Anyone had a bad experience with a 3.5t horsebox

[mlm]

We have been looking at buying a 3.5t horsebox so my daughter can drive.
Have been reading a few reviews and some people are saying that they have had a problem with horses when travelling rear facing that they have had them try and jump into the wardrobe/grooms area if you buy one where the back is open. Any feedback good or bad welcome. thanks

 

[*hic*]

None of my horses seem to enjoy travelling rear-facing, preferring either herringbone or forwards, but none of them has ever done anything untoward like trying to escape. If you're worried about it then cross tie low down and/or make sure you get one with v-shaped front partitions.

The Theault boxes have a removable breast bar for emergencies if it does happen and also have a door that is wide enough to take a horse out if, say, your ramp gets wedged in an accident. But then that's the sort of detail you get for spending well over £20K on a box.

 

[fizzer]

I have a new Equitrek Sonic. Love it, very easy to drive. I had a full panel put in instead of just the plain single bar. I looked at lots of the different makes and models before making my mind up.

 

[Seahorse]

my friends horse badly injured itself trying to jump out of the back of a 3.5 ton lorry. He's the only horse I know who's done it and I know a few people with these little lorries.

I've never travelled my own horse in one, but I've been with a friend in hers and they're great, I'd love one

 

[Becki1802]

I have a Renault Master 3.5t conversion. My friend on my yard as 3.5t VW conversion. I chose this for exactly the reasons you are thinking about it for your daughter - I passed my test 8 years ago and so don't have all the categories. When I looked into taking the test each one would take c.£1000!
Pros of the 3.5t - easy to manoeuvre, drive on any license. A low ramp. MOT not plating. Cheap to insure.
Cons - limiting factor is weight. I have a 16.2hh, weighing (according to weight tape) 515kg. You then have to add in a full tank of fuel, tack, water, feed and all your gear especially if away for the weekend! The unladen weight of mine is about 2.5t so I only have 1t to play with hence I only carry my lad.

I have had no problem with him wanting to go over the back - he will lean over to get to feed and stuff so you have to make sure everything is packed away! My friend heard that rumour too but she has had no problem and between us we've travelled 5 or 6 different horses and not a hint of trouble. You could go for the V shaped stalls if you are concerned. Is your horse stressy to travel? Would you be worried about leaving him with the trailer front ramp open? Mine is golden in my 3.5t!

I wouldn't be without my 3.5t and hope to one day win the lottery so I can have an equitrek sonic! lol!

I have pics of mine if you want!

 

[Tinypony]

I've found the good 3.5t lorries, like the Renault masters with a low ramp, lovely lorries and my horses seem to load and travel very well in them. No jumping out so far, but you can get grills to stop that.

 

[miss_c]

If you're worried about them jumping out another (cheaper) option would be to put up an anti-weave grill. I love my Renault Master conversion, and every horse I've had in it (apart from one that has always been a bad traveller) has travelled well and quietly.

 

[mlm]

our horse travels great in our 511 trailer but i have a couple of 2yo that when broken will go in it and i am worried about them .

 

[anj789]

I've got a great one based on Vauxhall Movano (Renault Master). My mare loves it, she self-loads and I can't keep her out of it if I use the ramp to mount! 4'6" solid breast bar will stop any ideas of going over the top. Do your homework and use a reputable builder eg one who's built for racehorses for years.(I got mine from a guy near Reading - Racemaster). I'd beware people advertising they're using new lighter materials - you're going to be restricted on weight anyway but I'd rather know there's something solid between my back and the horses if we need to stop suddenly.