Anyone got a Alexanders horsebox..?

[Superstar]

To me safety is the most important thing when considering horseboxes, and they seem to have thought of everything - all safety features, the what ifs etc...I know they are not cheap but I suppose you get what you pay for...and I never seem to see any second hand ones being sold privately on the market..?

Just wondered if anyone has got one and could share their experiences etc or pm me..

Also any other good brands that you could recommend that have all the safety boxes ticked.

Thanks

 

[mutley75]

Went on the hunt for a 3.5 last month. visited lots of manufacturers round the entire country. went to alexanders saw what they are building on spent 5minutes looking at the boxes and left with a very bad tast. Boss, very open and you can see the boxes in build, talk and modify to your requirements. Ask to see an Alexander's box in build, bet they wont let you see one!

 

[BlairandAzria]

I havent got one, but i know someone who has one, and when i was looking i went to view lots of different 3.5t's . Alexanders are the box if i had the budget i would buy i really really liked them, they seem super stong and well built. My friend who has one has had it since 07 and absolutely loves it- and hasnt had any trouble with it in that time, and still looks very smart.

Alexanders and Malborough are the two that from my searches and viewing seem like the best. (expensive though - of course!)


Ones to avoid: Chaigley (sp?) went on a one hair-raising test drive, warped ramp, rattling everything, wobbly steering.... wouldnt want to put my horse anywhere near it to be honest.

 

[Superstar]

Went on the hunt for a 3.5 last month. visited lots of manufacturers round the entire country. went to alexanders saw what they are building on spent 5minutes looking at the boxes and left with a very bad tast. Boss, very open and you can see the boxes in build, talk and modify to your requirements. Ask to see an Alexander's box in build, bet they wont let you see one!

Thanks is boss a make too..? what did you opt with..? I have seen some that say that they are taking the best bits from several best sellers and making their own and also have all the safety features etc but seems a bit of a risk to spend 19k -20K on something unbranded (and not from a main dealer) just taking someone's word that its all been done...

 

[mutley75]

Boss horse boxes are in Flintshire. Personally I have gone with an Oakley but on my speck and on a new chassis. Alexander's told me they had sold 50+ boxes to transporters. In 5 days at tatts I did not see a single one! They only conversation that was had was if I put a deposit down I might have one by march! Like I say, ask where the factory is and ask to see one in build!

 

[Superstar]

didn't know Oakley do a 3.5T....just presumed they would all be bigger tonnage boxes, will have a look at Boss thanks. I still love the older coachbuilt VW LT35's build like a tank but unfortunately small payload.... :-(

 

[mutley75]

Oakley do two 3.5's. The one I am getting has a 900kg pay load but I know that and it's to do a job. It is the only one we found with dual wheels at the back and bullet proof. Just be aware after April any new builds need type approval!

 

[Superstar]

Oakley do two 3.5's. The one I am getting has a 900kg pay load but I know that and it's to do a job. It is the only one we found with dual wheels at the back and bullet proof. Just be aware after April any new builds need type approval!

Will the bigger coachbuilders/dealers like Alexanders/Boss/ Mulborough/Oakley already be certified/approved..? Or will we all be caught out with the new builds after spending all that money..?

 

[mutley75]

It's only on new registrations sorry, if you are buying a new box on old van all is well. Like I say, mine is to do a job, new Iveco run for 2 years and sell.

 

[perfect11s]

Will the bigger coachbuilders/dealers like Alexanders/Boss/ Mulborough/Oakley already be certified/approved..? Or will we all be caught out with the new builds after spending all that money..?

once they are registered that's it job done, its new and unreg that may be a problem!! my guess there will be less smaller builders using a new chassis , so prices will rise !!???

 

[beatrice]

I have a 7.5 tonne Alexanders and am currently having a 3.9ton one built - don't need the full living anymore so downsizing.

Lovely lorries, horses travel v well in them, build quality is v good and customer service is very good, have been very accomodating with my little requests for the new one.

As somebody else has mentioned, build time isn't the quickest - ours is expected in January. Think we paid deposit around October time.

 

[stencilface]

Wasn't impressed when I went to see them, think my horse (a good traveller!) would destroy, ok for ponies perhaps who weigh less and ahve less power in their hooves.....

 

[tiga71]

I went up to see them a couple of years ago when I was looking for a 3.5 tonne.

I wasn't impressed. They are car sales people who have recognised the demand for 3.5 tonnes and have gone from there.

I asked what the bulkhead was made from and he said 'strong steel'. I asked how strong it was. He kicked it with one leg and said 'See, it doesn't move.' I just laughed and said 'Have you ever seen a horse? It kicks a bit harder than that and weighs a whole lot more than you!'

They look good but seemed flimsy to me, just didn't feel strong. BUt maybe they have improved since then.

 

[Happytohack]

I was looking earlier this year. After loads of research, I went for an Equi Trek Sonic. Got a brand new one for the same price as a 4 year old chassis from Boss. I absolutely love mine, got it from Bearts who were so helpful. Got caught out before when I bought one with supposedly a 1100kg payload, only to find out it had 800kg. Turned out to be a very expensive mistake.

 

[Nevergrewup]

I know two people who have 3.5s from Alexanders and love them, but when I was shopping for a 3.5 about 3 years ago I visited and was unimpressed - heavy ramps, pushy sales staff and inflexibility around tailoring the vehicle to my needs.

 

[fizzer]

I have an Equitrek Sonic and am very happy with it. I really like the Oakley's though, you can really see the quality in the fittings in these compared to others. Oakley would be my choice next time.

 

[Attie]

I have a 3.5 from Alexander's and I'm really pleased with it. They were easy to deal with and made a few extra changes to the one I bought - to suit what I was looking for. They're not cheap and I wouldn't put large horses in the 3.5- but for what I needed they were v good

 

[Superstar]

Thanks for all your responses... very helpful... as I am trying to get a better idea on builds/models and they are not exactly cheap so need to do the research...

Thanks

 

[perfect11s]

Went on the hunt for a 3.5 last month. visited lots of manufacturers round the entire country. went to alexanders saw what they are building on spent 5minutes looking at the boxes and left with a very bad tast. Boss, very open and you can see the boxes in build, talk and modify to your requirements. Ask to see an Alexander's box in build, bet they wont let you see one!

Hmm that would surgest they are having them built by someone else rather than anything sinister!!!

 

[millimoo]

JSW in North Yorkshire build a nice looking 3.5t lorry.
http://www.jswhorseboxes.co.uk/cleveland-two.php

I remember a previous thread where someone had a Boss and they were very unhappy with the build quality. Wouldn't touch an Equitrek for the same reason. Good luck in your quest

 

[beatrice]

Hmm that would surgest they are having them built by someone else rather than anything sinister!!!

Their main workshop is not at the 'show room'. They have a seperate site although I can't remember where it is which will be why it is difficult so show them in build.