Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Horsebox build.....our story!
- Thread starter Farmer Chalk
- Start date
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Next instalment...
The interior woodwork for all of the units has now all been lacquered for the shiny wood effect and returned to the Old Barn..and I'm hoping over the next couple of days that all of the units and work surfaces will now quickly go together... As previously they have all been assembled and fitted beforehand and then taken apart for spraying...
So before the units go back together the sleeping pod above the lorry cab has to be fitted out....obviously the pod is just a hollow fibreglass shell when first fitted and so a fitted floor has to be built above the cab and then a frame which fits inside to which the fabric roof panel and the sides attach... This is further complicated when windows are added... As holes in the side panels have to be cut and panels inserted to finish it off.
So today the Alcantara fabric was being stitched together into large panels which are then to be glued onto the foam backing..this is what gives it its luxurious look and feel...
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Thus a tricky 'clean hands' operation occurs tomorrow with spray glue and beige panels...think I'll keep out of the way!!
All of the parts are now arriving thick and fast.... Thanks to the previous advice earlier in this thread a 250 litre water tank has been made by a specialist supplier. This has been mounted underneath the truck immediately aft of the rear axle in the only location big enough to take it...this will be filled by a snap on hose connector just under the rear near side of the vehicle.
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The interior woodwork for all of the units has now all been lacquered for the shiny wood effect and returned to the Old Barn..and I'm hoping over the next couple of days that all of the units and work surfaces will now quickly go together... As previously they have all been assembled and fitted beforehand and then taken apart for spraying...
So before the units go back together the sleeping pod above the lorry cab has to be fitted out....obviously the pod is just a hollow fibreglass shell when first fitted and so a fitted floor has to be built above the cab and then a frame which fits inside to which the fabric roof panel and the sides attach... This is further complicated when windows are added... As holes in the side panels have to be cut and panels inserted to finish it off.
So today the Alcantara fabric was being stitched together into large panels which are then to be glued onto the foam backing..this is what gives it its luxurious look and feel...
Thus a tricky 'clean hands' operation occurs tomorrow with spray glue and beige panels...think I'll keep out of the way!!
All of the parts are now arriving thick and fast.... Thanks to the previous advice earlier in this thread a 250 litre water tank has been made by a specialist supplier. This has been mounted underneath the truck immediately aft of the rear axle in the only location big enough to take it...this will be filled by a snap on hose connector just under the rear near side of the vehicle.
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Latest.... The interior wood panelling has now been mounted against the exterior walls.
Prior to the interior units being fitted now is the time to cut through both inner and outer walls ready for the bonded Windows to be fitted...
Window frames are then fitted from inside the horsebox which bolt up to the Windows which are then bonded to the outside....I anticipate this week the truck will seriously start taking shape..
Weird to see big holes cut into the side of the lorry!
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Prior to the interior units being fitted now is the time to cut through both inner and outer walls ready for the bonded Windows to be fitted...
Window frames are then fitted from inside the horsebox which bolt up to the Windows which are then bonded to the outside....I anticipate this week the truck will seriously start taking shape..
Weird to see big holes cut into the side of the lorry!
Clannad48
Well-Known Member
When it's finished in its full glory you will need to take it on a tour around the country for the HHO's to inspect and swoon over - you could probably sell enough tickets to pay for it
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
I'm gonna need to!! Though we have a bit of a secret plan being hatched at present.... Intrigued .... Keep watching
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Latest update..
The roof lining of the bedroom pod has now been fitted..the Alcantara has been glued onto the sponge and then fitted into roof panels....the photo doesn't do it justice because of the lighting but it's starting to look pretty good...
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This led to the issue with the side panels and how to insert window frames as we had chosen to put glass windows in the pod to make it less claustrophobic...
'Little' Adam at Courcheval came up with the inspired idea of frames that inserted into the side panel that we could then cover in the matching seat leather...
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The photo shows the side panel with the special frame inserted...
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The photo above shows the panel from behind....however once it was leather covered it started looking like this...
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And then almost finished ....
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The panel came be seen behind that the frame will eventually be mounted....
The roof lining of the bedroom pod has now been fitted..the Alcantara has been glued onto the sponge and then fitted into roof panels....the photo doesn't do it justice because of the lighting but it's starting to look pretty good...
This led to the issue with the side panels and how to insert window frames as we had chosen to put glass windows in the pod to make it less claustrophobic...
'Little' Adam at Courcheval came up with the inspired idea of frames that inserted into the side panel that we could then cover in the matching seat leather...
The photo shows the side panel with the special frame inserted...
The photo above shows the panel from behind....however once it was leather covered it started looking like this...
And then almost finished ....
The panel came be seen behind that the frame will eventually be mounted....
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
So the pod is almost finished and we just need to fit the side panels and do the final trimming when the windows are fitted.....
The awning finally arrived from Germany and was perfectly timed as all the interior side panels were about to be fitted...
The awning is just under 5 metres long and the reason for the delay was that it was a factory order...it was chosen as the awning can be used in both rain or shine and therefore we can prepare the horse out of the rain...it also has no supporting legs for the horse to reverse into...
A clever feature is that it also retracts automatically if the wind gets up, thus if we are out on course it will automatically rewind rather than rip itself to shreds...
So hopefully listening to all your advice, all of the horse preparation area is on the right of the truck, hopefully out of the rain....we should have access to the tack lockers, the horse wash areas, and the instant change lockers....
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For those of you wondering how they put the roof on a lorry the above picture shows how....all of the roof spars and side rails are assembled on the ground and the whole section is then lifted high from the roof of the garage and the lorry driven underneath...
This is another customers truck in its infancy...interesting to see their specification as part of the build...the living area on this one is being designed specifically leaving room for the owners travelling dog cages!
Blast! Forgot about the dogs!
The awning finally arrived from Germany and was perfectly timed as all the interior side panels were about to be fitted...
The awning is just under 5 metres long and the reason for the delay was that it was a factory order...it was chosen as the awning can be used in both rain or shine and therefore we can prepare the horse out of the rain...it also has no supporting legs for the horse to reverse into...
A clever feature is that it also retracts automatically if the wind gets up, thus if we are out on course it will automatically rewind rather than rip itself to shreds...
So hopefully listening to all your advice, all of the horse preparation area is on the right of the truck, hopefully out of the rain....we should have access to the tack lockers, the horse wash areas, and the instant change lockers....
For those of you wondering how they put the roof on a lorry the above picture shows how....all of the roof spars and side rails are assembled on the ground and the whole section is then lifted high from the roof of the garage and the lorry driven underneath...
This is another customers truck in its infancy...interesting to see their specification as part of the build...the living area on this one is being designed specifically leaving room for the owners travelling dog cages!
Blast! Forgot about the dogs!
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Latest advice needed....
Thanks to everyone so far for all of their help and input in designing the lorry.... Both myself and the guys at Courcheval have been inspired by the ideas flowing and they will definately incorporate some of the ideas moving forward on new customer builds...
Currently the living is being refitted and the granite work surfaces are in place and cupboards are being hung.... It looks totally awesome and I will take some photos when I can do them justice... We are climbing over each other at present so any photos now would look like a game of drunken twister....I mean who would want to see lots of young men semi clad in various poses upside down, hanging from the ceiling, climbing underneath....... I thought not that's why I saved you from the horrible thought...
So photos later when they've all finished......
Focus ladies please......think I've lost some of you...
The help and advice I'm looking for is to do with the paint protector mats that you sometimes see on posh lorries that are put up the side of lorries to prevent the horses and hay nets scratching the paintwork....anyone use them? Are they any good? Are they worth the bother? More importantly ....how do they affix and what are they made of?
Any suggestions with be gratefully recieved....
Thanks again...
Farmer Chalk!
Thanks to everyone so far for all of their help and input in designing the lorry.... Both myself and the guys at Courcheval have been inspired by the ideas flowing and they will definately incorporate some of the ideas moving forward on new customer builds...
Currently the living is being refitted and the granite work surfaces are in place and cupboards are being hung.... It looks totally awesome and I will take some photos when I can do them justice... We are climbing over each other at present so any photos now would look like a game of drunken twister....I mean who would want to see lots of young men semi clad in various poses upside down, hanging from the ceiling, climbing underneath....... I thought not that's why I saved you from the horrible thought...
So photos later when they've all finished......
Focus ladies please......think I've lost some of you...
The help and advice I'm looking for is to do with the paint protector mats that you sometimes see on posh lorries that are put up the side of lorries to prevent the horses and hay nets scratching the paintwork....anyone use them? Are they any good? Are they worth the bother? More importantly ....how do they affix and what are they made of?
Any suggestions with be gratefully recieved....
Thanks again...
Farmer Chalk!
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LeannePip
Well-Known Member
Wow, i've missed the last few updates|! it looks amazing!
The paint protectors, not sure where you get them from but they are handy, the ones i have seen attach by those big industrial poppers, dont know what they are called but my dad has the same for when the roof of his MX5 is down and you put a cover over the back bit! or some of them, the sheet just has big eyelet holes in it, then you have these attached to the sides of the box; Antiluce Fastener - you have no idea the things i had to search to find out what the name is! http://www.specializedhorseboxcomponents.com/horsebox/Tie_Rings_and_Fasteners.html - on the left 5th one down!
Hope the rest of the build goes well cant wait to see the finished product!
The paint protectors, not sure where you get them from but they are handy, the ones i have seen attach by those big industrial poppers, dont know what they are called but my dad has the same for when the roof of his MX5 is down and you put a cover over the back bit! or some of them, the sheet just has big eyelet holes in it, then you have these attached to the sides of the box; Antiluce Fastener - you have no idea the things i had to search to find out what the name is! http://www.specializedhorseboxcomponents.com/horsebox/Tie_Rings_and_Fasteners.html - on the left 5th one down!
Hope the rest of the build goes well cant wait to see the finished product!
tul214
Member
I have seen the protectors. I seem to recall them been fatened using turn buckles but a quick google finds these
http://www.equi-trek.com/au/image/extras/55b21171702a8_Side_Protector__4_.jpg
or
http://horseboxprotectionmats.co.uk/index.html
Your build looks great but i still think that having the horse prep on the off side is going to be a hindrance but i suppose if everything is that side it should be OK. We find that we are in and out of the living whilst getting ready.
Keep the updates coming.
Mark
http://www.equi-trek.com/au/image/extras/55b21171702a8_Side_Protector__4_.jpg
or
http://horseboxprotectionmats.co.uk/index.html
Your build looks great but i still think that having the horse prep on the off side is going to be a hindrance but i suppose if everything is that side it should be OK. We find that we are in and out of the living whilst getting ready.
Keep the updates coming.
Mark
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
You people are just the best!! Thanks Tul and Leannepip!
Really helpful!
Anyone used either? Pros and cons of those types of fasteners?
Thanks again for taking time out with your searches!
Really helpful!
Anyone used either? Pros and cons of those types of fasteners?
Thanks again for taking time out with your searches!
Pippity
Well-Known Member
I'm gonna need to!! Though we have a bit of a secret plan being hatched at present.... Intrigued .... Keep watching
Are you going to raffle it off????
LovesCobs
Well-Known Member
I feel like I've just done a series 1 box set I've noticed this thread but not read it as I knew I'd have serious box envy! So with my coffee this morning I've read the whole lot. Brilliant thread and I can't wait to see the finished result , I'll then probably see you in Cheshire, I'll be the scruffy looking mum squeezing into the front of an Equitrek trailer .....
I've noticed this thread but not read it as I knew I'd have serious box envy! So with my coffee this morning I've read the whole lot. Brilliant thread and I can't wait to see the finished result , I'll then probably see you in Cheshire, I'll be the scruffy looking mum squeezing into the front of an Equitrek trailer ..... Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
I feel like I've just done a series 1 box set
Sounds good to me!!
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Are you going to raffle it off????
After all this grief I think I'm going to live in it! Don't worry after two weeks use with my two it will be unrecognisable.... Duvets and clothes strewn everywhere and the sink will be overflowing! Sounds familiar?
I'm sleeping with the horse..... ( probably will be when she reads this!! )
Re the intriguing bit don't want to curse it before or if it happens....just trying to engineer a way forward....
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
The clips things I think I'm now looking for or trying to source are called turn buttons or 'common sense' clips apparently...but struggling to find heavy duty ones.....
Thanks again peeps!
Thanks again peeps!
tul214
Member
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
You are the best! You've made me very excited......(easily pleased I'll have you know) I've spent hours looking for those at that size!
Cheers Mark! All ordered! Top man..... As said before I've spent hours looking for those ones since your original post!
Owe you a pint!
Cheers Mark! All ordered! Top man..... As said before I've spent hours looking for those ones since your original post!
Owe you a pint!
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EventingMum
Well-Known Member
After all this grief I think I'm going to live in it! Don't worry after two weeks use with my two it will be unrecognisable.... Duvets and clothes strewn everywhere and the sink will be overflowing! Sounds familiar?
I'm sleeping with the horse..... ( probably will be when she reads this!! )
Re the intriguing bit don't want to curse it before or if it happens....just trying to engineer a way forward....
As long as the duvets match the general colour scheme - our old lorry is nothing like yours (seriously envious
) but my duvets match each other and the general colour scheme, it's important to keep standards up!! Obviously I don't know you Farmer Chalk but I'm imagining your family busy with the horses while you clean the lorry, don your chef's hat and cook up a four course dinner in your amazing truck. Rather like a man my son used to jump ponies for who bought a massive Whittaker lorry and entertained us royally at shows, a real change for the burger van meals we were used to!!tul214
Member
No problem.......its great seeing someone else spend their money.
We've just sold the show pony and now have bought a FEI dressage pony!!!
Obviously the change in discipline means all new saddles, wardrobe, BOOTS!!!! Bloomin' horses.
Mark
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Sod the horses...I'm chilling the Pinot .....
Still laughing about the matching duvets...you causing me anxiety attacks over the thought of it.... What will the neighbours think? Off to John Lewis straightaway! Lol!
Still laughing about the matching duvets...you causing me anxiety attacks over the thought of it.... What will the neighbours think? Off to John Lewis straightaway! Lol!
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Mark, let's start a secret dads club...sounds like we are going to be at similar events.... We can pretend to be tinkering with the trucks mechanics....I've already got a stash of tinnies in my secret locker...
Just got to think of a code word now....
Darbs
Well-Known Member
Now we're talking... although maybe we've missed the first trick by starting a secret society on this forum... drat, back to the drawing board.
tul214
Member
''My 6 year old daughter is gradually dragging me into the equine cash pit of doom....''
Darbs, my daughter is 12 and I am a ruined man...It makes it worse when SHMBO has one too!
Like you say though, I wouldnt change a thing. Now about those tinnies............
Darbs, my daughter is 12 and I am a ruined man...It makes it worse when SHMBO has one too!
Like you say though, I wouldnt change a thing. Now about those tinnies............
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
You lightweights! I laughed out loud reading the same quote.... Seek help now! Get her to find boys, play stations, anything....
Otherwise you will turn into the sad git I've become getting excited about creating a sanctum for yourselves whilst they are playing with horses!
So the beer fridge is stocked and my clinic will be operating at numerous events this year.... You will need to know the special secret knock though......
Otherwise you will turn into the sad git I've become getting excited about creating a sanctum for yourselves whilst they are playing with horses!
So the beer fridge is stocked and my clinic will be operating at numerous events this year.... You will need to know the special secret knock though......
Darbs
Well-Known Member
The special secret knock that only you know sounds like a way for you to end up drinking all the beer to yourself! I like your style.
Farmer Chalk
Well-Known Member
Trust me I'll be seeking company! No fun getting wrecked on your own.... I'll put a little Red Cross on the side so you'll recognise where to seek help....
You're still in the denial phase at present.....
You're still in the denial phase at present.....
Clannad48
Well-Known Member
Just to let you know that my daughter is now 24 and I'm still paying out - oh the joys of being a parent. Mind you she says that I got her into it in the first place. Just wish I had bought the wooden rocking horse in the first place instead of the real thing.
Darbs
Well-Known Member
If it makes you feel any better, that was the start of it for us. This...
Became this...
Then this....
Although we are managing to keep it restrained to riding school ponies and the pony of some very kind friends in our village who are allowing us to spend a lot of time gradually falling for their pony!
Clannad48
Well-Known Member
Well we now own two, the original Section D mare that we bought for her when she was 12 and a 17hh DWB mare that we have owned for 8 years now. Money pits the pair of them, not to mention the Lorry, now a trailer and two towing vehicles. Also she has done the computer games thing, played other sports, gone to the USA to play football, played University Hockey and had boyfriends, mind you the boyfiends all have to pass the same tests - 'love me, love my horse', 'my horses come first' and the most important - 'do my horses like you?' The current one is allergic to hay and straw and the horses but manages to work down the yard (using his inhalers and other medication), accompanies us to competitions, even is learning to ride.
So obviously the distraction of other ways of having fun failed miserably.
So obviously the distraction of other ways of having fun failed miserably.