LPG conversions and tax on a doublecab...

[ecrozier]

Hi all
Getting closer to the sad sale of my horsebox in the autumn

due to a lack of horses - one 14.3 arab in a 7.5t lorry doesn't make financial sense apparently (according to OH anyway!)!!
Anyway, def going to change it for a doublecab and hopefully an equitrek, but was just wondering if anyone could give me any info on LPG conversions. How much does it cost to have done? Can a diesel engine be converted? Does it affect performance? How much money do you save?
Also, I believe road tax in reduced....but I don't know what it is normally and what it gets reduced to? I am thinking most likely of getting a 2.5 diesel either Mitsi L200 or Nissan Navara.
Any info/opinions much appreciated!

 

[kit279]

Ok, first of all - good for you thinking about LPG! I'm a definite convert!

You can only convert a petrol engine, not a diesel to LPG. It would cost you about 1200-1500 pounds to convert in the UK and you should get a certificate of conversion which allows you to save 10% on your road tax (and also exempts you from the London congestion charge). LPG is about half the price of petrol and the tax on it is fixed until 2010 so the price is tied directly to petrol (i.e. it is always half the price of petrol until 2010). It is about 15% less efficient than petrol but this is more than offset by the money you save by it being so cheap. My OH had his car converted to LPG and he recouped the inital outlay within 18 months. I fill my 40 litre tank for £20-25 and it lasts me a week with a 4 litre engine towing two 16 hand horses plus trailer 2-3 per week.

If I were you, I would be looking to buy a ready converted towing car - don't get one that was registered after 2001 as the road tax is due to go up. I have a 14 year old Jeep Cherokee and it runs perfectly and is just as efficient as the new models. Have a look in Autotrader and also on Ebay for LPG conversions. I paid £1900 for mine (but I knew what I was looking for).

Bear in mind that the Equitreks are quite heavy so your fuel consumption will be higher than if you use a smaller lighter trailer and you may need an engine bigger than 2.5 which will also up your fuel costs. You need to think about where you're going to refuel as not all petrol stations carry LPG. Just google LPG maps and you get a big long list and a map of them, plus you can download that info onto sat nav so you always know where your nearest one is.

 

[ecrozier]

Hmm, Ok thats interesting. I've done my research re the equitreks and weights etc, and the model I would like has a MAM of 2500, so fine for a 2.5 diesel, but possibly not for a 2.5 petrol, so it is going to massively limit my choice of vehicle isn't it?
I will have a look at the options though, thanks!

 

[miketdt]

Whilst I am a fan of LPG conversions , LPG for towing horses worry me . Last year after the Devon County Show 2 young ladies towing their horses up over Halden Hill A38 with Range Rover with LPG conversion caught fire, the vehicle became an inferno in minutes. The 2 ladies couldn't un-hitch trailer, 2 builders passing bravely unhitched the trailer but could put the trailer brake on and trailer ran down the hill a short distance before stopping. Horses were O.K but vehicle burnt right out only gas tank remaining. This is what worries me about LPG with towing horses is the speed of which vehicle becomes an inferno.