3.5 van conversion recommendations

[lilly1]

Hello, I'm looking to buy a new van conversion box. Budget doesn't stretch to a coachbuild unfortunately.

Would be grateful for any recommendations, particularly in respect of safety. Getting the most payload isn't a factor as I will only be carrying one horse. I've contacted a couple and have some questions about materials used for the floors. A lot seem to bond / fix the rubber matting to a base layer of treated plywood but I cant see how you can then check the floor? I've also read somewhere 18mm is the ideal thickness for floors but the ones I've spoken to are less than that.
Any recommendations for companies and advice on minimum build standards are welcomed.

 

[Steerpike]

We didn't bond our rubber to the flooring, we wanted to be able to take it up if we needed to, we also used 18ml buffalo board which is better than ply. Sorry I can't recommend a company, my husband did my van conversion.

 

[gallopingby]

Better to buy a secondhand box from an established source rather than a new van type. Secondhand from a reputable builder would hold its value better than a new one. Have a look at the travel two website.

 

[PeterNatt]

The issue with van conversions is that if they are re-enforced correctly that it is cheaper to build a coach-built one on a chassis pan cab.

Best quality ones are Bloomfield, Boss, Marlborough, Kevin Parker, Oakley and Owen.

 

[webble]

Whereabouts are you looking? I have a Hamer which I'm pleased with and have previously had a Chatham. I've heard mostly good about equi sport and 3 counties, mixed reviews on south west horse boxes

 

[Bobbit]

I have an equisport. Its good I think, certainly never had any problems with it......hoping it stays that way!

 

[Pippity]

I have an Equi-Sport, and generally like it. Everything I've had on it has travelled happily. I'd definitely recommend double-checking the ramp when you first pick it up, though. The catch can be fiddly to get in, especially if the ramp gets even slightly out of alignment, because both bolts go in at the same time (if that makes sense!) Mine became unusable during the first year of ownership, but they sent somebody out to fix it under warranty and it's been fine since.

 

[Quigleyandme]

I had a Huish for years and years before passing it onto a friend of a friend to whom it gave many more years of trouble free service. They sourced a Vauxhall Movano which had only done about 40,000 miles of local deliveries and it was such a reliable and economical vehicle. It even forgave me putting £10 of petrol instead of diesel in it although it did smell a bit funny until it cleared the system.

 

[JoannaC]

I've got a Renault Master Van and have been really pleased with it. It doesn't have the biggest payload, just under 1000 but from the research i've done if you get a bigger payload they aren't as well built. I was dubious about the van as previously had one which was built as a horsebox from the start (still Renault Master) but there is a video on youtube explaining why these can actually be safer due to the stronger walls. My only issue now is I never go anywhere with the horse but it's very handy for picking up furniture etc!

 

[scats]

Equibabe did my conversion for me. I’m really happy with it.