Horsebox options

LillyTheCat

LillyTheCat

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 February 2023
Messages
70
Visit site
I am starting to have a look at transport options, am currently relying on friends which is ok but not the same as having my own.

A trailer is out as I have a company car which is an EV.

Looking at box options I keep talking myself round in circles so very much value everyone’s input.

What I would like:

I have one horse but ideally would like to be able to take two as it’s more fun to go places with friends. Not an absolute dealbreaker is a 3.5t ticks everything else.

Am a bit of a safety geek/worrier so keen to make sure box is robust & with proper escape options etc.

Ideally would have small living for the odd stay away but again not a deal breaker.

I don’t really want to spend more than 20k to purchase.

Ongoing running costs are a consideration, really not sure how much the older/bigger ones might end up costing. Effectively I don’t just want to buy cheap if it will cost me more longer term.

Don’t yet have it but happy to take my C test to allow me to drive bigger than 3.5t. Driving a larger box doesn’t phase me.

What I think so far is there are loads of 3.5t about and I’m fairly sure I could find something workable.

4.5-5t are few & far between and expensive!

7.5t are more affordable upfront and would give me everything I’d like but worried about ongoing costs. (A friend is selling their 7.5t so I could have an option with known history which is v appealing)

Help! What does everyone think?
 
How big is your horse? If you have a Section C for example you could make travelling two in a 3.5t work, but if you have an Irish Draught you have no hope on the whole..
 
you wont be able to put 2 horses in a 3.5T unfortunately... you'll need a 4.5T. I've got a 3.5T with living... sofa converts to a bed and can also sleep one over the cab. Also got hob and sink. It's great for weekends away at TREC events and staying dry at normal events in the great british weather (and much easier to park and drive than a bigger lorry)
 
Maybe look at a 3.5t but get it up rated to a 4T but it really does depend on the size of horses you’re travelling. Because fully loaded with fuel, water, tack and a passenger you might still be over payload.
 
Good point re size of horses, that would have helped! One is around 500kg and the other 600kg. I know there is no chance of having both in a 3.5t hence considering something larger but my main concern was then the cost.

Trying to work out if I should just go for 3.5t and give up on the idea of being able to take two.
 
Sometimes it's a nice idea being able to take 2 but it can actually end up more complicated - e.g. what happens if the horse is injured while travelling or damages the box? Also you can end up being pressured in to going places you didn't really want to and feeling guilty about going where you wanted to.
 
I've got a 6.5t which means I never have to worry about payload. I have a pre 1997 licence so didn't have to take the test. I spent about £30K on mine but that included getting reversing and horse cameras put in.

It was very smart and up together when I bought it, but I don't think I've ever paid less than £1200 for service and plating. Sometimes a lot more! They always find something that needs to be done, or I ask them to look at something. I don't use the cheapest place, but I trust them and they do a good job.

For the amount I use it, it definitely makes no economic sense to have my own, but if I didn't I'd never go out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top