3.5t Horse Lorry for a 17.2

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Macmurry

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Hi there,

Im desperate to get my mare out and about but my big problem is transport :( so I have decided to look into buying my own 3.5t lorry. ;)

My question is, what make/model of 3.5t lorry would most likely fit a 17.2h horse ? (Or just general recommendations would be good as well)


Also any tips and advise for buying a lorry would be much appreciated !
 
It's not the make/model per se that determines the size unless you are going for one of the hi-top vans, rather than a box van.

The one I have currently is a converted box van, and was built by the previous owner to transport her 18hh horse. I'm getting rid of it though as mine doesn't travel too well in it (he's only 14.3/15hh).
 
Having helped a lady recently load her very reluctant 17hh into an Equisport van can say once in he fitted fine but getting him in PITA as very tight to get up ramp & turn & there's a lip on the roof where the upper door is that he kept smacking his head on as he reversed down the ramp. Not fun. If your horse is really good to load you might be ok. Usual caveat that 3.5t won't take 2 horses. If you have appropriate license go for 5.2t, they are far a few between but give you more room & payload
 
I have a 3.5t Renault master and my 17 hand boy has plenty of space. It is long wheel base though, and I think unusual top doors on the ramp making loading easy. It can be done, but might take a bit of searching for.
 
Ok I will maybe avoid the equisport then as she is not the best at loading takes some convincing but once she's been in she's fine to go in again - its mostly about convincing her that she can fit in the first place.

At the moment I only have a normal car licence, hence the 3.5t, however I'm planning on getting my C/C1 licence possibly the start of next year.
 
I am in the process of buying a 3.5t after selling my 10t!! Im hoping or rather praying my 16.2 will approve of the downsize!! The one Im buying is a 3.5t Movano LWB with side openning top doors as I dont like the ones with a single top door that opens upwards especially for big horses. Ive always thought the 3.5t's are more suited to ponies tbh but driving a massive 10t for 1 horse was silly and given the choice of an expensive trailer and 4x4 and coming across a 3.5t I could afford!! made me think sod it. I hope to god Im doing the right thing.
 
Louby said:
I am in the process of buying a 3.5t after selling my 10t!! Im hoping or rather praying my 16.2 will approve of the downsize!! The one Im buying is a 3.5t Movano LWB with side openning top doors as I dont like the ones with a single top door that opens upwards especially for big horses. Ive always thought the 3.5t's are more suited to ponies tbh but driving a massive 10t for 1 horse was silly and given the choice of an expensive trailer and 4x4 and coming across a 3.5t I could afford!! made me think sod it. I hope to god Im doing the right thing.
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I've got side opening top doors - they really do make a difference.
 
I have the side opening top doors too. My 3.5 Renault has headroom of 8', the single partition is 4 ft wide, and the stall length 8'9. That is big enough for an elephant (well, almost)!

It was OK for one horse weight wise, but I have personally uprated to 3.9 so I can pack freely.
 
I don't understand how any designers thought that those flip up top doors were a good idea! They are the least inviting thing on the planet and horses bang their heads off them left, right and centre then refuse to load!

Defo's go for one with either a full height ramp or with split doors at the top.
 
I wouldn't buy an equitrek due to the build quality but my 17hh lump went in one no problem at all. Room to spare and easy enough to get back out too. It had a full height ramp. I would agree the lift up top part ramps are a bad idea for any horse never mind a big un. The full height ramp was extremely heavy tho.
 
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