3.5 tonne lorry after car and trailer advice please and good suppliers names

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tb gal

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I have just gone part time with a view to full retirement in a few years (I’m ancient!) . Have towed trailers for 30 years and fine with them but…plan is to box pony to places to hack from. Went for a walk with OH yesterday starting from car/horse box park which would have been impossible to turn trailer n car around in due to other vehicle but someones 3.5 tonne camper van did fine. out of the blue OH said “ I think you will be better with a box, we can go down to 1 car now we are both part time, you could go out each week, go to clinics , go to hacks etc”. I nearly fainted with shock 😮 😀. So now I’m considering selling my tow car and trailer for a 3.5 to 4 tonner. Catch’s are that I can’t have something mega wide as needs to fit on my very narrow drive which will fit a Renault master with ramp struts but possibly not one that has the bulgy body either side of wheel arch’s. Any advice welcome.
 
I went from trailer to 7.5 to HGV, back to 7.5 and am now on a 3.5 that I have uprated to 4t. It is fab! It stays packed other then the horse, haynet, saddle and bridle as I have spares of everything else such as hat, boots, forst aid kit, spare clothes, snacks, water...

I can't advise on the make of one of the van shape boxes as I decided they were too cramped for my horses, but the idea of a smaller one as opposed to a car and trailer is great.

I did mine for just 1 horse rather than 2, but have a toilet, tack locker etc so it is all really easy to use. The headroom is 8ft too, so fits a full size horse, with a wide partition and long stall.
 
Depends massively on your budget. When we were looking (mid range new build long stall stallion box on new-ish chassis), we liked Staffordshire Horseboxes, Marlborough, John Oates and Tristar. Bloomfield, Oakley, Theault etc were out of our price range. For second hand, Travel Two Horseboxes (on FB) seemed very good. Ended up getting a John Oates. It has carried mare and foal, youngsters on their first solo outing etc. Having it has meant we are happy to do things like box up to hack somewhere different and we often take horses to the clinic, rather than get a vet out. So far (4 years in) its been super reliable.
 
Thank you both I think I’m mid range about £25-30k max. I don’t want something with mega milage either as some seem to be new conversions on a 139kl engine. I do like the idea of a smaller turning circle than car and trailer in a small car park having had to unload and unhitch pony to turn round at a venue previously.
 
I’ve recently been box shopping and my mechanic was quite firm about pretty much ignoring the mileage (as long as there is a full service history) but going for as young as possible for the chassis. Apparently it’s the age related stuff i.e corrosion that will get you far before any distance wear and tear.
 
I haven't had a trailer but did have a 7.5t before the 3.5t and the 3.5t is so easy for nipping out in for a lesson or hack etc. As Red mentioned, I'd really do your homework as to whether your horse will safely and comfortably fit on the van conversions, the coachbuilt ones normally have a lot of room but I've seen a lot of conversions that don't look big enough for much more than a pony.
 
I had a van shape Renault master conversion, travelled a large 16h hunter type weighing 700kg in there (he now travels in an ifor 505 but without partition as such a lump lol). He loved it, I loved it till engine broke and it cost me a fortune.

Just remember you need to use it regularly and buy from somewhere reputable...

I was stupid and bought van without having it checked over then I had it converted. Conversion was amazing, would Def recommend getting it done yourself as you know how good the bulkhead is between and the horse !!

Reversing camera is a must. If you get lost you can literally turn anywhere ...it's lovely.
 
I've got an Equitrek and it's not overly wide, I often go to the supermarket in it and it fits between the lines in the parking space 😃
 
Might be older than you want but I have a 57 plate 3.5t Alexander York that’ll be up for sale once it’s back from its mot next week. Easy to drive, handles like a car, decent turning circle and fits in a standard parking space no problem. I absolutely adore it and wouldn’t be selling if it weren’t for my dinosaur of a youngster needing more space.
 
I got my made by Equi Sport just before they stopped trading (still don’t know why as they had full order book) they are fantastic conversions but of course, what van has been used? We sourced our own for the conversion. The horsebox workshop look like a decent set up with a lot of customisation available….. don’t underestimate the stress of picking your colour options 🤣🤣🤣
 
tda said:
I've got an Equitrek and it's not overly wide, I often go to the supermarket in it and it fits between the lines in the parking space 😃
Click to expand...
How do you find it build wise? My friend has one that had a leaking water pump to kitchen which they mended so the roof started leaking instead🫣🤣
 
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Sorry was at least 10/12 years ago and can't remember who built it, guy had structural engineering background and put v substantial bulkhead in. back doors were left as van doors so no issue if horse got over into back (although v little chance of that as he was pretty big). Was perfect except for the engine lol
 
tb gal said:
How do you find it build wise? My friend has one that had a leaking water pump to kitchen which they mended so the roof started leaking instead🫣🤣
Click to expand...
I've had it about 3 yrs, it's a 2018 model, horsebox from new, no living, just seats/space at the rear for storage, only 15k miles, it's never missed a beat! I know Equitrek don't have the best reputation, but considered its age and mileage thought it was worth a punt
 
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