Downsizing Lorries...

[Lvrees]

Has anyone downsized a lorry from say a 5tonne to a 3.5tonne?? And how painfull was it?

I don't think my lorry will pass the MOT this year, so will have to buy a new one. Looking at getting a 4.5 or a 5 tonne and have it downsized to 3.5tonne. The living would be really handy as I'm fed up of sleeping in tents or on my stinky luton with the smell of poo right next to my face!!

I know my friend had her 5 tonne downsized it means she can only travel one horse in there but she does it legally and she has a living, but her dad sorted that for her.

Any information greatly received!! Thanks

 

[miketdt]

Many years ago I down rated a 38ton tractor unit to 28 tons and a 10 ton rigid to 7.5 tons back in the old Thatcher bad days, when the tax on a 38 ton unit £3650 a year when paying six monthly. But I can not see why you would want to down rate a 5 ton truck to 3.5 ton ,1. if it could be done the 3.5 ton horse box would only carry half a ton. 2 there would be little road fund licence benifit. Best of luck.

 

[Lvrees]

Much benifit to a person such as myself who legally cannot drive a anything over 3.5tonne. Trying to find a 3.5tonne with a living a room for a 15.2hh is a nightmare! Also they are all so over priced.

I know it can definately be done, my horse weighs less than half a tonne so its not a problem.

Thanks anyway!

 

[xcalicox]

I think you might find it very hard to find a 5 tonne lorry.
It's certainly possable and do-able but, that weight of lorry is very rare.
It makes sense for what you want to do but, I would say give it a bit of thought, because in the future you may want to sell it on.

You could find yourself stuck with a white elephant.
As you say they are pricey. Maybe you would be better taking the test, so you can drive 7.5 tonne as you will end up with a larger market to play with.

 

[LCobby]

Agree
Some 5 tonne lorries may have a payload of 1.5 tonnes, but that leaves zero if downrated.
Living adds wieght too- fridges and cookers and cupbaords are heavy.
I also allow 100 kilos more than a weightape for anything other than a fine Tb type, after putting ours on a vetls weighing stall!

 

[Lvrees]

I've found a couple of 4.5 tonners which are in my price range but I agree they are rare. One I'm looking at this weekend. Cant afford or have the time to take my lorry test, did look into it and it was not worth it at all at the moment.

Thanks for your help!