Idiot's guide to looking after a horsebox please

[star]

Really sorry for all the questions recently but dont really know who else to ask. This is probably going to sound very stupid but I've never had a horsebox before and family are non-horsey, non-caravanning types. Mostly concerned about making sure it all keeps working once the weather gets properly cold.

So, I bought an X reg DAF with full living - toilet/shower, oven/grill, 2 ring hob, sink with hot/cold water and a fridge plus hot air blowers with a dial that I assume is some kind of thermostat.

I'm just about working out what I need to buy to keep the toilet working and where I need to put each bit althought still not 100% clear how much of what to put where. Not quite worked out how to empty it yet as strange diagrams on the inside of the cassette door dont quite make sense but was hoping I might work it out once I have to do it.

It has a large fresh water container - do I have to put anything in this? This is the water that supplies the sink and the horsewash. Will it try and freeze in winter? I was going to fill a couple of separate water containers in case the hosepipe that is the horsewash freezes up. I was going to take separate bottled water for using in the kettle - is that what everyone does as I dont fancy drinking/cooking with water from the tank.

Will the toilet water try and freeze in winter?

Where does the water that goes down the sink go? Just straight out the bottom of the lorry or is there some kind of waste water tank that needs emptying? Same if I use the shower - does it just drain through the plug holes out the bottom of the lorry?

Spent my evening reading caravanning sites trying to make sure I do the right thing as dont want anything to blow up/clog up/freeze up etc! First on list of things to buy is a fire blanket and extinguisher as paranoid going to set fire to something!

Air brakes - my lorry theory test said about emptying the air tanks daily to prevent moisture getting in but I have no idea how to do that? Lorry doesn't appear to come with dunce's guide.

Maintenance wise - do you just have a yearly service at time of MOT or are there things that need doing in between times?

Am totally in love with my new little house on wheels - please help me look after it properly!

Dairy milk bubbly and pinot grigio for anyone willing to answer my questions which probably seem very stupid to all of you who have had boxes for years but it's all totally new to me.

Thank-you

Here is my pride and joy:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151332249520522&l=61d0fbccf7

 

[perfect11s]

Right the air tanks should have a little ring pull you will have to crawl under it gently pull them untill you get a little spurt of air, sometimes gooey oil and water comes out so be carefull look away or wear safety glasses!!! , doing it once a month is enough along with checking the engine oil and water, other fluids, wheel nuts, tyre presure/ condition ,lights etc. As for the living you will need to drain it or park it inside there should be a drain on the water heater run the pump open all the taps, shower head and let it pump out all the water leave the taps open then open the drain on the water heater, if your toilet has a seperate flush tank just keep flushing untill the tank is empty then empty the cassette tank, this is important as a good frost could spilt a pipe or other part!!! charge up the leisure battery then disconect it if you arent using the lorry for a few weeks, if its got a proper system with a mains hook up it should charge up when you plug it in which is a good idea to plug in overnight before you use the lorry and same when you get back if you are useing the living or once a month to maintain it.. oh and on most lorrys the waste from the sink/ shower just comes out under the lorry but if there is a holding tank you will have to drain that too...

 

[popsdosh]

Get the Antifreeze strength checked by a garage so you know that is strong enough.This will be a garage job unless you have friends with a hygrometer to check it

 

[star]

I'm going to be using the lorry twice a week all year round but it will be kept outside. It does have hook up but I don't have a lead yet.

Do I really have to empty and drain everything every time I use it in winter? this sounds rather time consuming! I haven't found the water heater yet. Where is it likely to be and what does it look like?

Thanks!

 

[Ferdinase514]

I check water and oil once per month or before long trips and I top up anti freeze then too but my truck has a little leak.

Never had probs with sink water tank freezing but not used lorry in very very cold weather.

Don't fret, you'll be fine!

I used to empty air in my first truck by pumping brakes but never bothered subsequently and been fine.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Star, its worth you getting a 'service' on the stuff in the living - cooker, hot water heater, anything that has a flame on it etc too, I used to use a lovely independant caravan service chap, can PM you his number as he still does our caravan & comes from Alfold direction over to us in Woking area.
At least you'll know all appliances are operating properly.

And yes, in v cold weather you really should drain down all water tanks every time. Its rather costly if you get a split in a pipe (its more the labour if its a hidden pipe) or a tank goes

 

[popsdosh]

yes you do need to empty and drain if freezing weather is forecast otherwise you will end up with buirst pipes and broken pumps some in inaccesible places.Got the T shirt!
A lot will depend on the pump system installed some use a submersible pump in the water tank and others use a diaphragm pump usually under one of the seats.This is also a good place to start looking for the water heater or sometimes they are in the cupboard in the living.
Why do you not contact the box manufacturer who will tell you were everything is and try and find out what units were fitted ie pump ,water heater etc. Most of the manufacturers(appliance) will have websites were you can download instructions for these appliances.Have you checked that the instruction books are not in the lorry somewhere.
If you do not want all the hassle of draining down another option is to place a small spaceheater in the living leave the loo door open and set it to come on when the temp drops below zero .A couple of oil filled rads with a suitable frost stat would do the same it wont stop your main tank freezing(unlikely to be damaged) but at least it will stop any damage to anything else!

 

[Baggybreeches]

Use it as much as possible, lorries are designed to be run every day, it is worth going on a decent trip of an hour or more once a week to keep everything running properly.

 

[humblepie]

Over the winter, we drain the water right out of the living/horse supply and revert to taking water for boiling a kettle and using the show centre's loo! Admittedly don't use lorry much over winter and it tends to only be a short stay rather than a full day's competing. Year before last we werea bit late draining it and did get a burst pipe.

If we stay away and use shower, then we put a dirty water container (like the sort of container you would carry water in) connected to the drain out of the shower/sink.

Re the big water container, OH does rinse that through with something. Probably like Milton or some other steralising fluid so that it is clean but okay for horse to drink.

OH is a mechanic so does regular checks but whenever you use it, I would say check oil, water, other fluid levels, lights etc, have a look round of the tyres.

If possible find a good mechanic and I would personally strongly recommend getting a mechanic to take it for its annual test, since if something simple like a headlight needs realigning the testers will let you do it youself there and then rather than a fail. You also need when it goes for its test to have some weight in the back to make sure the brakes work properly. We normally put 1 - 2 tonnes of weight in it.

 

[perfect11s]

I'm going to be using the lorry twice a week all year round but it will be kept outside. It does have hook up but I don't have a lead yet.

Do I really have to empty and drain everything every time I use it in winter? this sounds rather time consuming! I haven't found the water heater yet. Where is it likely to be and what does it look like?

Thanks!

Well yes if you want to be safe!!! If you are just going out for the day in winter its sometimes easyer to just take water in a container for brewing up and to flush the loo etc the heater will be under a seat or locker and has a square vent on the outside of the lorry. if we have a mild winter it might be ok you could just drain it when there is frost forcast but its easy to forget ...

 

[AnShanDan]

In the winter I usually drain the water system down and just take a water container with me for drinking (horse and people). It is too much of a bother otherwise, and I generally only go out locally and for 1/2 days in winter, so I don't really need hot water etc etc.

I've never drained my loo system tho, prob. should have but it's not frozen even in 09-10 and 10-11 when it was -20 regularly here.

In the spring I fill the tank again and put milton tablets in it then draw the whole lot around the system for 48 hours to sterilise it all. Then if the lorry has sat for a week or more I will empty and refill before I go again. I do use the tank water for boiling the kettle or cooking, not killed me yet

Usually the waste water drains straight out, some lorries have a waste water tank tho'. If you are parked up at an event for a few days some people put a big bucket under the outflow so it doesn't go all over the field.

No idea about all the maintenance, husband checks it really regularly tho', esp. if I'm going a bit further. Maybe think about recovery if you are planning to travel quite a bit. I know lots of people who have been very grateful that they had this service.

 

[Maisie2]

Thank you for this post Star - I've had horseboxes for many years and I've learned several useful hints on here For instance putting Milton in the water tank - never had any probs. in the past but think that is a really good idea, putting weight in the back when having it plated, didn't know that! And letting air out of brakes after use, I'd rather just let it out when finished rather than crawling under the lorry. Definitely empty all water out in winter even if you're going out a few days later, a hard frost can burst pipes (had that happen). Also if it has a tachometer one mechanic told me to take the bulb out as that is a constant drain on the battery. Absolutely agree to get a mechanic to take it for plating, I used to hate taking mine, rather like going to the dentist I thought and if some small thing needs repair they may be able to do it there and then, it's now expensive for a retest and very time consuming. I love having new horseboxes, it's almost like moving house, I do hope you have fun with yours. btw I assume you have gone for roadside assistance recovery with your insurance, an absolute must in my opinion.

 

[vam]

OH is a mechanic so does regular checks but whenever you use it, I would say check oil, water, other fluid levels, lights etc, have a look round of the tyres.

If possible find a good mechanic and I would personally strongly recommend getting a mechanic to take it for its annual test, since if something simple like a headlight needs realigning the testers will let you do it youself there and then rather than a fail. You also need when it goes for its test to have some weight in the back to make sure the brakes work properly. We normally put 1 - 2 tonnes of weight in it.

Ditto this, my oh is a mechanic and normally takes my lorry down for its test (i cant drive it) he couldnt get the time off work so a friend took it instead (courier so drives a 7.5 ton daily) unfortunately he didnt let the air tanks for the brakes build up enough so it failed the brake test, he didnt think about it, just rung and said it failed (even thou my oh had said to make sure the tanks where full as well as some other things) que me having to get to towed back home and then my oh take it back for a re test, not a cheap exercise!

Some usefull info thou, so thank you for posting. Im currently fitting out the living in mine myself although i wont have quite as many gagets as yours (very jealous yours has heating!) but as least i will be able to look after what i have properly.

Oh and there will be times when you will like your lorry far more than your horse

 

[meardsall_millie]

I'd strongly recommend having an isolator fitted if it doesn't already have one. It means all electrics will be cut off while it's parked up so your battery won't be drained by, for example, the tacho or if you mistakenly leave something switched on.

Good theft deterrent too

 

[star]

It's got an isolator and I've got recovery.

How do I let air out of brakes after use without crawling under lorry? I really have no idea how these things work, just desperate to do it all right.

 

[flyingfeet]

Interesting, I've never done anything with my air brakes in 2 years of lorry ownership!!

However draining your system is important, and just opening and draining everything failed and in -15oC my hot water tank split through constant freeze and thaw (not the amount of water, which was small). So now I get my father to blow it out with an air line -basically use a diving cyclinder and blow it through on tap until air shoots out everywhere else

A new tank is £200!!

This is on my to do list this weekend.

In addition check your stuff in the lorry, as it can start to go mouldy in this sort of weather, and that includes your leather competition gloves that you kept for best, but now due to mould smell like a dead flannel...

Also not sure whether anyone else is having this problem, but my solar system is not doing too well and my batteries are starting to drop, so will need a charge soon

 

[perfect11s]

It's got an isolator and I've got recovery.

How do I let air out of brakes after use without crawling under lorry? I really have no idea how these things work, just desperate to do it all right.

Do not let much air out !!! just let water and gunk out!!!! once air comes out of the drain valve that's it you have done the job!!, you will find the tanks have or should have a little round bit with a key ring on it you can put a little bit of chain on it so you can reach under and pull instead of crawling under it, yours may have a auto drain on the main tank, some lorrys (year 2001 on)only have automatic drains and air dryers so only need a new cartridge once a year instead of draining..

 

[luce1]

Good idea about taking all the water out of everywhere... I have done this with my box and just take water with me for Winter months...
Try getting into the habit of checking oil, water, clutch fluid and brake fluid everytime you go out... and also check our tyres... make sure there are no bulges anywhere. I was exactly the same when I brought my lorry and had a break down as had no idea on where anything was or what anything meant, but seemed to have picked bits and pieces up on the way and I am sure you wil to x

 

[kerilli]

something i don't think anyone's mentioned, mechanic told me to keep diesel tank full through winter, otherwise if there's space then you get condensation in the extreme cold, which then becomes a layer of water on the top of the diesel, and i guess can start the tank rusting or something?

 

[porkpie]

OMG - I've had my ancient 1991 Cargo for 5 years and never, ever drained tha air tanks!! I had no idea you had to do this! Crap, best go and check it out! Also never thought to drain my water tank - seeing as my pump doesn't work its never gone anywhere - lucky I live in Cornwall where we really get frosts!

Jeez - better get on it this weekend!

 

[porkpie]

**rarely** get frosts (clearly I need to learn to type/spell too!!)

 

[star]

well i crawled under lorry and pulled the chain on the air brakes today and gave me the shock of my life when air hissed out. Wasn't very comfy either! Took it for a drive and when I came back pumped the brake pedal until air guages were zero - figure that way is a lot easier!

Found my hot water heater which is under one of the seats - found its instruction book too although it's talking about valves I cant see so not much wiser!

Investigated flushing the toilet.

Learnt that you cant leave anything on the side because when you go round a corner it will fly off and hit the floor!

And had great fun in Sainsbury's buying all sorts of goodies to go in it.

 

[perfect11s]

came back pumped the brake pedal until air guages were zero - figure that way is a lot easier!

NO, NO and no!!! this is a bad idea wont get water out but the exact opposite
and will give your brake system a work out and stress the components and worse if there is any amount of water pressent there is a good chance it will be forced into the brake system which may cause component failure!!!! , and it will take an age of running the engine wasteing fuel to build up the air again..... The moisture gets into the system with the air it then condenses in the tanks and sits fairly harmlessly on the bottom, the idea is to drain it out so it cannot damage the system or worse freeze up and cause the brakes to stick or otherwise fail....

 

[Fourlegsgood]

Took it for a drive and when I came back pumped the brake pedal until air guages were zero - figure that way is a lot easier!

I am afraid you seem to have got hold of completely the wrong end of the stick here. DO NOT DO THIS. Leave the air in the brakes.

You were being advised to drain the water out of all the living bits for the winter to prevent freezing. I agree with others that it is probably easier just to do without all the fancy bits in the winter and use bottled water. To be honest I dont know what you plan to do with the box in the winter but I use mine every week as well and I tend to just put the horses on, go there, do whatever, then come back.

By the way, I think you mentioned that you have air heating in the living. This is probably Eberspacher or similar. Its worth having a go with that to make sure it works and you know how to use it. Eberspacher systems will only work (ie switch on) if the battery voltage is above a certain level so that is one very good reason to keep the leisure battery fully charged. I leave it on charge for a full day before I use my box.

 

[popsdosh]

echo two posts above you achieve nothing by emptying the air from the brakes and it will in the long run have a detrimental affect.The idea is you use the pressure in the system to momentarily push out any water and oil in the tanks.If nothing comes out stop it.
Kerilli used to be the wisdom to do this due to condensation however nowadays with efficient water seperators not an issue and your less likely to have a tank full nicked. Just a very small correction diesel is less dense than water so any water is always in the bottom of the tank.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

One important thing

in the winter even if you use it all the time, if you know there is going to be ice and frost drain the tanks and pipes of water or they will crack in the weather

 

[Fourlegsgood]

Kerilli used to be the wisdom to do this due to condensation however nowadays with efficient water seperators not an issue and your less likely to have a tank full nicked. Just a very small correction diesel is less dense than water so any water is always in the bottom of the tank.

Most tanks are plastic these days so corrosion not an issue. And as per above, any water in the diesel will be taken out by the separator. One issue with keeping a full tank of fuel is having it stolen!! A friend has had this twice.

 

[luce1]

I would leave the air brakes a lone and speak to a mechanic... do you know of any local lorry mechanics?? I have 3 nearby and anything that confuses me I will always call one of them and they will always come and have a look/help out... I learned the hard way that my lorry doesnt like having under half a tank of diesel!! lol!! wouldnt start and had to get mechanic to bleed alllll the pipes to get the bloody thing started again!!

 

[humblepie]

There is a Dick Francis novel where whether the lorry diesel tank was filled in the morning or evening was quite a key issue. Can't remember which way round now!

I have never done anything with the air brakes other than wait for the pressure to come up before driving off. If lorry is used regularly the pressue stays up but during the winter it does tend to have periods of not being driven, though ideally they should have a regular run.

 

[Mike007]

Have a professional lorry mechanic give it a check over,every 4 months and forget all about draining air tanks ,you simply wont need to. If you have those pretty chrome wheel trims w(hub caps, take them off, jump up and down on them and throw them away. There is a good reason why vosa wont test a lorry with them fitted. You need to check wheel nuts DAILY