Any horsebox experts out there?

[Louby]

Bought a well maintained older Daf 45 horsebox last week, previously owned for many years and barn kept. No issues on the test drive or driving home. started great when we took it for a drive last Friday but noticed a squeeling noise which seemed to be coming from the big belt at the front. Went to see if it did the same today and its completely dead, no lights on the dash, nothing. Isolator has definately been off. Hubbys thinking this belt may be the alternator belt and basically the belts loose or worn and hasnt charged the batteries, Im thinking starter motor as Ive had a Daf before that just went dead and it was that. Theres no clicking, nothing. We are going to check the batteries tomorrow and will have to get it looked at but be easier if we could get it started to drive to the garage.
Any ideas please?

 

[Lady Jane]

Did you get a mechanic to check it over? Many of us are horsebox experts on this forum but not sure you can rely on our answers!

 

[Louby]

Did you get a mechanic to check it over? Many of us are horsebox experts on this forum but not sure you can rely on our answers!

Thanks for replying, It was bought from someone we knew, so no we didnt. Has been ultra reliable for them and well looked after. Im only asking to see if anyone else has had this issue, I wont be relying on the answers the mechanic will be seeing to it at soon as we can get it in, or him to it.

 

[The Bay]

I’m not an expert but I think it sounds like it could be your alternator belt was loose and not charging the battery or it is your alternator... I would prob get that checked too.

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

OH ( deisel fitter ) says it's your alternator . Could be seized alternator bearing or idler/tensioner bearing ( that would account for the squealing ) so battery not being charged . Isn't usually a big job , and not uncommon if it has been sat around and hasn't been doing a lot ( they need to move regularly!) . Would advise against driving it ( ie to garage ) unless absolutely necessary/ very, very nearby (! ) as it will drain battery again and won't start up if you have to stop . Also might overheat as alternator also drives water pump and that could cause a huge amount of damage !

 

[Louby]

Thank you. The garage is about 5 miles away, would you mind asking your OH thefarsideofthefield please if it would be ok to drive there, thats if we can get it started. When he says 'if we have to stop' we wouldnt need to turn it off, just stop start with the traffic. does that sound feasible? Would the fact its been barn kept and now being out in the cold and wet have had any bearing on this. Just seems odd its been totally fine, then this, maybe just my luck lol!! Ph and its an Automatic if that makes any difference. Thanks for your help x

 

[PeterNatt]

Do not drive the vehicle until the alternator belt has been tightened/replaced. Get a mobile mechanic in to sort it out as if you breakdown it could cost a fortune to recover.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I agree with the above, replace the alternator belt before you replace any thing else & it is likely that your issues will be sorted when you do this.

 

[Louby]

Thanks everyone, this is the story of my life lol!! Checked the voltage in the batteries this morning and zilch, so rang the mechanic. Its a couple of years since Ive had a 7.5t so the call went like, hi, do you remember me, could you please please help me blah blah lol. Hes so lovely, hes coming to have a quick look tonight to see if its the belt, if not he thinks alternator and said he will sort it for us. Phew, thanks again for your replies

 

[thefarsideofthefield]

Thank you. The garage is about 5 miles away, would you mind asking your OH thefarsideofthefield please if it would be ok to drive there, thats if we can get it started. When he says 'if we have to stop' we wouldnt need to turn it off, just stop start with the traffic. does that sound feasible? Would the fact its been barn kept and now being out in the cold and wet have had any bearing on this. Just seems odd its been totally fine, then this, maybe just my luck lol!! Ph and its an Automatic if that makes any difference. Thanks for your help x

Sorry not to get back sooner but you've had the correct advice re not driving anywhere and I understand you've got a mechanic coming out to you .
OH says being outside/weather won't have caused the problem - it's just one of those things ! Our horsebox was a DAF 45 - served us well for 15 years and still going strong when we sold it . Brilliant wagons ! Good luck with yours . If you have any further problems feel free to pm me - Mr Farside loves a mechanical question !

 

[Louby]

Sorry not to get back sooner but you've had the correct advice re not driving anywhere and I understand you've got a mechanic coming out to you .
OH says being outside/weather won't have caused the problem - it's just one of those things ! Our horsebox was a DAF 45 - served us well for 15 years and still going strong when we sold it . Brilliant wagons ! Good luck with yours . If you have any further problems feel free to pm me - Mr Farside loves a mechanical question !

Thank you so much! Mr Farside may get fed up of me lol!