Oooh...tips please for driving lorry

J

jumpthemoon

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I think I've just turned sheet white! I've just booked in to go to a jumping clinic at my old yard, which means I'll have to take horsey in the lorry down the motorway to get there! I haven't taken him out in it yet - I've driven it on it's own, and he's stood in it etc, but I haven't moved it!

I'm now a little nervous to say the least! Any tips for driving? Its a 4.5t so only small, and I've driven it with .5t of static weight (floor tiles!) so I've tried it with weight in, but I don't know what to expect with live weight. Any tips appreciated!!!
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take it nice and easy and relax
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my top tip for the motorway is to keep an eye on when the BIG lorries overtake you as you will get pulled over slightly by their drag. Don't worry though you will easily get used to it and compensate accordingly. I'm sure there will be lots of other advice like take it easy round corners and when braking etc from far more experienced people than me though
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I've been on the motorway in it a couple of times and I noticed the drag from the big lorries! I don't know why I'm so worried about it really - I suppose I don't want to put the horse off travelling!
 
I think the most important thing to do it to extend your view..... look ahead alot further & that will help you to start slowing down & positioning yourself earlier & steadier, thus giving your horse a more comfortable ride. Try & drive, brake & steer smoothly, no jolts & jars. If your horse has a pleasurable experience he will arrive at the venue less stressed & will probably load alot easier for the way back. Good Luck
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Just remember you have extra length there when you are over taking anything so you need to use your mirrors more to give over taken vehicles like really slow moving lorries enough clearance. To be fair, most decent lorry drivers will flash you when it is safe for you to move over. Also, when you are driving along normal roads, don't forget the extra length with things like over taking push bikes. You have mirrors - use them! Constantly! I drive 7 1/2 tonnes and look into my mirrors every few seconds as you need to be aware of what non-horsey people are doing behind you eg over taking you in unsuitable and dangerous places.

Don't worry, you will soon get used to it. With regards to travelling horsey safely, just make sure you start to break much earlier than you think you need to, also swing corners wider than you would in the car to avoid taking curbs/trees out. Check the height of your vehicle so you know you are safe to go under low bridges. In a 4 1/2 tonne you should be ok but it is better to be safe than sorry!
 
I feel your fear! I'm quite happy driving the lorry when it's empty, but put a horse in there and I get really nervous!

My main tip is to avoid sudden braking, which sends the horse crashing in the partition. Slow down well in advance of junctions and always assume that the pedestrian/car/dog/cat or whatever WILL jump in front of you and be prepared for it!
 
Take it out for another drive unladen, but imagine the horse is on board.
Or if you are stil nervous, some HGV training centres run sessions for horsebox owners who may have passed test pre 1997, so not needed to do C test,- so not had formal training
One near us does Saturday lessons for horsebox owners, in your own lorry.

How long ago did yo do your test, or are you pre- 1997 licence?
 
Oooh thanks everyone! Panda2007 - I don't think I'll be overtaking much, but I'll bear that in mind - thanks!
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I think I'm going to be worrying about it all weekend now! I'm sure it will be fine - I'll only go slowly and remember I'm in a bigger vehicle, take corners carefully etc. I'll watch out for those pesky pedestrians/dogs/cats as well!
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Use your gears to brake rather than your brakes!
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You will slow down more smoothly and safely. Enjoy it, it's great fun!
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Oh, and I have a sticky label on the dash with the lorry's height, length and width written on it (in feet and metres) so I know where I will or will not fit when I get to a signpost.
 
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Oh, and I have a sticky label on the dash with the lorry's height, length and width written on it (in feet and metres) so I know where I will or will not fit when I get to a signpost.

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That's a brill idea!
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My dad drives either a lorry or tows a trailer - lucky me!! He says he drives like he has a bucket of water/champagne on the bonnet and can't spill a drop. Ponies always travel VERY well for him, and noone ever complains about his driving.
 
I bought my lorry nearly 2 years ago and its a 7.5 T - takes up to 4 horses..... moved onto this from driving my car and trailer....

Little sis taught me to use gears to slow down, allow your self plenty of time at roundabouts, traffic lights to slow down and take corners wide and slowly and use your mirrors at all times....

Motorway driving isnt too bad - horses prefer it to driving in town as its generally calm and consistent..... big lorrys will cause an air draft but you need to be prepared for it but dont worry its all experience.....

I personally take my time and its amazing how non horsey car drivers are so impatient!! Its not them travelling in the back so I dont care as long as my horse gets there in one piece and unstressed.....
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