Thinking about swapping your straight-load for a roomier, smoother-riding trailer? If you want lorry-style travel without the cost of a box, the Cheval Liberté Maxi 2 is one of the UK’s most talked‑about herringbone options.
Key takeaway: The Cheval Liberté Maxi 2 is a double herringbone trailer (960kg unladen, 2600kg MGW) with an aluminium, sealed floor and Pullman2 coil‑spring suspension that rides like a small lorry, provided you service it annually and keep an eye on door hardware.
What is the Cheval Liberté Maxi 2?
The Cheval Liberté Maxi 2 is a double herringbone-style horse trailer weighing 960kg unladen with a 2600kg maximum gross weight (MGW), designed to carry two horses diagonally with a front ramp for easy exit. It features fully adjustable telescopic partitions, an aluminium floor with sealed rubber, and Pullman2 suspension for a smoother tow.
In practice, that means you get a layout that feels more “lorry-like” for your horses while keeping the flexibility of a trailer. The Maxi 2’s telescopic herringbone partitions allow you to fine‑tune stall length and width to suit different builds and travelling styles. Ventilation is a strong point, with large sliding side windows, side lifting window flaps, and an Airtech roller blind over the rear ramp to draw air through on warmer days. Externally, you’ll see anodised aluminium planking sides under an aerodynamic polyester front/roof available in black, blue, grey, green or white, so it’s both functional and smart at events.
Underneath, Cheval Liberté’s patented Pullman2 suspension (coil springs with shock absorbers) aims to reduce pitching and vibration compared with basic rubber torsion axles, which matters on the UK’s mix of motorways, A‑roads and bumpy showground tracks. The brand backs the build with a 2‑year warranty on the trailer and 5 years on the aluminium planking and floor.
Why herringbone travel helps horses
Herringbone travel lets horses spread their legs diagonally for better balance and reduced pressure, closely mimicking the feel of a horsebox. The Maxi 2 adds a front ramp for low‑stress unloading, which many horses prefer.
Diagonal stalls can lessen strain in acceleration and braking by allowing a natural, wide stance. This is especially useful for horses used to lorries, or for those that plant or rush when asked to back out of straight-loads. Cheval Liberté summarises the design intent succinctly:
“Cheval Liberte Maxi 2 offers a similar travelling style and layout to a horsebox with the fully adjustable telescopic herringbone partitions, but with the advantage of having a front ramp.” — Cheval Liberté comparison review
Make the most of the adjustable partitions by setting a slightly wider stance for poor or nervous travellers so they can brace; narrow up a touch for compact ponies to avoid excessive movement. Load calmly on the diagonal and encourage a relaxed head carriage to maintain balance throughout the journey.
Quick tip: If you’re heading to summer shows and want airflow without flies, pair the trailer’s Airtech blind with a lightweight fly rug or sheet for your horse when stationary, and drop it before travel for safety.
Towing and UK legality
With a 2600kg MGW, the Maxi 2 is typically suited to B+E licence holders, and like all UK horse trailers it must meet Construction and Use Regulations on brakes, lights and weight limits. Always check your vehicle’s towing capacity and noseweight limits in the handbook before hitching up.
Match your car or 4x4 to the trailer’s loaded weight (trailer + horses + tack and water). The Maxi 2’s relatively low 960kg unladen weight gives you more payload headroom compared with heavier builds, but you still need to account for two horses, partitions, and kit. Ensure all lights, breakaway cable and overrun brakes are functioning before departure. For roadside visibility when loading in dim light or rain, keep a set of rider hi‑vis in your tow vehicle so handlers are clearly seen by other drivers.
Build, floor and ventilation: key checks
The Maxi 2 uses an aluminium floor with glued and sealed rubber matting to prevent water or urine ingress, and it offers multiple windows, side flaps and an Airtech rear roller blind for excellent airflow. This combination reduces rot risk and keeps the interior fresher in the UK’s damp climate.
Floor integrity is critical to safety. Cheval Liberté’s own guidance is unequivocal:
“A trailer with an unsound floor can have disastrous consequences with horses falling through them. To avoid this, all Cheval Liberté horse trailers are supplied with an aluminium floor. In addition, the rubber matting is glued and sealed as standard.” — Cheval Liberté (UK manufacturer specialists)
In the UK’s wet seasons, sealed floors help prevent corrosion from constant mud and rain on livery yards and showgrounds. Even so, schedule an annual service and ask the technician to lift or inspect edges where possible to check for trapped moisture. Between services, sweep out after each trip, let the trailer air with windows open on dry days, and wash off urine promptly to protect the aluminium and mat sealant.
Ventilation-wise, a through‑draft matters more than a single open window. Before loading on warm days, open the sliding windows, lift the side flaps, and set the Airtech blind to encourage airflow while the ramp is up. On the road, keep windows safely adjusted to avoid debris entering while maintaining a cooling breeze. For insect‑sensitive horses waiting at events, a breathable fly rug and a quick brush‑off from your grooming kit can make all the difference to comfort.
Known weak points and warranty
Forum users have questioned the durability of the Maxi 2’s odd‑shaped front doors and the skinny hydraulic rams secured by chains; regular inspection and timely reinforcement are sensible if your trailer sees heavy use. The trailer carries a 2‑year overall warranty and 5 years on aluminium planking and floor.
Owner experiences vary, but this representative comment highlights the main concern:
“It looks like they could get easy damaged, especially the odd shape of the front one and the skinny hydraulic. Is the chain the only thing?” — Horse & Hound forum users
What to do in practice:
- At each pre‑journey check, confirm that door chains, pins and latches are intact and that hydraulics lift smoothly without play.
- If doors flex or rams feel weak, consult a qualified trailer engineer promptly. Reinforcement plates or upgraded fasteners can add reassurance for frequent eventers.
- Carry spare quick‑release ties for partitions and tie‑rings; replacing a tired tether on the day is faster and safer than nursing it home.
- Use breast bars or chest straps of appropriate height to help horses stay square in their herringbone bay without leaning on doors.
For the horses, robust travel boots and bandages help guard against knocks if a door moves suddenly on uneven ground. And if you’re handling at a busy venue, sturdy yard boots improve your footing on wet ramps.
Will it fit bigger horses?
The Maxi 2’s adjustable telescopic partitions offer flexibility, but some owners find two-horse herringbone trailers tight for very large horses; as a working guideline, pairs up to around 16.2hh are typically more comfortable. Always trial‑fit your biggest horse and adjust stall width before committing.
Every horse carries length and width differently—broad cobs, long‑backed warmbloods and fine TBs don’t use space the same way. Use the partitions to create a balanced diagonal stance that allows a forward neck carriage without cramping the quarters. If you regularly travel two large horses (16.3hh+ or very wide types), compare internal dimensions with straight-load alternatives or consider travelling one large horse with a pony to maintain comfort. Load them diagonally to minimise pressure points, and ensure there’s adequate headroom and chest‑bar height for the bigger frame.
Pro tip: If a horse consistently leans or tail‑swishes during travel, widen the bay a notch and trial a different diagonal angle. Small changes in partition placement can deliver a noticeable improvement in balance and behaviour.
Maintenance for UK seasons: your checklist
Service the Maxi 2 annually, inspect the aluminium floor and sealed rubber for corrosion, and test ventilation, brakes, lights, doors and rams before every trip. In wet UK weather, clean and dry the interior after use to protect the floor and hardware.
Use this practical routine to keep things safe and smooth:
- Annually: Book a full service (brakes, hubs, tyres, electrics) and ask for a documented floor inspection under/around sealed mats.
- Quarterly: Check ramp hinges, springs/hydraulics, and partition telescopics for free movement; lubricate as recommended by your technician.
- Pre‑journey: Verify tyre pressures (including spare), lights, breakaway cable, hitch security and noseweight. Open ventilation points before loading.
- Post‑journey: Sweep, rinse urine and mud, crack windows open to dry, and park on hard standing where possible.
Horse comfort kit that pairs well with the Maxi 2’s design:
- Travel boots or bandages to protect cannon bones and coronets when negotiating herringbone partitions.
- Lightweight turnout rugs for wet show days when horses stand between classes; remove for travel so they don’t overheat.
- Grooming essentials to wick sweat, detangle tails and remove road grime quickly at events.
- Calming and digestive support supplements as part of a wider programme for nervous travellers—always introduce well before show day.
- Hi‑vis for handlers when loading/unloading at dawn, dusk or roadside stops.
- Prefer trusted brands? Browse travel‑friendly picks from LeMieux and WeatherBeeta for quality rugs and accessories.
Quick tip: Keep a “show-day” tack box in the trailer—duct tape, spare ties, a small torch, and a tyre inflator save the day surprisingly often.
Price and buying tips
New Cheval Liberté Maxi Living (herringbone) models start from £15,480 in the UK, and the Maxi 2 generally sits below that depending on specification and dealer options. Factor in annual servicing costs and any desired hardware upgrades when budgeting.
If you’re torn between models, measure your horses and list the journeys you actually do—winter hunting, summer shows, midweek lessons—and match that to internal dimensions, ventilation and payload. Use the warranty terms (2 years overall; 5 years on aluminium planking and floor) as a guide to expected longevity, but plan for wear‑and‑tear items (rams, chains, hinges) to need periodic attention if you travel most weekends.
Buying used? Prioritise floor documentation, check the ramp springs/hydraulics for symmetry, and look closely at front door fitment and fasteners. A well‑kept interior often signals a careful owner. For kit savings once you’ve chosen, check our rotating deals in the Secret Tack Room clearance to stock your travel box cost‑effectively.
Conclusion
The Maxi 2’s core strengths are clear: a lorry‑like herringbone layout with a front ramp, a sealed aluminium floor that stands up to UK weather, and Pullman2 suspension for a calmer ride. Look after the floor, keep the ventilation flowing, and pay attention to door and ram hardware, and you’ll have a capable, confidence‑building trailer for busy British seasons. At Just Horse Riders, we recommend a careful set‑up session with your partitions and a thorough pre‑journey check—small tweaks deliver big wins in how well your horse travels.
FAQs
Are the doors on the Cheval Liberté Maxi 2 too flimsy for regular use?
Some owners on the Horse & Hound forums have queried the robustness of the front door shape and the skinny hydraulic rams secured by chains. Inspect hardware routinely, service annually, and consider reinforcement or upgraded fasteners if you travel frequently or notice flex—prevention is better than a roadside repair. Source: owner discussion.
How does herringbone travel benefit horses compared with forward‑facing?
Herringbone bays let horses spread their legs diagonally for better balance and reduced pressure, closely mirroring horsebox travel, and the Maxi 2 adds a front ramp for low‑stress unloading. Source: Cheval Liberté comparison review.
What maintenance does the Maxi 2 need in UK weather?
Book an annual service and have the aluminium floor and sealed rubber checked for corrosion; after wet journeys, sweep, rinse urine, and air the trailer. Open windows, side flaps and the Airtech blind before loading on warm days. Source: Cheval Liberté flooring and ventilation guidance.
Is the Maxi 2 suitable for larger horses (e.g., 16hh+)?
The adjustable telescopic partitions help, but some owners find two‑horse herringbone trailers tight for very large horses; pairs up to around 16.2hh are typically more comfortable. Trial‑fit your biggest horse and adjust stall width before committing.
What’s the warranty and build quality like?
The Maxi 2 carries a 2‑year overall warranty and 5 years on the aluminium planking and floor. The aluminium floor with glued and sealed rubber reduces rot risk compared with timber floors.
How good is the ventilation for UK summers?
Large sliding windows, side lifting window flaps, and an Airtech roller blind over the rear ramp create strong airflow for an airy, stable‑like feel while stationary and appropriate through‑draft while travelling.
What licence or vehicle do I need to tow it?
With a 2600kg MGW, the Maxi 2 generally suits B+E licence holders. Always confirm your vehicle’s towing capacity and noseweight limits in the handbook and ensure your trailer’s brakes and lights comply with UK Construction and Use Regulations.
