3.5 tonn vs 7.5 tonn

[hogged cob]

In the near future we are considering changing our trailer and maybe getting a wagon. I would be interested to hear your experiences with regards to a 3.5 van conversion type or a 7.5 lorry.

I do not stay overnight anywhere, just attend local shows, pleasure rides and the odd drag hunt day. I have a 15.1 MW cob. I like the look of the smaller types but I wonder if they are practical enough to accomodate 2 adults, our 5year old daughter, the labrador, and all the gear that goes with a horse.

 

[eggs]

Not had a 3.5 ton as it would not have a big enough payload from my horses but from your description it does not sound as though this would be an issue for you.

It will be slightly cheaper to run a 3.5t but I would look at the build quality very carefully. If it is rear facing make sure that you can easily drop the breast bar in case of an emergency.

Have a mechanic check out whatever you decided to buy but do bear in mind that they will not be looking at it from the perspective of horse safety.

 

[jacksmum]

I love my 3.5 tonne van!
Had a 7.5 tonne lorry before this which was great too but got so expensive to run and i dreaded plating time!
Now my van is cheap to run, takes an mot not plate and fits on my driveway so no more parking rent.
Also it has helped friends move house and took us camping allowing us to take stacks of extras.
BUT i only ever compete on my own, if i wanted to take friends then it wouldn't take the weight.

 

[perfect11s]

I think a 3.5 ton will do what you want , however they are more expensive to own as they are built on a cheap van chassis rather than a lorry which will last 20 years with reasonable care think of them like a family car say new 25k couple of years 15k 10 years old not much and they are ok if started life as a horse box but sadly most have been trashed tradesmans vans so soon start to cost heaps to maintain and repair ... mot and tax about the same as a 7.5 ton as is insurance 3.5 will do about 10 mpg more but how many miles do horseboxes do so thats realy not an issue...