Equitrek lorries side loading - anyone have one?

[decca]

I'm thinking of looking for a second hand one, the 4/4.5t size. I have a big horse though, and I'm concerned about the width of the ramp, never having had a side ramp box before.

Is there enough room to turn a big horses head/neck around when unloading? Does the side ramp run the full length of the horse area?

If anyone would be kind enough to measure the width of their ramp, I'd be very grateful!

Is there plenty room for putting on a bridle etc whilst still inside? I don't fancy getting squashed if there is any wall there ie if the ramp isn't full length.

 

[Boulty]

A friend of mine has one and the ramp runs pretty much the full length of the horse area and although it would be a little tight yes there is room to stand behind the breastbar and put a bridle on. TBH if you're unsure I'd say you need to go and have a look at one before buying though. I know she's had something about 16.2 in hers and some shorter but built like a tank sorts as well.

 

[BigPony]

Not an Equitrek, but I travelled my 18.1hh boy in a renault box like this http://www.horse boxes.com/upload/hgvstock/13-041-l139580792.jpg YO has an Equitrek and they look a very similar design.

I had no issues at all, he had lots of space and was a 7ft3/7ft6 in rugs. The ramp being shallow is a big plus, as well as them travelling backwards.

 

[Annagain]

My friend had an Equitrek trailer and our two big boys (16.3 and 17hh, the 17hh in particular is very long) fitted on it beautifully with plenty of room. Not sure if the lorries are smaller, but might be worth comparing specs to check ramp width and horse dimensions. If it's close to the "L" models of the trailers your horse will be fine

 

[HelenS]

I've just bought an Equi-Trek Sonic, 3.5 ton for my youngster. He is 17.3 and travels like a dream. He walks up the ramp and waits to be tied up, then I ask him to move his quarters over for me to close the partition. Likewise on the way down he just saunters down the ramp. There is loads of width for him on the ramp. The downside, if there is one, is that the ramp is on the driver's side.

I can also tack him up if necessary. I move the partition to the widest setting and go in with him, asking him to move over as I work around him. I've saddled him, put boots on, bridle etc with no problem.

I do however put his haynet on the opposite side to where he is standing as he has a long neck.

I was told by the dealer that the manufacturers recommend that you load one horse on the passenger side which offsets the weight of the ramp on the driver's side.