Help me find a horsebox...

[zoeshiloh]

We have been speaking to Oakley about getting one built from scratch, but the waiting time is fairly long, so I would like to look at other options as well. We were considering getting an equitrek multi trekka to keep us going until the new lorry was built, but I've heard some negatives about them.

What we are ideally looking for is; a 3 horse, 7.5t lorry, although would go up to 18t for right lorry. Has to be less than 2 years old, something similar to Oakley/Whittaker that sort of quality - although can be any make (as long as it is finished well). No budget really, anything considered.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

ABI build quality horseboxes, they are also forum members, here is a link to their website:
http://www.abihorseboxes.co.uk/

If you want a horsebox with living with everything in it & carry 3 horses & it has to be a 7.5 ton box then you may struggle to remain in weigth. Many of the 7.5 ton lorries you see with lovely living are way over weight when carrying 3 horses. Many are advertised as 'stalled for 3' which is very different. To ensure you remain within weight limits when fully loaded, fuelled etc then a larger HGV may be the answer.

Police forces are stopping more horseboxes now & taking them for weighing & checking for operators licences, HGV licences & Tachographs. The fines that can be levied against offenders are huge & they will not allow you to remove the lorry until it is at weight so loads of bother offloading horses & arranging other transport etc. They did this just up the road from Hicktead the other week & many top riders fell foul.

Good Luck on your search

 

[DollyDolls]

All I know about the equitrek having seen them at the last Hickstead is that they are very badly finished. Put it this way, the one at the show had handles falling off & it was cheaper looking (and feeling) than a charity shop. Perhaps that's a bit unfair to the charity shops.

If you're looking at O's & W's, Equitrek are at the other end of the spectrum.

 

[zoeshiloh]

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If you're looking at O's & W's, Equitrek are at the other end of the spectrum.

[/ QUOTE ]

We only looked at the equitrek trailer as a cheap stop-gap (need living) until something else is found

 

[stencilface]

I wouldn't go for an equitrek either, they seem to use Isuzus for their chassis, which don't look as meaty and sturdy as the more popular Ivecos, Man, Mercs, and Leylands that are very popular.

I would have a look at Lehel too, I would never have the money to spend on a swanky new wagon, but if I did that is where I would go

I would also be careful about weights of 7.5 tonners, I have travelled before with someone who had 3 big SJers on a Whittaker 7.5 ton than had all the kit in (Tv, fridge etc and swanky looking) and it listed quite a lot to one side, and definitely was a squeeze. To get 3 horses in luxury, you would need to up the weight I think

 

[zoeshiloh]

Chances of taking three big horses would be slim - we would be talking a mare and foal, and one big horse, OR two big horses most of the time.

Having said that, I am open to looking up to 18t.

 

[DollyDolls]

Why dont you hire a lorry whilst your is being made, then you dont have to worry about trying to sell it & you can decide what bits are important to you while you spec for your lorry.

I know there are ones out there offering this on a weekly/monthly basis, just dont have any websites to hand.

 

[susannita]

Prestige definitely do horsebox hire / contract hire type arrangements and really nice boxes. The ABI boxes are lovely too, but don't think they do the hire bit!

 

[zoeshiloh]

Will look into hire thanks. Just looked on ABI, and will definately show my sponsors tonight as they look lovely.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Try J & J Wood up Preston - think you will be amazed