First Lorry, Price?

[kombikids]

Hi I am thinking about begging the OH to buy us a horse box in time for next season, and want to know what sort of money we can get one for. My dad has offered to do work on it (even convert one) as he did this for us several times with boxes when i was younger so it can be far from pristine!!!! I have a 16hh but would like something i can get two in and drive myself so smaller the better. What sort of money should I look at, the lesser the better in order to convince long suffering husband!!!! Also whats the insurance like? Thanks!

 

[LCobby]

Did you pass your driving test before 01/01/97?
If so, look for a 7.5 tonner, to carry two horses.

If you passed your test after 01/01/97, you will only be able to drive 3.5 tonnes without taking your C/ C1 test. These only carry one horse (despite being made with two stalls) to be within thier legal weight limit.

We budget at £1K per year for servicing, MOT, Road tax, insurnace, breakdown cover and the odd renewal of parts.

Some reasonable s/hand lorries from about £5 K upwards.

 

[Happytohack]

The prices vary greatly from this

<a href="http://www.horsemart.co.uk/AdvertRef/HM748FD97/Page//Web/DisplayHorseboxDetail.asp" target="_blank">http://www.horsemart.co.uk/AdvertRef/HM748FD97/Page//Web/DisplayHorseboxDetail.asp[/url]</a> just realised this only carries 15 handers, but it gives you an idea
to
http://www.horsemart.co.uk/AdvertRef/HM745B507/Page//Web/DisplayHorseboxDetail.asp
and so on
If you go for a smaller box (less than 7.5 tonne gross weight) make sure you check the unladen and gross weight. People have been caught out by buying a box that is over the legal weight when fully loaded.
Out box is insured with Anthony Evans including breakdown cover - the cost varies on the value of the box but they are very reasonable and you should budget on approx £200 per year to insure it.

 

[irishdraught]

Hi - it is much cheaper to buy a wagon to convert, you can design it to your own spec but you must have an idea of what you are doing for safetys sake.

We bought an M reg MAN 7.5 ton wagon about 4 years ago now and converted it. The vehicle cost £4,500 plus VAT and then the cost of converting.
Altogether I think it cost around £10,000 and that is with very basic living (no Luton). We have Irish draughts so cannot afford to have heavy appliances etc in the living otherwise the whole thing would be overweight, although it is stalled for three, we never carry more than 2 horses on it at any one time.

I personally think that unless your 16hh are lightweight thoroughbred types, a 3.5 ton would not give you enough of a payload to carry two. People forget that it's not only the horses that weigh anything, there is hay, water, tack, fuel and any people to take into account aswell.

With power steering, a 7.5 tonner is not that difficult to manouvre, it's just a case of getting used to it's size. Shop around and see what is available for the money you have to spend. Some people prioritise the living space and have all singing, all dancing but no room for the horses, others, like me have basic living.

A wagon feels much safer on the road, plus you can see a lot more cos you are higher up once you get used to it, is just like driving a car.

Don't sucumb to the fancy paint job, look at the engine etc aswell!!!!

oh, ours costs just under £200 per year to insure plus breakdown cover.

 

[kombikids]

thanks everyone that is all really useful. yes i passed my test before 97 so should be ok. There is so much legislation nowadays ai didnt know where to start!!! My horse is a lw thoroughbred so that does help with the weight. Just dont like towing a trailer as have toddler and even a small area to contain him would be useful! Thanks again x

 

[Orangehorse]

H &amp; H have done an article on lorries this week. The laws and regulations are a minefield.

 

[Taboo1968]

It costs me less to insure the lorry fully comp than it does to insure my car!!!!

Was so suprised when I rang for quotes, was then driving a metro sport.... insurance around the £300 mark.... was gobsmacked when quoted for lorry, couldn't believe they were going to let me loose in such a huge vehicle for half the cost of my car insurance!