Advice on horse box buying please....

[Vindaloo]

Ok, now that Dougal has (touching wood frantically) got over his lameness issues I have decided to bite the bullet and get some transport. I'm never going to get him going without it.

Thing is, I don't have a man handy who can um and ahh over mechaincal bits and pieces and have not the first idea about buying lorries. I need a box with living and big enough to take a 17hh

Willing to spend up to about 10k. Is this realistic and what should I aim for age/mileage wise? I am terrified of getting ripped off since I seem to have mug tattoed on my forehead.

Anyone who could offer me some sound advice would be in my debt forever. xx

 

[MrsMagoo]

Hun - my Dad would be a good one for advice on this, he's be in the haulage business for years and knows a thing or 2 about lorrys etc

May even sell you my little lorry hehe

x

 

[amandathepanda]

Look at boxes your friends have that seem to have everything you want (eg right size for horse and living) and find out how their chasis perform. If possible try driving a few different types of chassis to get an idea of what suits you - I got a ford cargo 811 which in hind site I wouldn't have touched because it isn't powerful enough and the gears are a nightmare. Go to a couple of reputable horse box dealers as that way although you might pay more, you will have more come back if they sell you a dud. Chat up a nice man with a haulage company that will take a look for you!

 

[Vindaloo]

Ooooh, now THAT would be fabulous. Didn't know you had one for sale. I really do need to dig deep I think.

Would your dad be ok to do that for me? Great, call you later. Will it be ok if I got your no from Lou (I don't have it babe, or email it to me on my work address.

Thanks honey. xx

 

[Vindaloo]

Reputable horse box dealers???? Ha, now that is where I am going to need help, how on earth can you tell a reputable one from a bad one ;-)

Hardly anyone I know has a lorry to be honest, most have trailers.

Looks as though chatting up LMG's dad is going to be the best way forward......

Many thanks. x

 

[ecrozier]

Panda2007 - I drove a ford the other day and found exactly the same with the gears! Couldn't believe my ears when I heard myself saying to OH I'd rather be driving our 1985 Bedford than the 1999 Ford - couldn't bl**dy find 3rd gear for love nor money, really 'cluncky' gearbox!
OP, have tried a few now and asked so amny questions, our budget was less than yours and we found just what we needed.
If and when I trade up I'd like to spend about £10k, and I'll be looking most probably for a Daf or a MAN, from what I have read/heard/tried. THink a lot comes down to how they have been jkept though as well
I used the professional vetting guy who advertises in H&H, he was very helpful and so far (fingers crossed, gripping MDF desk - surely there is some wood in there somewhere!) he has been right, ours has been fine!

Incidently ours is a Bedford TL, but was on a strict £5k budget including tax, insurance, vettings, travel...

 

[kerilli]

i'd recommend getting a good idea of prices from ads in h&h etc. don't be put off Fords, i've got an Iveco 813 and it's brilliant, lovely gearbox, plenty powerful enough... my last one (Ford 1013 downrated) had a terrible gearbox though.
paying an expert to look around it is a v. good idea. get floor and ramp checked as well as engine, obv.
you should be able to get a nice lorry for that money, best of luck!

 

[mossy]

I've just bought a ford iveco,luckily from someone i know and trust,its lovely to drive,gears and clutch are great,went for my lesson today in it (1st proper drive with horses)and it was so easy,it was almost like driving my car!!! Oh by the way its an 813.