3.5T horse lorries - experiences?

Holly Hocks said:
ROG which 4x4 cars have the best towing capacity if I didn't want a huge 4x4 vehicle?
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As a generalisation most of the smaller 4x4 crossover cars have a max towing limit of 2000kg.
A big Disco or equivalent would be 3500kg.

There are a few inbetween options which can tow 2500kg and are inbetween size wise...some Kia Sorrentos as an example but not sure of exact weights.
 
we had a SWB 2.7 nissan terrano with a decent tow capacity - 2800kgs, same with some other SWB holly hocks - Mum didn't want a big one and we took two in an ifor 505 regularly.
 
I've had both a transit with ifor Williams back, and a Renault Master van conversion. The transit, I hated the blooming thing! It never really felt stable, the ramp was ridiculously steep and the side ramp was at such an angle that my mare couldn't get out without panicking and was forever catching her hip bone. For small ponies it was ok but very quickly my mare refused point blank to load in it and I sold it after 2 or 3 months. On the flip side I then bought my Renault, had it 5 years and only just very regrettably sold it as we now have a pushing 17hh (not when we bought him mind!) And although he did fit and travel well in it I just wasn't comfortable any more takig him and really it would be nice to take two. I only ever took one horse or two ponies but I absolutely loved it. Best money I ever spent and it literally went up and down the country. It gave me such independence and my mum was terrified of towing and as soon as I could afford it I bought my first lorry- without really thinking, hence the transit! Mine had only a tack area no living and tbh these that reckon to have full living, sinks etc are suitable really for only a pony with regards to weight. Mine had around a 1.2 tonne payload which is plenty for even a big horse and tack etc. I would recommend a van conversion to anybody, the only thing I will say is when something kicks off it isn't nice. I was unfortunate enough to have a friend's horse go over the breast bar and can honestly say it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Luckily mine had double doors at the back - an absolute must IMO as if there was just a small door the horse would almost certainly have killed itself because it came all the way over.
FWIW I also believe they hold their value, I paid 4k for mine on 96 plate 5 years ago with a year's MOT and just sold it for a touch more with 2 months MOT. Dirt cheap to tax, insure and run too :-)
 
Owner here of 2 transits, cant say i have had any major issues with either. My 1st was a 2L petrol, went rather slow up hills and never had anything huge in the back.
I ended up having the chance of a newer one with a higher roof, LW and 2.5L Diesel, my moody KWPN has travelled find in it, It has prob been used more though for helping family members move house, trips to and from Ikea etc. As others have mentioned rather steep ramp and its currently sorn but if it goes back on the road, i'm having the ramp altered so not as bad!
Neither have ever felt unstable (but i am a super careful driver), both have been good on fuel, insurance etc and parts are very easily come by for them - bonus!
 
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