3.5t Lorry - changing the 'Breast Bar' thing to a quick release version?

MrsMozartletoe

MrsMozartletoe

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Sorry for so many questions - I obviously have too much time on my hands :D

Anyhoo, I have one of the bog stand little 3.5t lorries. She's grand and goes everywhere and does everything and all have travelled very nicely, albeit one with a desire for a slightly different seating plan, but I digress.

The barrier breast bar thing is the usual fixed type with a little jockey door in it. The rear door is usual human width (though has been used otherwise, see comment above!), so not wide enough to get the average horse out thataway, however I'm wondering if I can make the barrier/breast bar into a 'removeable in an emergency' one.

Trying to envisage what it would look like and how I'd stop the horses from standing on or pawing at the little bench seats. And from that, how the external quick release would work.

Anyone done anything like this? Did the rear door need widening, and if yes, how big a job was it?
 
I had one put in my 3.5t van. The original conversion came with a filled in breast bar/barrier. This was removed completely and replaced with a trailer style breast bar, with internal clips for removal. The bar was positioned so that the clips could be un-done from underneath, so even if a horse had its full weight over the bar, as swift knock with a hammer and the bar would drop. As it was a van I had no issues with the back door as had the normal double van doors.

The only internal adjustments I had to make was securing equipment in the living area, as no longer had a 'wall' to rest them against, and was worried buckets etc could roll into the horse area. I solved this with cable ties and tie up rings to secure things too.

I had mine done by Three Counties, but imagine most 3.5t manafacturers will be able to advise, as would hope most new conversions have a removable breast bar as standard now.
 
Thank you. She's about three years old now, I think, can't quite remember - should do as I bought her to bring a new horse home. Anyhoo, no release mechanism.

I'll call a couple of local builders, see if they're interested.
 
MrsMozart said:
Thank you, but what's a 'climb board'? Off to google.
Click to expand...
It's a fixed sheet of metal, fixed to the top of the breast bar, heads off at a 45 degree angle for a couple of feet, then goes vertically to a couple of inches from the ceiling.
Encloses the travel section in.
Ought to be cheaper than sorting a replacement breast bar and cutting in a bigger rear door.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
It's a fixed sheet of metal, fixed to the top of the breast bar, heads off at a 45 degree angle for a couple of feet, then goes vertically to a couple of inches from the ceiling.
Encloses the travel section in.
Ought to be cheaper than sorting a replacement breast bar and cutting in a bigger rear door.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Was thinking about something to stop anything coming over the top (see my first post. Hm). So that would negate any need to have a way of dropping the breast bar as they just can't get over it in the first place. Do haynets sit in it okay and does it reduce the size of horse one can carry?
 
They had to alter the usual design slightly as my windows were further back but didn't cause any issue. Lots of benefits, incl.a solid barrier to deter iffy travellers from climbing, stops hay etc from getting into the grooms area. Don't need to worry about a narrow door. Still plenty of room for the horse. Airflow is still good because it doesn't quite reach the roof but the horses can't see over.

I have travelled lots of different horses in my box, I personally wouldn't use one without a solid barrier. Its removable with a helper. You can get hinged ones if you think youd like to fold it out of the way when you get the horse off.
 
Thank you (and lovely horse :) ).

Will crawl around the lorry tomorrow, see how it'll fit and what space it'll give, etc.

I don't think I have as much 'horse body' length as you have there, though it used to carry my 16.3hh-ish ID okay. Will take some measurements and pictures and see what Racemaster can do :)
 
For reference that horse wears a 6'3 rug and has about a foot or so free space in front of him where he's standing. I can measure the box if that would be helpful.
 
milliepops said:
For reference that horse wears a 6'3 rug and has about a foot or so free space in front of him where he's standing. I can measure the box if that would be helpful.
Click to expand...

Yes please, if / when you're able to. I don't (currently...) have a big horse and I'd like to know that whatever I do will work when (I'm sorry D! :D ) go collect. The ponies won't care about the addition as there'll be no impact at all on them.
 
That looks interesting as well, thank you Oldie48.

I'm going to take the lorry to my garage, see if the nice chap there can either do or knows of someone who can do something. We'll lose a chunk of space in the little groom's area at the end, so I think hinged will be the way to go. Still need to measure it. Life keeps getting in the way.
 
oldie48 said:
Hi if you want other pics to help, just let me know but it works really well. If I am staying overnight somewhere I just drop it down so I don't bump my head on it.
Click to expand...


Thank you. I will do. Will see the garage man next week, so will see what he might need or what he'd like sight of.

I've just noticed the big bolt thing you have on your jockey door. That looks very sensible. Mines a simple slidey bolt thing.
 
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