Horse boxes vs Trailers?

[FestiveFuzz]

Having now spoken to our YO and my parents about our current lack of transport I am now trying to weigh up our options and whether it'd be best to get a box or trailer.

Obviously the perk of having a box is that I'll be able to drive it myself as it'll be under 3.5t and therefore I won't have to rely on my parents. But i'm unsure of exactly what running costs are involved and how much tax and insurance is likely to be.

I am sure I saw an article a while ago giving the pros and cons of both options but i've been unable to find it now it would be of use to me (its always the way!)

So any advice would be great

 

[conniegirl]

I would say go for the box particularly if you would have to also buy the 4x4.

the cost of taxing the 4x4 is going up as far as i'm aware the cost of taxing the lorry isnt.
I had trailers for a long time now ive changed to a lorry and i honestly would not go back

 

[Gucci_b]

I have a trailer IW 505 and hate towing, hate hate hate, but it's cheeper than a lorry to keep on the road, would rather have a nice little ladys lorry. we can dream........

 

[lauraheads]

Hello,

I had this problem and have now decided to buy a renault master van (not luton) and have it converted. It will prob cost 5K after my research. Looking to pay 1500 for the van, 1500 for the ramp and say 1000 for the rubber matting, windows. That would not inculde a fancy pants paint job. Leaving 1k to insure, tax and any extras like saddle racks and so on. You could even have the van fully serviced.

But to travel one horse you could get a recent (8 year old) van with prob less than 80000 miles. With 7" headroom which is the same as an average trailer maybe an inch less. Also most normal garages will service them.

Good luck

 

[ladyt25]

Depends what sort of finances you have I guess. I would never have a trailer though as had a pony once who couldn't travel in them (fell over) and also sister had a bad accident a couple of years ago where the trailer flipped on the M1 with 2 horses in it. They were towning with a LR Disco too but it flipped that over with it! Thankfully all people and horses got away with a few scrapes.

Personally I just feel safer in a lorry (especially in the wind on motorways) so i would say if you have the money go for the box. If you already have a suitale towing vehicle and not so much available cash then you may have to get trailer but yes do bear in mind the increasing tax costs for 4x4s too!