3.5 horsebox advice

[PSD]

Sorry I know this is probably done to death but I can’t find any full threads with everything I’m wanting to know!

So I’m very lucky (or unlucky, inheritance due to bereavement) to be in a position where I can purchase a horsebox. I don’t want a 7.5 tonne as I have read they cost a lot to maintain and I would need to do a test to be able to drive one. Plus I only have a section c so don’t really need one!

However my question is, what on earth do I look for? So I’m not sure whether I prefer the panel van type or the box type for a start. Have driven both and haven’t got a preference, I’ve heard the panel vans have a better payload? Are there any pros and cons to either? Also with my budget I (think) am able to look into having one built, but there are so many can conversion companies and box builders I haven’t a clue where to even start. Are there any specifications that are an absolute must? I only really want something basic to maximise payload.

I don’t have a Bloomfields budget but it is a healthy 20k so I know I can probably get something good for the money. Can anyone share any tips/advice/recommend any companies to approach? Or any members parting with their 3.5s? I’m in the north west but I know a lot of companies deliver nationwide and offer virtual viewings however I would like to be able to view the box and test drive it if possible.

 

[sychnant]

I had a 3.5 ton Renault Master box, it was great and we went all over the country in it. I can't remember the exact payload but it was enough for my Gypsy Cob, all kit and 3 passengers.

It was 20 years old when I sold it earlier this year and it was valued by a dealer at £13k, although I let it go for a bit less to a friend.

I know the vans often have a better payload, but I wouldn't have considered one after seeing how badly one was rocking as the horse shifted about when they left the competition we were at. I don't think they're as well built as a box type, although I know a lot of people love them, they're just not for me.

 

[PSD]

I had a 3.5 ton Renault Master box, it was great and we went all over the country in it. I can't remember the exact payload but it was enough for my Gypsy Cob, all kit and 3 passengers.

It was 20 years old when I sold it earlier this year and it was valued by a dealer at £13k, although I let it go for a bit less to a friend.

I know the vans often have a better payload, but I wouldn't have considered one after seeing how badly one was rocking as the horse shifted about when they left the competition we were at. I don't think they're as well built as a box type, although I know a lot of people love them, they're just not for me.

Edited - I read your post wrong sorry!!

I’ve heard so many good things about the Renault master boxes. I just see so many for sale it’s hard to know who to trust especially with everyone claiming to be professional box builders!


i do prefer the sturdiness of the box versions however I have used a van conversation and I think if built well they are great little boxes. Especially when you only have a small pony like me, but I do want to be able to go out with friends, we all seem to have ponies which helps payload wise.

 

[Lady Jane]

There are several Facebook groups who comment on builds. Dodgy Horsebox Dealers I think? I believe with that budget a van conversion is your only option. With a pony that size the payload shouldn't be an issue but for 2 ponies you need to be careful

 

[PSD]

There are several Facebook groups who comment on builds. Dodgy Horsebox Dealers I think? I believe with that budget a van conversion is your only option. With a pony that size the payload shouldn't be an issue but for 2 ponies you need to be careful

unfortunately I’m not on Facebook so can’t access any of the groups. I know, which is why I was swaying more to a van conversion as they typically have a higher payload.

 

[PSD]

The budget could stretch but I don’t really want to spend so much on one!

 

[L&M]

The 2 essentials for me are:

- a collapsible breast bar in case of horse going over
- back doors wide enough to be used as an emergency exit

The other thing to consider is ventilation - I like side windows plus roof vents as the 3.5t's can get quite warm in the summer, even more so with 2 on board.

I have owned both van and coachbuilt. When I had the one small cob the van was ideal, I took the partition out so he had loads of space and easy to tack up etc or shelter for us both in bad weather. Acted as a replacement vehicle too if my car was ever in the garage.

However with 2 I much prefer a coachbuilt as more headroom. We were lucky to find one with 1260kg payload, as the fittings are very minimal and all made of lightweight materials. The partition is just a straight bar, which may not suit others, but ours are such good travellers so all we need. The rear jockey door is 4 ft wide so could get a horse out if the ramp ever broke or we had a side on collision.

To drive they were/are both fab as both renault master td's, easy to maintain and cheap to run.

In terms of builders no real ideas but we sourced ours through Warwickshire Horse Boxes, who tend to have a good selection of old and new, mainly coachbuilt (bought ours in 2020 as a new conversion @£16.5k)

My van was converted by Three Counties who do have a very good reputation, so worth a google and their website used to give a very comprehensive guide to sourcing and building a van conversion (bought as a new conversion in 2008 @ approx 8.5k).

 

[Flame_]

I just bought a used coachbuilt for £20k. Quite high milage and not one of the well known makes but it's a nice solid box on a 2014 movano. New builds seem to start at about 27k.

 

[PSD]

I just bought a used coachbuilt for £20k. Quite high milage and not one of the well known makes but it's a nice solid box on a 2014 movano. New builds seem to start at about 27k.

From what I’ve seen if you go for an older chassis you can get some under 25k. I could hang tight and push the budget but as I say I don’t really want to spend haha! OH would string me up if he found me spending nearly 30k on one!

 

[PSD]

The 2 essentials for me are:

- a collapsible breast bar in case of horse going over
- back doors wide enough to be used as an emergency exit

The other thing to consider is ventilation - I like side windows plus roof vents as the 3.5t's can get quite warm in the summer, even more so with 2 on board.

I have owned both van and coachbuilt. When I had the one small cob the van was ideal, I took the partition out so he had loads of space and easy to tack up etc or shelter for us both in bad weather. Acted as a replacement vehicle too if my car was ever in the garage.

However with 2 I much prefer a coachbuilt as more headroom. We were lucky to find one with 1260kg payload, as the fittings are very minimal and all made of lightweight materials. The partition is just a straight bar, which may not suit others, but ours are such good travellers so all we need. The rear jockey door is 4 ft wide so could get a horse out if the ramp ever broke or we had a side on collision.

To drive they were/are both fab as both renault master td's, easy to maintain and cheap to run.

In terms of builders no real ideas but we sourced ours through Warwickshire Horse Boxes, who tend to have a good selection of old and new, mainly coachbuilt (bought ours in 2020 as a new conversion @£16.5k)

My van was converted by Three Counties who do have a very good reputation, so worth a google and their website used to give a very comprehensive guide to sourcing and building a van conversion (bought as a new conversion in 2008 @ approx 8.5k).

thank you this is very useful! Mine is a good traveller but hesitates when loading so I am mindful of this too. I would need something with either a fully opening top door or barn style doors as opposed to the canopy ones. I have had a look at Warwickshire horseboxes I may give them an email and see if they have or know of any as I know they do sell second hand ones. I wouldn’t mind a second hand one so long as it’s from someone reputable, a friend of mine is selling her van conversion but I’m not sure what I’m looking at so I’d be going in totally blind and don’t want to get stung!