Horsebox conversion cost

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cazacross

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I’m looking at buying suitable lorry to have converted so couple questions. I will need a payload over 1400kg. Just room for tack and riding gear. And two horses up to 17hh. So probably 4.5tonne upward. Firstly any suggestions about suitable chassis or what to avoid? Secondly what sort costs for the basics and I mean basics? Third and recommendations for conversion North Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire Mid wales? Thanks all
 
There are a lot of manufacturers who will source the chassis for you - unless you know exactly what you're doing, I'd leave it to the pros to source what you need. 4.5t are usually just uprated 3.5t. With the payload you require I personally would go 5.2 or higher.

If you want a quality robust build, with the chassis you wouldn't get any change from c.35k+ The biggest costs are ensuring the 'cage', floor and ramp are solid rather than the bells and whistles.
 
Nicnac said:
There are a lot of manufacturers who will source the chassis for you - unless you know exactly what you're doing, I'd leave it to the pros to source what you need. 4.5t are usually just uprated 3.5t. With the payload you require I personally would go 5.2 or higher.

If you want a quality robust build, with the chassis you wouldn't get any change from c.35k+ The biggest costs are ensuring the 'cage', floor and ramp are solid rather than the bells and whistles.
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Thanks. Good to know about the 4.5t very useful. I’ll look into 5.2t. But I’m on a tiny budget and was trying to look at alternatives to a real old horse lorry but on a tiny budget. Might have to be an old lorry
 
For two horses that size I think you will get more choice with a 7.5 ton. anything over 3.5 and under 7.5 you will need your C1 drivers license.
 
sport horse said:
For two horses that size I think you will get more choice with a 7.5 ton. anything over 3.5 and under 7.5 you will need your C1 drivers license.
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The issue with 7.5 tonne is parking at ours would be a struggle and running costs are quite a bit more. I’ve the relevant licence for upto 7.5 tonne.
 
I’ll check them out but think they only do full coachbuilt which is very expensive and well beyond my budget. I’m just trying to see if a basic conversion, done properly and safely, is as cost effective as a rather old horse lorry.
 
Just weighing up cost options at the moment as I only have a very small budget but would rather not have to go with a 2000-2002 aged horse lorry
 
Burley do basic conversions - not near you but an idea on price, they’re 2k ish to put a ramp on, 6k for functioning conversion.
 
Horsebox Hospital near Northwich have always done really good jobs on any horsebox we've had. In the past they've converted living for us and fitted out the horse area as well as doing repairs.
 
I spoke to them years ago they were very helpful and certainly used to have a good rep I’ve just, I’ve just not seen anything much on them recently, thought they might not exist anymore.
3 counties also used to do more basic conversions- which is apparently why mine didn’t have any gas struts on the ramp, not sure if they’re still building though
 
We looked last year at buying a chassis and then getting it converted but couldn't find anywhere that would do coach built for much change from £20k
 
You can get very short wheel base 7.5t my friends didn't take up any more room than my 5.2t iveco did. Her living area was tiny compared to mine but she had a massive payload. I don't recall actual numbers but around the 2t mark. Might be worth a look?
 
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