3.5t build options

[Splashy pony]

So I'm tentatively considering getting transport. I was hoping to get a 3.5t conversion for around 6k but think I might need to cough up more. I have also looked at having a new conversion. The conversion price alone varies from a very basic under £2k to my local one which starts at £7k. Van price is on top. So what'd the difference? Which corners can be cut and what is essential? I have a 14.2 Connie and just t want to head off to the hills or visit local shows.

 

[AshTay]

I've recently bought one and paid a bit under 10K for it including optional extras such as reversing camera and graphics on the side and they filled it with diesel for the weighbridge and taxed and MOT'd it before collection - conversion was 6k, van was 3.5K. A friend of mine had a 5K budget and went to one of the cheaper places and was nearly ripped off (took her some time to get her money back after she realised something fishy was going on). She's since bought a secondhand one from a local transport company for 5K and is very happy with it. An essential feature for me was a removeable breast bar and door so horse can exit through the rear if need be.
Best bet is to ask around and try and go and see the people and if you can meet some previous customers then all the better. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[OWLIE185]

Don't get a conversion. Get them to build on a 3.5 ton chassis pan cab as that way you will get a far stronger container. A chassis pan cab is a vehicle with just a cab and the chassis at the rear without any container on it at all. Prefered ones are the Renaultmaster as they have a low centre of gravity which means that the ramp is not as steep and they are more stable especially when going round corners.

 

[AshTay]

Don't get a conversion. Get them to build on a 3.5 ton chassis pan cab as that way you will get a far stronger container. A chassis pan cab is a vehicle with just a cab and the chassis at the rear without any container on it at all. Prefered ones are the Renaultmaster as they have a low centre of gravity which means that the ramp is not as steep and they are more stable especially when going round corners.

Surely the strength of the container is entirely dependent on how it's done and you can have a conversion on an existing van that's stronger than a container that's put on to a chassis pan cab and vice versa. The body of my Renault Master conversion is at least as strong as most coach builds and trailers that I've sene up close.

 

[Splashy pony]

Thanks but what do you get for 6k conversion that you don't get in a 4k or a 2k one? And do I need it? I don't need fancy wardrobes etc. I would rather spend on a younger van.