3.5tonne horsebox query

[jen1980]

hi, any other 3.5tonne horsebox conversion owners, can you tell me what your top door (above the ramp) is like.
Im thinking of changing the one on my van to either barnstyle doors or an up & over with gas struts. the van currently has a single top door which you open back on to the body of the van but its heavy and seems to drop on its hinges slightly which leaves a little gap for water/rain to get through.
would like to know what others think of theirs

 

[miss_c]

I have an 'up and over' one, only ever had one horse not like it. I think if having the barn style I'd want it so they opened to each side as opposed to one big one, but that's just me!

 

[jen1980]

thanks.
i dont think my horse will have any problems with an up and over door as she walks under covered walkways etc with no issues.
how does your door lock in place?

 

[laura-c]

We sell 3.5tons, we do lots of different specs, but have never been asked for barn-type doors, all of them have been ones that flap up on pistons. Never had a horse have a problem with them my end.

 

[tiga71]

I have two doors which open to the side. I chose to have those as thought it was more inviting than having one door opening above the horses head. Though I don't think my horse would care anyway.
The doors clip into place when open so they don't swing about.

 

[PaddyMonty]

Ours is slightly non standard (built it myself). It has twin gas rams. Ramp was made taller to give very shallow angle, also wider to make loading and unloading easier. Top is hinged with continous nylon hinge which is waterproof so no driping through if it rains.
Doesn't have the unsightly rope hanging down to lower it with. I made OH a device we call hook-a-duck which lives in the cab to pull the ramp down.
Placement of rams is critical to get the angle point up rather than straight out. This makes it more inviting for horse when loading.
Box is 2 years old now and no problems what so ever.

 

[jen1980]

thanks for all your comments and the pics. looking at your pic of the up and over door im sure that would suit us and would allow us to open the passenger door freely too