Driving 7.5T for 1st time - advice pls?

D

djlynwood

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 January 2008
Messages
762
Visit site
Ive been offered a share of a 7.5T horsebox and my friends dad is going to give me a few lessons driving it.

I have an old licence so Im ok to drive it legally but would just like some pointers on what I need to consider when driving it.

What do I need to be aware of as Im sure its completly different to a car!
 
Give yourself plenty of stopping time and space.

Left hand bends - if you don't move far enough to the right as you go round, or go too fast, you will take the near side back wheel over the kerb.

If cars get too close behind you, you won't know they're there, so just be aware.

No rear view mirror, you'll rely on the two wing mirrors.

Look out for the road signs on poles at the sides of the road. On country lanes they sometimes stick out a bit, which can catch on your wing mirror :rolleyes:

Have fun! :D
 
Do lots and lots of practice with the lorry empty before taking the horses in it.
Consider fitting a camera so you can see the horses (even try placing a cardboard box on the floor with weight in it and hitch it to the tie ring and see how much it moves when you corner!
But......your horses will have a lovely comfy ride in a 7.5 T so it is def worth it x100!!

I would get someone else to teach you how to manage at petrol stations too. you dont want to take out the pump before you get used to it.

Also watch out for height limits, check routes before driving them (and not just bridges watch out for tree branches, they can make a noise slapping the top of the roof!)
 
Pretend that you have an unsecured 18HH, 600 kgs horse in the back!!

Think about the 'pivot points' which are the rear wheels so turning or moving left think about the left rear wheel and keep checking it in the left mirror - change left for right when turning or moving right

If you need more room on the approach to a hazard then make sure you give time and space to others before taking that space - they will adjust for you if you give them that space & time
 
All of what Mrs Mozart has said and lots of practice before you travel with a horse. I go really steady in mine, nice and slow up to junctions and round islands, also nice and steady when pulling away. Beware of low bridges!! Always remember you have to be a little further into the road to allow for the width of the vehicle. When I first drove a H/box years ago I nearly took someones garden fence out, not recommended!! Good Luck and remember on coming cars will give way to you as you're in the bigger vehicle.
 
take it out without a horse in it. get used to the brakes, some lorries are REALLY sharpe and others less so. you wont hve a rear mirror so lots of side mirrors, watch lout for bikes on the side of you. cars will overtake you in stupid gaps, most lorries i have driven you can pull away in second unless you are fully loaded as first is a trawler gear. you will be MUCH longer than normal so allow lots of room and time at junctions etc. i alwasy think you cannot go anywhere in a hurry in a lorry and tough to all those who want you to bomb along. they can wait. although dont let a massive queue build up behind as that just pisses people off. make sure all your lights are working, use indicators and say thanks to other road users if they let you out.
 
Hi well I remember the first time I drove mine , many moons ago:D.

Firstly I would suggest you get a familiar in the cab area, where the buttons are indicators etc.
Sit in the drivers seat , get the feeling of being up high then use the mirrors get used to checking them reg as your driving

Try gear changes while the engine is off see if you find the clutch and brakes the right distance and easy for you . Some makes have very hard clutches which hurts the legs ( My liveries has one )

Remember you cant look behind while your driving , this seems weird at the beginning.

Once you feel happy make sure you have some one in the cab with you who drives a box and can help

start the engine try first gear and then move up.

If you can drive around the field do this for a while

Remember it takes time to:

get used to driving such a big vehicle

turning circles
reversing
knowing the height and width
also the feeling of horses moving inside
high winds
braking distances
maneuvering slowly round roundabouts .
Knowing what lanes you need to be in at a roundabout etc.
There is allot to it , drive small routes local ones first and gradually move further afield


The hardest part I found is going down a narrow lane with cars on both sides.
High winds on the motorway suddenly ramming against the side of the lorry
being sucked in when an Arctic goes past you on the motorway
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top