3.5 Horsebox advice.

[exracehorse]

Hi. I’ve finally taken the plunge. Am selling my ifor 401 single trailer and am buying a 3.5 ton. So hubby doesn’t have to help me hitch and it’s a nightmare to reverse into allocated parking bay as I’m useless. The lorry is a Vauxhall Movano Chaigley. About 20 years old. Professionally produced. I’m worried about the whole jumping over bar into tack area. As I will also be taking my young mare who tried to do this on a transporter last year when sent away to be backed. Until the grill went up. Hence why I’ve not put her in my trailer. Would a coach builder be able to modify ? Have people put grills in ? Has anyone else altered their box? As a lot of the older. Or cheaper boxes are like this. It’s solid to the floor. Then two lockers either end.

 

[Red-1]

As it says 'am buying' rather than have bought, would you be better with a longstall/stallion version from the start, so this doesn't occur?

Some people put weave bars in, but that could mean a determined one gets stuck. You can also put a sloping flat part with bars, but that would need to be done professionally so would add to the cost of the box. It is do-able though.

I wouldn't simply take the partition out as the tack area wouldn't have been designed for a horse, for example the back door may not be strong enough to be pawed at.

I would also look for one with a wide enough door that, of the worst happens, the horse could fit through without the fire brigade needing to cut him out.

 

[exracehorse]

As it says 'am buying' rather than have bought, would you be better with a longstall/stallion version from the start, so this doesn't occur?

Some people put weave bars in, but that could mean a determined one gets stuck. You can also put a sloping flat part with bars, but that would need to be done professionally so would add to the cost of the box. It is do-able though.

I wouldn't simply take the partition out as the tack area wouldn't have been designed for a horse, for example the back door may not be strong enough to be pawed at.

I would also look for one with a wide enough door that, of the worst happens, the horse could fit through without the fire brigade needing to cut him out.

The problem is cost. I’m at the top of my budget buying. The 3.5 ton have rocketed recently. And a lot were bad conversions. I have a bit to play with and wondered if anyone else has had modifications. What does the ‘sloping flat part with bars’ look like .. that you mentioned. There is a coach build near me in Newmarket I can try. As otherwise it’s a nice box. Paint work bit tatty. But low mileage. Has all paperwork. Hardly used inside by the look of things. And original. Not made to look pretty and covered up

 

[Red-1]

Chaigley was a good brand, but I would defo want to weigh it myself as I think the earlier ones were quite heavy. I would also have a mechanic who can also check the floor, taking the mats off to do this.

I will see if I can find a photo of the conversion sloping shelf/bars.

 

[webble]

Have you sold the trailer yet? If not and you're anywhere near me please can you pm me details

 

[Red-1]

Found one...

 

[Red-1]

The disadvantage with them is that some horses will still jump onto the shelf. At least they can't get stuck there.

I do think they are better than an anti weave grid though, as a horse could still force his way through there.

 

[exracehorse]

The disadvantage with them is that some horses will still jump onto the shelf. At least they can't get stuck there.

I do think they are better than an anti weave grid though, as a horse could still force his way through there.

Thank you. I’ll ring tomorrow and see if Newmarket coach build can help.

 

[Identityincrisis]

I know this isn't what you're asking but i have the same horsebox, having sold my 401, you won't regret it! I could hitch and reverse no problem but didn't like feeling so far away from my horse. And they are so easy to drive.

As an aside, i have something similar to the above but made from wood, not as pretty but certainly serves as a visual and physical barrier to the horse

 

[exracehorse]

I know this isn't what you're asking but i have the same horsebox, having sold my 401, you won't regret it! I could hitch and reverse no problem but didn't like feeling so far away from my horse. And they are so easy to drive.

As an aside, i have something similar to the above but made from wood, not as pretty but certainly serves as a visual and physical barrier to the horse

Wow. Thank you. Any photos? And where did you go for the works? Yes. I hate towing. I’m a nervous Nellie. And it’s stopped me from doing things. And I don’t want to waste another year. If I had pots of money then I could pick and chose. But I don’t. However .. piece of mind is keeping young horse safe. And others must have thought of how to stop jumping over.

 

[Identityincrisis]

Wow. Thank you. Any photos? And where did you go for the works? Yes. I hate towing. I’m a nervous Nellie. And it’s stopped me from doing things. And I don’t want to waste another year. If I had pots of money then I could pick and chose. But I don’t. However .. piece of mind is keeping young horse safe. And others must have thought of how to stop jumping over.

It was already done when i bought it, i can get pictures for you?

Do you have a handy person? They could easily do this for you

 

[Melody Grey]

I was considering modifying a 3.5t recently but decided not to on the basis of payload.

 

[Lady Jane]

You can defunitely get alterations done but t hey must be done well otherwise the box is dangerous. And don't forget it will probably reduce your payload - which for one horse won't be a problem. Whatever you buy get a full inspection done

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Buying a known 3.5 ton built by a reputable builder is a good thing as you know the build should be good as they cannot allow any bad publicity as it would effect their business. I actually have a horsebox builder about 3 miles down the road. He builds 7.5 ton lorries and actually will do any alterations that people want. I'm in North Warwickshire & am probably too far away. On a lorry I had about 5 years ago he did some modifications & repairs & did a good job. Check the internet & facebook & you'll probably find someone who will undertake any modifications you want. Good Luck

 

[McFluff]

You could look at an equitravel safe - I’ve never used one, but I know people who do. It’s a lightweight solution is payload is an issue.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Check the weight with partition etc in before you buy, as mentioned up thread, they are good boxes but early ones were quite heavy.

Please please dont fit weave grills up, ask a few reputable builders about getting a climb board fitted, some can do them which bolt in. These fix to the top of the chest wall, go out at about 45 degrees towards the back for about 18inches and then go vertically up right to the roof, or finish a few inches short.

 

[exracehorse]

It was already done when i bought it, i can get pictures for you?

Do you have a handy person? They could easily do this for you

Yes please. Photos would be great

 

[exracehorse]

Check the weight with partition etc in before you buy, as mentioned up thread, they are good boxes but early ones were quite heavy.

Please please dont fit weave grills up, ask a few reputable builders about getting a climb board fitted, some can do them which bolt in. These fix to the top of the chest wall, go out at about 45 degrees towards the back for about 18inches and then go vertically up right to the roof, or finish a few inches short.

Yes. Have been looking on the internet. There are these too

 

[Tracking_up]

You could look at an equitravel safe - I’ve never used one, but I know people who do. It’s a lightweight solution is payload is an issue.

As mentioned by @McFluff , have a look at these attachments. I know of someone on another dressage board who uses this very successfully.

https://www.equitravelsafe.co.uk/

 

[Melody Grey]

As mentioned by @McFluff , have a look at these attachments. I know of someone on another dressage board who uses this very successfully.

https://www.equitravelsafe.co.uk/

Wow, that costs a lot more than I was expecting. Never used one though, so could be worth it?

 

[exracehorse]

Spoke to a few coach builds near me. He says no problem. Bring it over when I collect on Saturday. To have a look. He’s put a anti climb rail in before. But I’ll have a good chat about weight. Safety. What it looks like. As I’ve never seen one before.

 

[ycbm]

https://www.equitravelsafe.co.uk/

That price is ridiculous. You can fit your own wither strap, this cured this horse of trashing the tack locker by stamping on it. You need two strong fixing points bolted through the front wall, a thick rope over the wither and some 100mm carabiners to attach it. The yellow hose is just a "breast bar". Carry a sharp knife to cut the rope in the event of an emergency.