3.5 ton Lorry's

[jac47]

Hi I'd like an honest opinion on 3.5 lorries. I went to try one yesterday It was a bit like a transit van, it had 4 wheels, a small cab, the horses travel backwards and it had a small space at the back for saddles etc. The ramp was at the side. It was a petrol engin 20ltr.this has always been a lorry.
I found it quite bumpy to drive and did'nt like the idea of the horse being on the same side as the driver as all the weight would be on one side. same if it stood on the passengers side.
When it started it coughed and spluttered until it heat up. I thought i'd like one but not too sure now. Think the bigger one's may be safer and more stable on the road.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

3.5 ton lorries can be really good & certainly the way to go for people who passed their tests after the cut off date & can't drive 7.5 ton lorries without a further test.

The problem with alot of 3.5 ton lorries are that some of the donor vehicles being used are not always of good quality. Some less scrupulous traders have realised that a conversion on an old Transit & a quick paint job will give them a better chance of selling a previously unsalable vehicle.

I'm not against 3.5 tonners but you must take a trusted mechanic to see the vehicle with you or you can end up with a real expensive piece of junk.

 

[ecrozier]

Echo Toby_Zaphod - I think a lot of people have cottonned on that there is now a huge market for the more affordable 3.5t horseboxes as lots of people who are post-1997 licence holders are now looking to buy their first horseboxes. Lots of VERY dodgy ones about!!

 

[pathelschoice]

Go to a reputable dealer ie:

Andrew Saywell at select horseboxes
www.horseboxes.com
Martin Taylor at JM Horseboxes
www.jmhorseboxes.co.uk
Richard Wilkinson Coachbuilders (they built Katie Prices' (Andre)/ Jordan lorry)
Gary or Tony Wilkinson - 01254 824599

Sometimes its better to spend a little more for peace of mind.

 

[welshies]

I'm selling one made by andrew saywell @ select mentioned above.

 

[sfward]

If I was looking now/had the money I would probably go for something like this: http://www.equi-trek.com/sonic.html

Brand new chassis, more space than a transit type (which I've had before, with disastrous results!!!) whilst still being 3500kg gross weight and actually quite reasonably priced.

 

[jipdog7]

All I can say is don't judge every 3.5t conversion by the one you have tried. Try a few out, especially with your horse in it. I certainly wouldn't recommend a petrol engine!

If you're in the North of England then feel free to contact me to have a test in our demo RunStar Horse Shuttle and talk to our happy customers.

 

[Agent XXX999]

I have just bought a Citroen Relay conversion, had horsebox mechanic look at it - and it is really really spacious inside, Bruce has got lots of room.

Really happy with mine!