Horsebox: 3.5t - 7.5t

L

lizziebell

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 January 2009
Messages
1,608
Location
...in my wellies
Visit site
Thinking about buying a horsebox, but the majority all seem to either be 3.5t which is too small, or 7.5t which is too big. I'd like a happy medium of between a 5t and a 6.5t box, but can't afford a new one to my specification, so looking at costs of secondhand ones, and there appears to be very few available.

Is this because of the newer licences that people are making more 3.5t boxes as they can sell them easier?
 
I have a VW 5 Tonne, went from always having 7.5 ton to 5 ton. Has full living, room for two, but watch your weights if fully laden, I can do 2/3 ponies, 1 large horse, and pony, or 1 huge horse, or two 14.2h's so quite adaptable.


There are lots of VWLT50's around, that tends to mean they are 5 Ton.

Very reliable and parts fully available.
 
I have a Renault dodge 50, its 5.5 tonne, good size, 3 pony, 2 horse. Old but good, engine parts cheap and easy to get hold of, I love it because it looks so retro, like something out of darling buds of may!
 
Thats what I'm looking for, and the 3.5t are just too small. I need 2 horses approx. 16.1hh, with some day-living. I'll look out for the "VWLT50's" as I did see some adverts that didn't state weight, so I'll know if its this type.

It does feel like looking for a needle in a haystack - the market seems flooded with 3.5tonners !!
 
I was thinking of the the same thing when I come to look for a box.

I don't even want day living, just the ability to carry 2 horses about 550kg each, and their riders and tack.
There are some 3.5s coming out now that will do 1300 - 1400 which might just do it if you were careful but they are state of the art and expensive.

It feels a bit excessive to have to go up to 7.5 just to get that and I have an old licence so am covered.
 
We've got a Dodge too. Ours is a 6.6 tonne one. It takes a while to get anywhere as 50mph is a treat saved for going down hills, the gears take a bit of getting used to and she's noisy but we love her. Her previous owner took her over to Germany but I don't think the autobahn's lack of speed limits worried her! We can carry a cob and an ISH legally and we have living too. She has a perkins engine and is very easy to maintain. We like the retro look too!

Here is one similar on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-5-t-Renault...tZUK_Horse_Wear_Equipment?hash=item3efe9a9878
 
I have a Dodge 50 (5 1/2 ton).
I took the living area out as it has a very compact body and there wasn't really any room for it.
It's very basic, but there's very little to go wrong with it.

See sig.
 
rubyredshoes said:
We've got a Dodge too. Ours is a 6.6 tonne one. It takes a while to get anywhere as 50mph is a treat saved for going down hills, the gears take a bit of getting used to and she's noisy but we love her. Her previous owner took her over to Germany but I don't think the autobahn's lack of speed limits worried her! We can carry a cob and an ISH legally and we have living too. She has a perkins engine and is very easy to maintain. We like the retro look too!

Here is one similar on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-5-t-Renault...tZUK_Horse_Wear_Equipment?hash=item3efe9a9878
Click to expand...

Wow, now if it was closer I think that would be perfect!!
 
That link the Rubyredshoes put up looks exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for. Shame I'm not looking now and it's so far away.

They don't mention the payload or unladen weight though - what would they be for that sort of box.
 
Ashgrove said:
Dave isn't for sale :¬)
Click to expand...

I have one of these as well - and I wouldn't sell mine either - I agree with Rubyshoes that 50mph is definitely for going downhill - with a strong wind behind us. I sometimes have to ask our 17hh warmblood to float when going up hills - usually at 15 - 20mph, well I ask but she never does. I often get funny looks when we go some places, the people directing the parking always seem to put us inbetween really posh large lorries. But we don't care - we love our little Dodge
 
criso said:
Makes you wonder when they don't mention in the adverts whether the living weights so much they have only left enough spare for one small shetland.
Click to expand...

My living is quite light although fully prepared and cosy etc. My lorry is faster than some 7.5 tonnes with much larger engines, although I dont think I woudl want it much faster as I prefer feeling that I am giving the horses a smooth comfty ride in the back.

Whole lorry is made of quite lightweight metal rather than heavy wood so plenty of payload. I think I lot of people dont mention it in the adverts as they havent got a clue!!!!

Best thing, dont take anyone's word if buying, take it to a weightbridge yourself and weigh it (its only about £10) which isnt a lot to ensure you are legal and can fit horses on legally and safely.
 
Thanks ChesterCharlie - we have a weighbridge next junction up the motorway to us, so thats a good idea if I was buying locally. To be honest I don't really know much about horseboxes except the obvious (floor, and usual vehicle type things). I was thinking about paying that little extra and going to a dealer, then at least I might have some sort of warranty or "sales of goods act" in case anything goes wrong.
 
Phone Charlton Horseboxes on 01793 840567, he is in Wiltshire. He builds new ones and will probably be over your budget but he will keep an eye out for you and give you an idea of what to look for.
 
Get a 7.5 ton with a short chassis cab and a lightweight container. That way you have a compact box which will drive and park like a mini but has a large payload. so you can get up to 3 horses in it.
 
ttt said:
Phone Charlton Horseboxes on 01793 840567, he is in Wiltshire. He builds new ones and will probably be over your budget but he will keep an eye out for you and give you an idea of what to look for.
Click to expand...

I've looked at their website as they are just up the road from me, but way way over my measly budget.
 
lizziebell said:
I've looked at their website as they are just up the road from me, but way way over my measly budget.
Click to expand...

Ring him and ask him to keep a look out for you as he has people ringing him with lorries for sale. He may keep your number and if some-one rings him with what you are looking for, he can pass you their phone number.
 
Im another Dodge 50 fan. Mine has a payload of over 2 tonne, which is why I bought it
for carrying two cobs. It also has small living consisiting of sink/hob/grill and luton. Ive stayed comfortably in it for a few days at a time. Its about 19 foot total length, really reliable and extremely good on diesel too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top