horseboxes and weight limits

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suestowford

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Does anyone know where I can find out what the maximum load would be for a horsebox of a certain size? I have read a few posts on here about it but I am more than a bit confused. I haven't got a particular vehicle in mind just yet as I am still looking around but want as small a box as possible that could transport two large natives about. Is there a website where I could look this up?
 
it all depends on the individual box, how much living you have, how heavy the partitions etc are. all boxes have a different limit.

However for 2 large natives you need something with at least 1 tonne for the ponies, your weight and the weight of your tack, grooming kit, water etc. When i take 2 Natives i allow for 1.6 tonnes with all the junk i take with me, so if its a 7.5 tonne lorry it needs to weigh less then 5.9tonnes unladen!
 
I wouldn't have thought you would need a 7.5 tonne lorry just to take two natives, it depends on how much stuff you carry though. I think that you would need to allow 1.2 - 1.5t depending on how many people you take with you, how much water you carry etc. Three normal sized people weigh about .32t and I'd allow .08t max for two sets of tack. You might struggle with a 3.5t, but you can get 4.5t lorries that are the same size as the small vans and would easily fit 2 large natives in. I'm about to put one up for sale as it is not quite big enough for my 16.2 WB & 15.1 TB, but it would easily carry 2x 15.2 plus tack. Sorry if I've rambled on a bit lol
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IMO if you're buying something larger than 3.5t then you are as well to get a 7.5t to get the extra capacity - easier to have it and not need it, than not have it and then need it!

Our lorry is 5990 kgs unladen but it's a Man and they are inclined to be slightly heavier than other makes. (It's also up for sale!)
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I agree. You will struggle to get 2 solid natives and all their clobber and you into a 3.5t. In which case you might as well go for a 7.5t (or bigger if you have your LGV !). There's little to be gained from having a 5t or 6t wagon
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Depends if you're restricted by other factors. When I bought my lorry I got that size because I couldn't get a 7.5t in our drive and was a bit worried about driving such a big truck. I know I'd probably get used to it, but it was the size of the drive entrance that restricted me really. It drives like a van as well, which I like. Good point though - bigger lorry gives you room if you buy more horses!!! lol
 
I've got a 6.6t lorry and I can actually carry more on it than some 7.5t as it is only 4t unladden (2.6t carrying capacity) I think it is because the lorry is shorter than a 7.5t you gain a bit of spare weight - but it is big enough for 2 17.2s
 
DD, i dont think it would be that much shorter then my 7.5 ton which is 20ft long bumper to bumper, or my friends 7.5tonn which is 18ft bumper to bumper. My 7.5 tonne has a full living and weighs in at about 5tonnes so ive got 2.5tonnes to play with
 
The way to buy a small box & still carry two large horses is to go the way that most of the Pros go when they take youngsters out to shows to get expereince. They use a lorry, very much along the lines of a dealer wagon. They have it stalled for 3 or 4 horses & they have no living area just some saddle racks. You'd be surprised how heavy a fancy oak kitchen with microwave, oven & hob, units etc can be. Without a fitted living you will find you can probably carry another horse.

If you are only going out hunting or to day long shows then go for one of these, you don't need cooking & sleeping facilities.........& buy your coffee etc at the cafe.
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Thank you everyone, it is a little clearer now.

No, I don't need living, the box would just be to transport two people and two ponies about. Maybe if we were away all day we'd take water/hay. I need to get my calculator out now!

Thanks again.
 
you should always take water with you. You need to offer ponies a drink as traveling is very dehydrating and if you get stuck in a long traffic jam it is essential for keeping them cool and comfortable!!
 
Yup - it may sound bizarre but some horses don't like drinking water that hasn't come from their own yard. I know when we travel down south from Scotland, my ponies won't drink unless it's water we have taken with us (but we do have the best water in the country, lol!)
 
Fair point - I heard of someone this year who bought a lorry and then realised it didn't fit in their drive and so they had to sell it on immediately!
 
kermie, i think we have the best water in wales personaly! but anyway back on topic, my lot wont drink water that isnt from home either and we have tried everything to get them to do so!!
 
My box is a 7.5 ton and it weighs 4.8 unladen. I can take 3 big horses and all my stuff without being overweight which is quite unusual. I am just fitting out the living so once that is done i will weigh it again to find out the new unladen weight just to be sure.
 
If you are going to buy a lorry insist it goes on a weighbridge and go along as well to make sure the partitions are in and see how much fuel it has. You can find a lisy of public weighbridges on the internet ( VOSA site I think )
 
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