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sw123

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Am in the process of buying a lorry - 7.5 tonne with living type thing.

Currently got two options...

Seen 1 a 3 horse PRB S reg Iveco with living which is stick sided (not ideal but thats purely for cosmetic reasons.). It is relatively unused and apart from the condition of the paintwork everything inside is pretty much as new just tired due to not being used rather than over use. It has a few things that I would want doing - mains hook up adding, central heating but i think at the right price (currently negotiating) a good buy....

Option 2

To have a lorry built, parents will buy the chassis through their company and then I will pay for the build. Now for a similar price to the above lorry I could have it built so the horse area is finished, its all done tack lockers/sprayed etc but living unfitted.

That would mean having the living done at a later date when i've saved some more money!!!

Do need to look into the cost of chassis's but just can't decide whether its better to get lorry number 1 which is made by a good "name" and seems to be a really genuine ideal first lorry which needs a few things doing and S reg not bad either.

OR will it be better to get the new one built - is it more hassle/time and in the end expense as obivously won't be able to use the living properly until its fitted but at least it is exactly what I want. Obviously if was having one built would want a newer than the S reg chassis as silly to get exactly what you want on an older chassis?

Hmmm any thoughts? And also any comments on PRB or recommendations of good lorry builders, current people i've been in touch with are EA Horseboxes
 
Personally I would go for number 1 first, save up some money then look in to option 2 at a later date. I know someone else that has done this and there new lorry is now all singing and dancing but will be with them for about 15 years
 
Buying a second hand horsebox that has not done much can create issues of it's own as commercial vehicles need to be run once a week at least so you will need to get it mechanically serviced and then sort out the container.

Buying a used commercial vehicle chassis cab can be a nightmare if you are not in the trade as you have to remove the container (unless you are going to do a conversion on the existing body - but that creates problems). You then need to service the whole vehicle and then paint the chassis. Then off you go with designing and building your own container. This all takes time..........

You are better off going to a reputable horse box company - give them a precise specification and getting them to buy in the chassis cab, remove the container service the chassis cab and build, fit out and spary the container for you.
 
We went to look at PRB last year. Very impressed.
Now looking for a chassis so we can have one built by them
smile.gif
 
personally i would look at the second option - as the first lorry is more than likely at euro 2 emissions and as of jan 2007 you need to be at minimum of euro 3 - the vehicle will fail MOT if still at euro 2 - so this work will have to be done - and is quite expensive- to be honest i would buy the newest chasssis that you can afford and have something built - living etc can always be added at a leater date as and when funds become available, and also when you come to sel the vehicle it will be more desirable. thats our experience as we build lorries
 
The first one has hardly been used for horses but has done trips without them (to collect feed and things!!). But yes not ideal regarding lack of use it has been tested each year and for this test has had all new brakes put in which is good.

Can get a commercial vehicle without too much problem as parents "in the trade" there but yes would definitely only get professionals to do any of the build. Just can't work out which is the best option. I do think that perhaps the 2nd hand one is a good idea for a few years then move on from there....

My prob is i've only ever used/worked in beautiful £50k + lorries so finding the 2nd hand one that is as nice as those for a lot less money doesn't happen!! Compromise is the word that comes to mind!!
 
I've seen a lorry by EA and it was nicely made - was a transporters box so no living. I think it would cost you about £2k to fit the living out. We spent £1k purely on an oven, fridge, sink and shower unit.

It depends how long you want to wait for your lorry to be finished.
 
Pathels choice - i think i spoke to you yesterday regarding resprays!!!

Ohhhh what to do although maybe I should speak to you again and see what your new build prices are!

One of the people I groom for rides for PRB and i've always been very impressed with the various lorries which we've had from them while they've serviced/fixed his. Always good to be friends with the person who is maintaining it!
 
There's a family firm at the end of our road that built our lorry. They use ex John Lewis chassis so they come with FSH etc. Then you can have exactly what you want in it. We've got ours partitioned for 3 & have only light day living ie a large cupboard where you could put a toilet, a bench & a couple of kitchen cupboards.

I think the chassis was about £6k for a V reg, & the whole thing inc being sprayed & inc the chassis was around £17k. Can send you photos if interested. The build took just under a month & they also do servicing / will take for MOT etc. We're on the Beds/Cambs/Herts border.
 
I'd go for obtion 2. you see obtion 1 may look good but when you get it home and have a though look, underneath it may not be as good. If you build your own, it will be NEW! and last you longer. you can have it fitted how you want it too... and a newer more econimical lorry..
 
Have a look at www.gazeleyhorseboxrepairs.co.uk

They advertise in HH-well worth a look! MD has 35 years working at the worlds most renowned horsebox builder and has set up himself!

So a top quality box and a very similar look with all the safety aspects! Give them a look!
 
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