Horsebox build - help needed

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cjt1701

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Are there any legal requirements regarding bulkhead strengthening on the van type horsebox converstions?

I'm a bit confused as to difference in build between the traditional 'white van man' type van and the box type van conversions. I have been warned off the van conversions due to strength between horse and cab but can't see difference in van opposed to box van with regard to bulkhead strength.

Perhaps I am being very thick!
 
cjt1701 said:
Are there any legal requirements regarding bulkhead strengthening on the van type horsebox converstions?

I'm a bit confused as to difference in build between the traditional 'white van man' type van and the box type van conversions. I have been warned off the van conversions due to strength between horse and cab but can't see difference in van opposed to box van with regard to bulkhead strength.

Perhaps I am being very thick!
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I would go to a VBRA member horsebox builder they hopefully work to industry standards and will know what to use and the correct constuction methods... there is no reason a conversion shouldent be any less safe than
a new build it all depends on the quality of workmanship in the end...
 
Thanks for that. Ones I have been looking at have been prof. conversions - just couldn't understand why local opinions have been steering me away from van type towards box van type - can't really see the difference.
 
Its down to the strengthening between the van section and the cab, much like lorries with crawl thrus.
Make sure it is a professional conversion. I am just finishing a rebuild of my 7.5 tonne and it has been an absolute eye opener
 
I have a van conversion and it came to me with just the sheet metal bulkhead, covered with ply and rubber. My old horse leans on and believe me it isn't pleasant when you see the bulkhead out of the corner of your eye coming into the cab....and that was just leaning. If I had had to stop quickly I have no doubt he would have come through and broken my neck/killed me. I took the van to a steel fabricators and they have done a fantastic job of fitting some steel bars in the horse area, at the back of driver and passengers, so that when he leans I can't even feel it and if I did have to stop abruptly he would stay in the horse area. It only cost £100 for the strengthening work, so has been well worth it and only added about 20kg to the weight.....so van conversions are fine if they are done properly....
 
Thanks Rebelzmum. This horsebox buying is a nightmare. Everyone has such different opinions at my yard. I have been looking at prof conversions but it's the same with everything I suppose you get what you pay for! I really must get a life I've become so obsessed.
 
Just as importantly, check the mileage out if you do get a van conversion as a lot of them have done more miles than the clock says and even the digital milometers are quite easy to clock .....my first one had done around 100,000 miles more than the clock said but I only found out after I became suspicious after getting it home and getting a letter from DVLA to say that the person who had paid for the tax (whilst in trade) had bounced the cheque so therefore the tax was invalid. It then raised my concerns as to what else was wrong with it. It blew up on the way back to the dealer, but he had no choice really but to take it back as I already had Trading Standards dealing with him.
You can check the mileage by looking at all the previous MOT certs for the vehicle on www.motinfo.gov.uk. You need the reg number and either the chassis number or the registration (V5) number. All the previous MOTs will have the mileage on them when they went in for the MOT. Mine went in on one day with about 180,000 on, failed and then went back into the garage 3 days later and passed with 103,000 on. The amazing disappearing miles!
 
I have one of the 3.5t van types as opposed to the 3.5t box types. It's a professional conversion and the bulkhead is steel reinforced and when Genie leans on it the bulkhead does not budge AT ALL. Personally I would steer clear of a non-professional conversion, as it is not unheard of to just have plywood between horse and cab - madness!
 
In the van type conversions it is important to transfer any load on the bulkhead back and around as much of the van body as possible. I think the best way is to construct a ring beam all the way round at chest height. Basicly starting from the side ramp forward upright ,across the bulkhead,back along the other side,across again as a breast bar,and back to the rear ramp pillar.
 
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