Another numpty question from me - horsebox plating

[MrsElle]

Haven't had much to do with horse boxes but am now thinking about getting one at some point. However, what is this 'plating' that the boxes need? Also, is there anything else I should know?

Thankies

 

[eggs]

When people talk about plating they generally mean the annual road test - rather like an MOT that lorries have. This is for lorries over 3.5 ton (under this and you have a regular MOT) which has to be undertaken at a VOSA testing centre. It is very strict.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Ive had my 6.6t lorry plated the last three years. I take it into the garage about 3 days before the test - they do whatever work needs doing , take it to the test and then I get it back. Its cost me £600 or thereabouts every year and so far (touch wood) it hasn't been any hassle at all.

 

[perfect11s]

Yes as other post, just another name for MOT test ,it is done by people working for VOSA
ether at a ministry test center, cheapest but sometimes a longway away so there are private test places that add a facilty fee on top of the vosa cost, makes it just over £100

 

[perfect11s]

Ive had my 6.6t lorry plated the last three years. I take it into the garage about 3 days before the test - they do whatever work needs doing , take it to the test and then I get it back. Its cost me £600 or thereabouts every year and so far (touch wood) it hasn't been any hassle at all.

I would hope not for £600!!!!!!

 

[Eaglestone]

When I used to have my Bedford TK, I took it for the Plating myself ... I gave all the guys there the best laugh ever, as they ask you to move it on the inspection pit, try the lights, try the wipers, hoot the horn and try the breaks etc etc .... it was sooooooooooo hard to hear the man shouting, but it was the bestest fun ever

Sadly on about year 6 of doing this, the Ministry changed the emissions test and instead of doing it by sight, they did it by a meter and my poor box failed .... and I sold it 10 years ago and miss it even now, sad as it sounds

 

[Sussexbythesea]

This does include all the work on it to pass the test - but would be interested to know if I am being "done" bearing in mind that I live in the deepest South where everything is expensive. Ive also taken it to two different places and the costs have been about the same.
£600 includes
MOT inspection and test fee
Replace N/S/F wheel (is this near side front or something else?)
replace fuel filter and clean filter housing
bleed system and run
adjust brakes and test
Replace front number plate
replace rear light lens
secure rear exhaust system with new clamps
remove safety belts (non-compliant and age of lorry means do not need)
replace tacho-illumination bulbs
All parts as replaced.

 

[AngieandBen]

I suppose it depends how much you use the lorry, however you shouldn't need to spend £600 every year?

I take mine to Peterborough, great bunch of blokes, give them a big smile and they usually really good with my old lorry!

I spent £0 last year, just cost £70 odd for the plaiting, the year before I spent over £500 but I had all the brakes re done ( new discs/ pads) the water tank replaced and a couple of lights too.

Touch wood, should be good this year too; Eaglestone i love taking mine as well, I do feel a bit intimedated by the huge lorries though!