Help searching for little horsebox?

[Smee]

Hi! I am considering the purchase of a small 2 horse box. But I would like some advice on what to & what not to consider. I would like to take 2 16.2's or a mare & foal. Not too fussed over living as it is unlikely that we'd travel far or overnight nowadays.

I have heard horror stories of dodgy conversions, where horses fall thru the floor. Or expensive shiny, new looking vans that can only carry one and then they are up to weight & the paint peels off.

I have a limited budget

but would like something smart, in good working order, that won't cost a fortune to run & keep letting me down. Is this possible on a limited budget?

I could consider up to a 7.5 tonne, but as my yard has an awkward drive (think hair pin bend!) & parking space is limited, I would prefer a smaller box.

Any ideas & views on what you have / know that works well, who / what to avoid & what to look for when viewing?

Lots of questions, sorry. But you get the idea.
Many thanks

 

[PeterNatt]

I bought a rather nice compact Bedford TK (12 feet long from rear of cab to rear of container) about 15 years ago for under £2,000.00 which will carry 3 horses without going over weight and is still going strong at 30 years old! It is cheap to maintain and insure. The secret is to find a good mechanic that specialises in horseboxes - go around local yards and find out who services their horse boxes.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

If you want to take 2 x 16h2" you need to forget 3.5 ton conversions really as it's unlikely you will have enough payload. If you don't want living then you will have quite a choice from 5 ton upwards. Conversions are normally heavier than purpose built horseboxes as box builders use lightweight materials. If you look for the old fashioned style 'hunting box' or 'dealer box' which are the stick sided boxes you will find they are lightweight & will have all the payload you would ever need. Tristar are one of the manufacturers of these. Take a look at their site & it will give you an idea of what you would want.

 

[rocketdog69]

How limited is your budget?

 

[lochpearl]

whereabouts are you and what is your budget?

 

[Smee]

Thanks all!

I'm in Yorkshire! Budget was originally £5k, but has been authorised by OH to go upto £10k for the right box. (Maybe even more if it really was more 'special')

I would consider only travelling 1 16.2 or 16.2 plus foal, but ideally like capacity for 2.

Thanks TZ will google them now...

Or do I forget it & go for Ifor 510 & swap car for 4X4?

Daddy or chips?