3.5t Vs Trailer - would you do test or swap trailer for 3.5t?

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McW

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For those post the driving licence change, what would you do:

Take the trailer test, insure 4x4 and get a trailer (I already have one) or get a 3.5t lorry?

I would only ever be taking one horse. Currently I have 4x4 and trailer but my OH drives, and I am in two mind whether to take my trailer test or start thinking about a 3.5t.

To add: As my boy can be a bit sticky to load - I have to load with front bar down and bribe with food to get his back feet on the ramp, he is a bit ramp phobic not bothered by the trailer. I am wondering if I would be able to whip the back bar up as he munches if I were to venture out solo.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated on the trailer vs 3.5t, as I'am feeling particularly peeved tonight that if I had passed my test earlier I would be going to lesson I want yo on Saturday. Ho hum.

White wine only on offer tonightI'm afraid!
 
I took my test as wanted to be ale to take two if it suited me and didn't want to run a third vehicle which would not be run often eough to keep it healthy. I don't mind towing though and the test is easy enough but some people hate it. Can OH sit next to you? Have a go and see what you think. If you already have the car I am inclined to say just do your test tbh :)
 
If you want to take 2 horses, stick to the trailer and take the test, if not a 3.5 tonne is fab. I love mine! have had a trailer (which I hated) 2 x 7.5 tonnes which were great when I needed to stay away a lot but v expensive to run and maintain and lastly came to the 3.5. Cheap, easy to drive, horse travels well etc etcx but not enough payload for 2 biggish horses + tack + passenger.
 
i took the test! about 3 weeks ago and thankfully passed 1st time, had done plenty of practice with bf and course for a few days before hand.
i would like a 3.5 ton box, but they are in high demand because of the licensing issues, so prices stay high and you pay a fortune for something even with a dodgy engine ect. my bf was a mechanic and said he was forever fixing old horse boxes, and a lot of 3.5 tons are over loaded soooo easily, even with one larger horse and all the tack, water, ect.
trailers: if you don't use them all year wont cost you anything (except tiny amount of insurance if you do) where as even 3.5 you have mot, road tax and insurance.
obviously you need a 4x4 but much easier to find a cheaper reliable 4x4 than a cheap reliable 3,5, also then got it for winter and if shows are in muddy fields your trailer will get out when horse boxes wait for the tractor!
my mare finds it much more inviting walking straight into a trailer, no turning involved.
 
For towing just one horse its easily legally possible to do that with a 4x4 and a lightweight trailer on your current B licence

Might need to down plate the trailer a little by contacting manufacturer at little or no cost

Find GVW of vehicle
Find plated MAM of trailer
Add them together
If they add up to more than 3500 kgs then it needs a B+E

See posts 999 and 1000 of the HHO TOWING CLINIC - link below in signature
 
I took the test. Cheaper in the long run and we really don't have room to have another vehicle sitting about with all the extra expenses.
 
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