Automatic Horseboxes - Do They Exist And Are There Any For Sale?

[Mithras]

Looking for an automatic lorry to carry 2 or 3 large horses, preferably with living? Are these like hen's teeth? They seem such a good idea. I only have an automatic driving licence...

 

[apkelly01]

Oh the transmission is automatic

I had this image of a horsebox that.....no I'm embarrassed enough

 

[Penniless]

Yes there are some about but they are like gold-dust. We sold our one a couple of years ago and was inundated with enquiries for it. And before anyone tells you not to touch an automatic, in all the years we owned it, it never cost us a penny in any way to keep on the road. Just look in yellow pages for Commercial Lorry Garages and ask them what they've got for you to convert. Good luck in your search.

 

[Natalie_H]

I had the same image!

 

[WFL]

Not sure I would want to drive a manual box. When I get stuck on a hill, I want to control which gear I am in based upon whether the hill is getting steeper or levelling off. I also need the colour zones on the rev gauge to avoid flogging the engine on a steep hill (when 2nd is too low, but 3rd is too high).

 

[grandmaweloveyou]

drjames i think you got your transmissions muddled? can i change the stance on this post whilst keeping on the same track (pardon attempted pun) what do you all think of towing a trailer with an automatic gearbox please? some say avoid but i prefer auto altho i drive both, ive got very lazy!

 

[pathelschoice]

yes they are like hens teeth- the main reason being that most HGV's inc: 7.5 tonners are for commercial usage- and to keep the vehicles cost effective they are not fitted with auto gearbox as - for example- and allison auto box upgrade is around 8K . Most operators do not like auto boxes either. There is the odd auto horsebox around- why not put a wanted ad on lets say - horsequest and see if you get any response.

The new MAN 7.5 tonners are fitted with a tiptronic gear box ( either auto or manual) you would be looking around the 24K + VAT mark for the chassis alone.

 

[seansheep]

not like hens teeth at all - IF you are prepared to drive a LHD

goto Vans Barbot in Lisieux in Normandy - they do 2 horse based on renault chassis - auto or manual - and not the 45k quid we are charged over here for a Theault (which is basically the same thing)

I drive a LHD auto lorry and it's no problem to drive and in fact on country lanes it's a bonuse as I know exactly how close I am into the hedge at the side of the road AND if my lhs mirror is knocked inwards by the hedge I just reach out the window and push it straight

My lorry passes the plate each year in the UK with no problems and automatics give the horses a much smooter ride than a manual lorry driven by the average car driver.

I've never had any problems wiht the transmission at all and mine is an old Iveco.

Auto RHD lorries are hard to come by - but go over the channel and stop getting ripped off by UK prices and you'll pay the same in euros as you do in £s for a lorry over here.

It's not 'rip off britain' for nothing !!

 

[WFL]

[ QUOTE ]
drjames i think you got your transmissions muddled?

[/ QUOTE ]
Eh? No I have not...