Advice needed on horse box purchase

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Madasmaz

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Hi All,

I have been weighing up the pro's and cons of lorry vs trailer. As a single person, I have decided that finacially it would make more sense to buy a small box for my 14hh new forest pony, as the cost of running a 4x4 and Equitrek (she has a severe aversion to IFOR types, sadly tried everything) would be too much cost wise. The debate then became 7.5T or 3.5T. As I ony ever intend the box for me and my pony, 3.5T makes more sense. So advice needed is what type as I am favouring the luton type transit with 4 rear wheels, and what is the difference between a "plate" and an MOT apart from cost? Has anyone had any experience of downsizing from 7.5T to 3.5T?
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Umm, I've upgraded from a 3.5t to a 7.5 t over much debate about getting a trailer!

I would say IMO that a 7.5t has more resale value as it has living e.t.c Also IMO it is more stable on the road.

Plate is a more rigorous MOT and yes costs more.
 
I have a luton type 3.5 tonne having downgraded from a 7.5 tonne. Find it much more economical to run, I have taken the partition out an just travel my one horse in it, so easy to park and to drive.
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Thanks guys for that. Don't know if you may have the answer to my next question... WIth all the variations between 3.5t, 3.9t (I passed my test before 1992) 6t, 6.5t and 7.5t, when does the requirement change from MOT to Plate. I'm not particularly fussed for living as I have a tent if needs be. Living would be for my Mum, who occasionally like to come along so tea making facilities would have to be a must....but then I am going to be buying for me and my pony...

Cheers for the advice so far
 
You are actually better of having a 'plate' done rather than an MOT. A plate is for over 3.5t.

A plate is done by VOSA (ministry) it costs £48. It is done at one of their test centres around the country. Because it isn't being tested at a private garage as a 3.5t would be, they don't make any money out of failing you. You know that if your lorry fails it is genuine and you are not being ripped off by some garage making stuff up. They do try very hard to pass your lorry and if something is borderline will give you an advisory rather than failing it. I always take my lorry myself and then get anything fixed after if it fails. You have 14 working days to take it back in

I think in your situation I would go for something a bit bigger than a 3.5t (I've got a 6.6t) as it just means you have a bit of extra room for getting changed, your mum etc. If you are going to stay away at shows it would also mean that you can carry your hay/shavings etc as well and still be legal.

Value wise you'll get something over 3.5t a lot cheaper than a 3.5t, if you are looking at older lorries. 3.5t are very sought after.
 
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