Buying 3.5 tonne box - questions to ask!

[canteron]

I just want a little runaround, probably only do local trips so hoping I can get away with something older but solid.
Any advice on what to ask would be appreciated.
As every box I have seen is about an hour away, I will possibly have to make a decision without a mechanical check so need to be on my game!

 

[Lady Jane]

I can only advise against missing the mechanical check unless you are knowledgeable about builds and mechanics. The layout is what suits you (everyone has an opinion but that's irrelevant). I travel alone so wanted to be sure everythin worked easily ie ramp was light, partions moved without a fight with bolts, windows weren't sticky etc. Ventilation was important to me as the weather seems to be getting hotter so ideally plenty of windows and roof vents, an extractor/fan is good too. I would look at MOT history, service history and has the Cam belt been changed or is it due (expensive). If you ask about particular builders here you will also gets lots of info. Good luck, a new box is very exciting!!!

 

[Identityincrisis]

Choose your mechanic wisely! I had one come to see a 3.5t box i was selling, he clearly had no clue about what to check in regards to horseboxes (floors etc) and barely even looked at the van/engine! I was shocked

If you’re going for box style over van style, check the sides aren’t rotten and they’re reinforced

Also confirm and double check that it has the bulkhead reinforced.

Beware of anything with a payload over 1100kg, as this tends to be the max

And don’t be fooled by a new paint job, look beyond it

 

[Boulty]

Do not buy without inspection (but I’ll admit I’ve had 2 different horsebox inspectors miss pretty major (safety) issues that cost me hundreds of pounds down the line to sort)

Look at and run your hands over every bit of the box looking for stuff like sharp edges, evidence of leaks (especially around windows & in the Luton), any bits of the floor, ramp or side panels that feel squidgy or uneven, check the tyres for cracking, check everything works in the cab, check all the lights work, check you’re happy you can lift the ramp & move the partition on your own. Take it for a test drive to make sure you’re happy driving it (I’ve hired some in the past that I found awful to drive). Any minor issues that are easy to fix / that wouldn’t stop you buying could potentially be used to negotiate on price.

Most sellers will allow you to leave a deposit to hold until you can arrange an inspection (a bit like horses & vettings) so don’t feel you have to hand over the full amount on the spot.

Racemaster, Chaigley & Marlborough are decent makes or if looking at van conversion type Equisport & Equibabe supposed to be ok. (My Felstead is reasonably solid as well but in the opinion of the builder who knows his stuff that had to replace my floor a few months after I bought it (inspector told me it was solid… I don’t think he checked it properly!) they used the wrong kind of wood for the floor despite using the “right” sort of the bulkhead and where they’d closed horse area off from tack area & rest of the build being good)

 

[millitiger]

Check the MOT history yourself before you view.
See what has come up in advisories, is it the same thing over and over (which points to lack of maintenance)?
Is it having to have significant work on failures each year before retesting?
Check mileage on MOT too- look out for either excessive usage in a year or suspiciously low (under 500) miles/ year

Pay the £4 or whatever it is to check online that it has no finance against it, hasn't been written off before and rebuilt etc.

Then body wise you need to check and see the floor yourself, from both sides.
Jump up and down on the ramp and see if it bounces/ is soft.
Bulkhead will come down to build- try to stick to well known builds and then Google/ Facebook search those for common issues.

I would definitely try to have it inspected though Even at the cheaper end, you're likely paying more than you would for a reasonably priced horse which you very likely wouldn't dream of buying without vetting!

 

[canteron]

Brilliant advice everyone - thank you.
Do you just get a local garage to inspect? I note the AA don’t do horse box inspections. It’s just passed MOT with no advisories, so I guess that’s a good start?

 

[Ditchjumper2]

Remember that the MOT is mechanical and chassis soundness. However it won't test floor, sides, ramp etc. But a pass with no advisories is a good start. Also check the make of the chassis are parts still available?

 

[millitiger]

Brilliant advice everyone - thank you.
Do you just get a local garage to inspect? I note the AA don’t do horse box inspections. It’s just passed MOT with no advisories, so I guess that’s a good start?

Google horsebox inspection and the area the box is in and some will come up.
Or there is a page on Facebook called something like "dodgy horsebox builds" and you can get inspection recommendations from there

 

[Lady Jane]

You need someone who knows horseboxes not just a diesal mechanic. FB groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/848835525286872 and https://www.facebook.com/groups/2001580536642309 will both have recommendations. What area of the country are you?