A question for those who convert horseboxes....

[luckilotti]

Hi,
this is a question for those who have converted horseboxes yourself (am sure there are some of you on here

)
how do you do it... Is there a book of 'plans' you can buy or is it just looking at how other boxes are done and copying it?
The reason i ask is that hubby today has started to weld my box ready for me to get it MOTd etc but we are planning to sell it and for me to get a newer model

(my current one is a 1989 but has served me well as a 1st box!)
since i first met hubby he has said how he could easily convert one, as he works in the metal work/engineering industy. The thing is, if it would be carrying horses it needs to be done right, so ideally would like a set of guidelines etc that he could follow before i would let him loose to convert one for me!
If anyone knows if there is such a book etc available i'd be grateful if you could let me know, or if there is any other advice you could offer.
Thanks

 

[LCobby]

Foxlea aka Horsebox bits do conversion kits and wil ladvise on things like ramps and grooms doors and windows
depends if you are buying a box van to convert or builsing coachbuilt style on a bare cab chassis
thye do all the specicig items you need

http://www.foxlea.co.uk

 

[luckilotti]

thanks,
i guess they will only advise their customers though, which when i have showed hubby the site in the past he thinks its rather expensive compared to how much he could get thing for through work.
i think it would be easier for hubby to do a box conversion, i guess it will be quicker anyway.

 

[LCobby]

you'd need some things pre-fabricated though- tie rings, windows with bars, ramp springs kit, etc.
A box van conversion would be much easier than build than a frame, as long as it already has a Luton.

Scrap carvan dealers are good for things for the living area.
Or cheap caravans from Ebay

 

[brighteyes]

Go and see John at Hartwood Elite - he'll tell you what you need to do.

 

[EquusOurique]

Hi there,
I would agree with most of the comments in the thread so far but unless you really need a luton because you can't get enough sleeping room I would not go to the expense and hassle of fitting it. You lose the tilt cab in most circumstances which makes it much more difficult to service and repair. Mixed feelings on cut throughs, lovely but they can leak water and unless they are brilliantly done you get wind noise.
A couple of links www.jimfranklin.info/truck/index.html almost step by step build and has really useful links for parts that are pre-fabricated.
Your husband is absolutely right, he will be able to make most of the frames, partitions etc. himself and much cheaper.
Try this link for good, well maintained and cheap boxes for conversion, personally I would advise going for a GRP box.
http://www.minstercommercials.co.uk/all.asp
Good luck!