anyone with ford transit horsebox???

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lisa_lou

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Am looking at ford transit conversions with the ifor williams back on to transport mainly a 15.2 thoroughbred and a welsh A but will need it to ocasionally take 2 15.2 thoroughbreds. Anyone with this style box got any bad points about them and would it not go over the laden weight of 3.5 tonnes with the 2 thoroughbreds? Can only afford this type of box as it will be my first one, seem some neat tidy looking ones s to w reg in my price range but need some info.
Thankyou in advance for any replies.
 
I personally don't like them - they're very high and can be quite wobbly. I thought about getting one but this really did put me off. Not too sure about weight to be honest, but it wouldn't surprise me if two 15.2hh's did send it overweight - you'd want a weighbridge certificate.
 
I have a Transit conversion, and like it very much. It's easy and stable to drive, and has a relatively high payload. Mine came from a racing yard, and is much more spacious inside (and with a higher roof) than other 3.5t I've seen. It's my first box, and I was very wibbly about what it would be like, but sofar, it's ace!
 
the one im interested in says it travels two 16.2s and a small pony so guessing it is bigger too but pics dont look any longer, Could you tell me roughly how much tax, mot and insurance is roughly. Im 24 and been driving 4 yrs with no claims.
 
If the box you are looking at is a 3.5 then it won't be able to legally carry two 16.2 horses, let alone a pony as well. It probably won't be up to two 15.2's, but you can check. Before you buy any box get it to a weighbridge. Even large lorries can have a pitifully small load left for horses and gear if they have been heavily fitted out in the livery area.
To be honest, I just wouldn't buy one of these lorries. I know a lot of people love them, but they "yaw" so much. I followed one on a roundabout this morning, and the poor horse must have felt as if it was in an ocean liner, even with the driver going nice and slow!
One of my good friends has one of these boxes, and also long-term loading problems. She sorts the problem for a while, then it comes back. I do sometimes wonder if her box is the problem, but I know she can't afford to change it, so what can you do?
 
You will only be legally able to carry one horse in it at a time as otherwise you will be overweight. (Weigh the vehicle empty and then put your horses in and weigh again!).
The Ford Transit has a high centre of gravity and is not ideal to transport horses in.
You are far better off with a Renault Master Chassis Pan Cabn as the centre of gravity is far lower making it a much more stable ride and also a less inclined ramp in to the container.
 
Jamilaparr, what I was trying to say (apart from the legalities) was that it's easy to turn an easy loader into a bad loader by using the wrong transport.
 
I am now on my second transit and love it. I've had my current one a few months, having bought a chassis and built the body. It is rear facing, side loading with day living and has a payload of 1000kgs. I can take my 15hh ISH and 14 Welshie and tack and be within weight limit (have been down weightbridge to check!).

When I was researching chassis I found there were a lot of negative remarks about the renaults and vauxhalls and to quote one mechanic "they are the (mechanically) worst vehicles on the road". Yes the transit has a steep ramp and higher centre of gravity, but I have found gives a stable ride due to the twin axle. My horse is a sticky loader but travels fine in it and hated trailers and renault masters.

Personally I don't like the Ifor containers as I think the exit ramp is too narrow, but that's personal opinion!

Good luck with your first box - I am sure you will love it!
 
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