Nels
Well-Known Member
....anyone here got a 3.5t Ford Transit lorry conversion? Good/bad points much appreciated please
On the subject of 3.5 tonne horse boxes...
- Thread starter Nels
- Start date
*hic*
village idiot :D
I have but I've retired her!
Mine was a 1979 2.0l petrol long wheelbase twin wheel. She had a wooden box and that combined with the high centre of gravity made her roll horribly which scared me as the driver. Horses travelled well in her though. Due to the engine she was not very economical or powerful but she trundled round the Fens quite happily with me for a couple of years.
Unless you have a very old one like mine parts should be easy to get hold of and they should be fairly bullet-proof. I blew mine up but that was because I was told the cambelt had been replaced - it hadn't, expensive mistake.
I have been idly considering getting her back on the road for my daughter to drive once she has passed her test.
Mine was a 1979 2.0l petrol long wheelbase twin wheel. She had a wooden box and that combined with the high centre of gravity made her roll horribly which scared me as the driver. Horses travelled well in her though. Due to the engine she was not very economical or powerful but she trundled round the Fens quite happily with me for a couple of years.
Unless you have a very old one like mine parts should be easy to get hold of and they should be fairly bullet-proof. I blew mine up but that was because I was told the cambelt had been replaced - it hadn't, expensive mistake.
I have been idly considering getting her back on the road for my daughter to drive once she has passed her test.
Nels
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply - sounds like she did the job for you!
I am currently relying on other people for lifts to shows and due to having limited funds and not being able to drive over 3.5t on my licence I am looking at the options available to me.... I was going to take the trailer test but then saw a couple of adverts for cheaper 3.5t lorries (F/G/L registration) which wouldn't require me to take any test. Just didn't know anyone with a Ford Transit to get advice on if they are worth the money.... might go and have a look at one and see what they are like to drive!
I am currently relying on other people for lifts to shows and due to having limited funds and not being able to drive over 3.5t on my licence I am looking at the options available to me.... I was going to take the trailer test but then saw a couple of adverts for cheaper 3.5t lorries (F/G/L registration) which wouldn't require me to take any test. Just didn't know anyone with a Ford Transit to get advice on if they are worth the money.... might go and have a look at one and see what they are like to drive!
LifeofRiley
Well-Known Member
I have a Ford transit and I like it!!! It does roll a little bit when you go round bends a little too fast, but for what it is it's pretty gutsy and does it's job! It's fairly cheap to run too
*hic*
village idiot :D
If I were buying another one I'd be going for a 2.5 diesel engine. Make sure it's got twin wheels at the back. If you can get one with an aluminium body then so much the better. You can get some very good value ones because they are not fashionable compared to the Renault Master etc conversions. Watch out if you are tempted to carry more than one horse that you don't go over the weight limit and remember that the MOT test does NOT cover whether the box is safe for a horse to travel in.
Good luck, I was SO pleased with mine when I got her!
Good luck, I was SO pleased with mine when I got her!
*hic*
village idiot :D
Even the sheep liked mine!
OWLIE185
Well-Known Member
If you go for a Ford Transit make sure that the suspension is upgraded so that it does not roll as much round corners or in the wind.
You are best off with a Renault Master built on a Cab Pan Chassis. That is the container having been built from new on the basic cab and chassis (without the container on the back). The ones that are made from the vans where the van section has been cut away or welded are not as good.
You are best off with a Renault Master built on a Cab Pan Chassis. That is the container having been built from new on the basic cab and chassis (without the container on the back). The ones that are made from the vans where the van section has been cut away or welded are not as good.
KatB
Well-Known Member
Ive got a LDV with a 2.5l turbo diesel engine. It is pretty gutsy on the flat, struggles up hills sometimes but nothing major. It travels my 16.2hh gelding fine, but i am very careful around corners as dont want to risk body rolling. My horse travels very well in it, as do 2 others I have tried in it. Mine weights 3.15 ton with a big horse, 2 saddles, a person rugs, water and half a tank of diesel, so loads of weight to play with, but only enough for one big horse or two upto about 15.1hh really.