behind a car for garden clearances, moving materials around the farm, or general household use.
Stepping up slightly, the 520 and 720 series are twin-axle unbraked trailers at 750kg GVW. The 520 is 7′ x 4′, the 720 is slightly larger, and both are built for on and off-road use. Because they sit under 750kg GVW, no overrun brakes are required, which keeps them simple and easy to maintain.
The 8′ x 4′ and 8′ x 5′ models in the unbraked range will carry a full 8 x 4 sheet of material laid flat, a useful detail if you’re regularly moving plywood, corrugated sheets, or similar.
We regularly have Bateson trailers for sale from this range. Call us on 01529 462188 to check the current stock.
Platform and goods trailers
For anything heavier, the braked platform range is where most of our trade customers end up. The 2043 (14′ x 5’10”, 2000kg GVW) and the 2050 (16′ x 5’10”, 2000kg GVW) are the most popular sizes — solid, versatile workhorses used daily by farmers, builders, and plant hire operators across Lincolnshire.
Both come with a galvanised steel frame as standard. Options include double drop-sides, mesh side kits, and slide-out steel ramps. The range extends up to 3500kg GVW, and longer sizes are available to special order if you have specific requirements.
We regularly have Bateson trailers for sale from this range. Call us on 01529 462188 to check the current stock.
Hydraulic tilt plant trailers
These are designed specifically for loading machinery with a low ground clearance, scissor lifts, ride-on mowers, small excavators, and similar. The hydraulic tilt removes the steep approach angle you’d get with a fixed ramp, which makes loading and unloading considerably safer and quicker.
Available in 2 tonne, 2.6 tonne, and 3.5 tonne, with body lengths from roughly 8′ to 12′ and widths from 4′ to 6′. Popular with landscapers, groundscare contractors, and plant hire firms.
We regularly have Bateson trailers for sale from this range. Call us on 01529 462188 to check the current stock.
Van trailers
The Bateson fibreglass van trailer range runs from the compact 120V up to the PT66VT. Because they’re fibreglass rather than steel, they’re light, they don’t corrode, and they’re easy to keep clean. The enclosed design keeps cargo secure and weatherproof, which makes them a popular choice for tradespeople carrying tools and equipment.
Livestock trailers
Bateson has been making livestock trailers for over 70 years, and it shows in the specifications. The standard build includes a hot-dip galvanised chassis, 2mm toughened alloy side panels, a heat-reflecting plastic-coated galvanised steel roof, and two rows of recessed ventilation channels that allow permanent airflow without letting water in.
The floor is 18mm phenol-coated panel covered with aluminium tread plate. All models up to 3500kg are fitted with independent suspension axles and auto-reversing brakes, and full road lights, a locking hitch, and a spare wheel come as standard.
Twin-axle sizes run from 8′ x 5′ up to 10′ x 5’8″, with a high roof option for larger cattle. There are also tractor-towed models at 8000kg and 10,000kg GVW, with demountable bodies that allow dual use, livestock one day, hay or machinery the next.
We regularly have Bateson trailers for sale from this range. Call us on 01529 462188 to check the current stock.
Horse trailers
The Bateson Deauville and Ascot have a following that we’ve rarely seen with any other trailer brand. We regularly speak to customers who’ve owned one for 15 or 20 years and wouldn’t swap it. When a second-hand Bateson horse trailer comes up for sale, it tends to go very quickly.
The reasons people prefer them over other alternatives:
- The interior is light and airy, and horses tend to load more willingly into them
- The independent suspension gives a much smoother, quieter ride than a leaf-sprung trailer
- The plastic composite floor doesn’t rot and is straightforward to replace — Bateson supplies floor kits
- The Ascot has a built-in tack locker at the front, which is a practical advantage if you’re going to shows
- The all-white exterior reflects heat, keeping the interior noticeably cooler in summer
- Parts are available even for older models, which matters when you’re running a trailer that’s 15 years old
The Deauville is the two-horse model without the tack locker. The Ascot is the same trailer with the locker added. Both accommodate horses up to 17 hands.
We don’t always have Bateson horse trailers in stock, but we do service and repair them. If your Bateson horse trailer needs attention, give us a call on 01529 462188.
What to check when buying a used Bateson trailer
Bateson trailers last well, but only if they’ve been maintained. Here’s what to look at before you buy:
Floor — the most important check on any horse or livestock trailer. Look underneath as well as on top. Bateson supplies plastic floor kits, and replacement is straightforward, but factor the cost in if the floor needs doing.
Chassis and underside — a galvanised chassis should resist rust well, but check the welded joints and crossmembers for any damage or poor repairs. Look for any signs of accident damage that’s been patched rather than properly fixed.
Brakes and suspension — test that the overrun brakes engage and release correctly. Check the independent suspension units for leaks or seizure. On older trailers, the suspension can stiffen up if it hasn’t been used regularly.
Lights and electrics — a very common wear point. Budget for a rewire on any trailer over ten years old if the loom looks tired or has been repaired multiple times.
Tyres — check both tread depth and age. The four-digit code on the sidewall tells you the week and year of manufacture. Trailer tyres can deteriorate with age even when they look fine visually, so anything over six or seven years old is worth replacing regardless of the tread.
If you buy a used Bateson trailer through Sleaford Trailers, we carry out a full check before it leaves us and make sure brakes, lights, and tyres are all in order.
Bateson Trailers for Sale at Sleaford Trailers
We’re an official appointed Bateson dealer, based at White House Farm in Ewerby Thorpe, just outside Sleaford. We carry new Bateson stock and can order most models from the full range. We also have used Bateson trailers for sale when available, and we’re happy to discuss part-exchange if you’re upgrading.
We cover Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and the wider East Midlands.
View our current Bateson trailers for sale: https://sleafordtrailers.co.uk/trailer-sales/bateson/
Call us on 01529 462188 or email sales@sleafordtrailers.co.uk — we’re happy to talk through which model would suit you before you make the trip out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bateson trailers good quality?
Yes. They’ve been manufacturing in the UK since 1934, and the build quality is consistently good. The fully galvanised construction and Avonride independent suspension are genuine strengths, and the parts department is well regarded, which matters when you’re maintaining a trailer over many years.
Do Bateson trailers hold their value?
Yes, particularly horse trailers. Second-hand Deauville and Ascot trailers sell quickly when they come up. Platform and general-purpose trailers also retain value well if they’ve been properly maintained.
What size Bateson trailer can I tow?
Trailers do not require overrun brakes until the gross weight exceeds 750kg. Bateson’s full unbraked range, the B53, B64, B85, 520, and 720 all sit at or below 750kg, making them straightforward to tow behind most cars. For heavier trailers, always check your vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure your insurance covers trailer use. Learn more about what you can legally tow here
Does Bateson still supply parts for older trailers?
Yes, and this comes up regularly from customers. Floor kits, suspension components, body panels, and parts are available for older models, which is one of the reasons people keep their Bateson trailers for so long.
Where can I find Bateson trailers for sale in Lincolnshire?
Sleaford Trailers is the official Bateson dealer for Lincolnshire, based in Ewerby Thorpe just outside Sleaford. We have new and used stock and can order any model from the full range. Contact us here: https://sleafordtrailers.co.uk/contact-us/
How long will a Bateson trailer last?
With reasonable maintenance, 20 years or more is realistic. The galvanised chassis is the foundation; the main wear items are the floor, tyres, brakes, and lighting, all of which are straightforward to service.