coachbuilt or conversion pros and cons

[scribble]

I am looking to buy a loory next yr for 2x 17 hands so will have to be 5 ton or upwards to 7.5 ton. I know the difference between coachbuilt and conversion in that one is a converted lorry box van and the other is box built on chassis but wondered what other pros and cons ie do horse have better ride in one, is one more stable etc. i cant afford a new box so will be looking secondhand.

 

[Rudey]

I've had no personal experience on this front, but have an idea!

What about ringing up a conversion company and pick their brains and knowledge.

Get their opinion..... then.....

Ring a company that sells coach built ones, and see what they think!

Or, try find a company selling boxes who have the best of both worlds, and see if they sing from the same hymn sheet as the others!

See what suits your requirements and go for it! Too much thinking isn't healthy! I do it wayyyyyy too much lol xx

 

[Louby]

You will get a newer conversion for your money but take that into account when you come to sell as good coachbuilds retain there value more than a conversion. Im currently trying to sell a conversion that has been been professionally converted and is priced the same as much older coachbuilds. Is just like a nice coachbuilt inside but obviously doesnt look as nice as a coachbuilt outside and I think that puts people off.
I had my walls reinforced as conversions are GRP sides which are about 14 to 17mm thick. Some are lined on the outside with Alloy sheeting, some arent. Check a new floor was put in when built with a conversion too. On a plus note, most conversions have easily tilting cabs and weigh less than coachbuilds.
If I was to do it again I would go for an older well built coachbuild.

 

[PeterNatt]

Conversions will give you less payload as they are not built from scratch to be horse boxes. Therefore they are heavier.

Be also aware that new European Legislation (IVA) introduced on the 29th April 2009 will mean that each converted vehicle must undergo testing before they can be registered and used on the road. Check with the people that will convert the vehicle to ensure that it will be tested.

 

[perfect11s]

[ QUOTE ]
Conversions will give you less payload as they are not built from scratch to be horse boxes. Therefore they are heavier.

Be also aware that new European Legislation (IVA) introduced on the 29th April 2009 will mean that each converted vehicle must undergo testing before they can be registered and used on the road. Check with the people that will convert the vehicle to ensure that it will be tested.

[/ QUOTE ]
I Think this only applies to brand new chassis and is called "whole type approval"???

 

[perfect11s]

[ QUOTE ]
I am looking to buy a loory next yr for 2x 17 hands so will have to be 5 ton or upwards to 7.5 ton. I know the difference between coachbuilt and conversion in that one is a converted lorry box van and the other is box built on chassis but wondered what other pros and cons ie do horse have better ride in one, is one more stable etc. i cant afford a new box so will be looking secondhand.

[/ QUOTE ]
I would say a coach built should be best but it depends on the builder but I would rather have a well converted GRP box than a poorly constructed new build, the main thing to look at is weight, some older coachbuilts are very heavy the other thing is some builders are amateurish and cut corners with things like non tilting cabs and cheap materials like heavy chip board for living furniture instead of lightweight ply which reduces payload, a 7.5 tonne should weigh not more than about 5.5 , I like the look of the Kevin parker boxes and the tristar lorrys

 

[perfect11s]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Scribble,
Feel free to give me a ring on Monday, I concentrate on 3.5T to 6.5Ts so I haven't got any 7.5Ts for sale but I am more than happy to answer any questions you have.

www.charltonhorseboxes.co.uk

[/ QUOTE ]

I quite like the look of the iveco 6.5 tonners, but not seen any that are long most seem to be little stubby things, and no one building them seems to have much imagination in the design of the living quarters ??? it would be great if the luton was bigger, Longer over the front and cab roof cut out like a motor home with a removeable panel so you could use the front seats (have swivel bases) as part of the LQs or put the panel in to use the luton for a double bed

im tempted to sell my 7.5 tonner and have a go at building myself one

 

[Louby]

I could be talking about a smaller tonnage Iveco but someone I know bought I think a 6.5t Iveco and cant fit her 2 horses in it. It is designed to be herringbone and isnt wide enough to fit both in even on the herringbone. Its a lovely box and she is gutted.
About the weights, my conversion weighs 5.3t, my friends coachbuild by the same company weighs 6t. Hers does have a much more luxiourious living though.

 

[charltonhorseboxes]

Hi Perfect11s,
Yes, some 6.5Ts are quite short, but there are many that are 16/17ft long. The main reason for building on the 6.5T chassis is to have up to 3 tonne payload rather than a luxurious living.
Swivel seats are an option in these vehicles so you will be able to get them.
The luton could be built bigger but then it wouldn't be in proportion to the rest of the vehicle as they are obviously smaller than the 7.5Ts.
Keep looking at all 6.5T adverts as there will be one out there that suits your needs.
If you need any advice or contacts, give us a call.

 

[perfect11s]

[ QUOTE ]
I could be talking about a smaller tonnage Iveco but someone I know bought I think a 6.5t Iveco and cant fit her 2 horses in it. It is designed to be herringbone and isnt wide enough to fit both in even on the herringbone. Its a lovely box and she is gutted.
About the weights, my conversion weighs 5.3t, my friends coachbuild by the same company weighs 6t. Hers does have a much more luxiourious living though.

[/ QUOTE ] yes the 6.5 tonne iveco its the one that has a bonnet and yes not very wide so herring bone not a great idea unless its just for ponys I think they are best suited to having a side ramp and stalled for two.. I would build a big tack locker at the back and have a motor home style living quarters at the front about 18ft body 7 ft ish wide

 

[perfect11s]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Perfect11s,
Yes, some 6.5Ts are quite short, but there are many that are 16/17ft long. The main reason for building on the 6.5T chassis is to have up to 3 tonne payload rather than a luxurious living.
Swivel seats are an option in these vehicles so you will be able to get them.
The luton could be built bigger but then it wouldn't be in proportion to the rest of the vehicle as they are obviously smaller than the 7.5Ts.
Keep looking at all 6.5T adverts as there will be one out there that suits your needs.
If you need any advice or contacts, give us a call.

[/ QUOTE ] I dont think there is much point in a 3 tonne payload unless its longer and stalled for 3 or possbly 4

oh whatI was trying to say about the luton was make it longer not wider so there is a bigger sleeping area and so it looks like a motor home

your boxes look ok its got me thinking

 

[qwertyuiop]

I wouldn't have a coach built box as they are prone to leaking around the cab seal and maintenance is a nightmare (as the cab will no longer tilt). Lorries are designed to be tilted for maintenance access.

On an aesthetics note, I think coach built lorries with the panelling coming all the way down to the ground look ugly.