Pros and cons of a downrated Horsebox

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Louby

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Please dont groan, Ive not done a horsebox thread for a while :D
This is a new one on me, seen an ad for a horsebox that seems nice but theyve told me it was downrated from 10t?? to 7.5t.
How does it work, what are the implications and pros and cons?
Ive not asked the unladen weight yet as without being unkind, I dont think she will have a clue. Is a downrated vehicle heavier to start with, so the payload will be much less???
Thanks for any replies.
 
My old one was (a Volvo FL4).

Upside: built to carry WAY more than you ever would. So powertrain, brakes, suspension can easily cope with anything you throw at it.

Downside: tend to be heavier empty, therefore can (legally) carry less payload.

They used to insert rubber blocks on the suspension to limit the travel to physically limit the payload. Nowadays they just change the paperwork, so the onus is on the operator to know their limit. Given that conversions of 7.5T vehicles by certain manufacturers are known to be near the 7.5T limit anyway, I would get any lorry weighed empty (with 1 person & reasonable diesel) anyway.
 
Basicly yes. A down rated vehicle will tend to be heavier and more solid. It will tend to handle better too. All this is infact good,but it must not be too heavy so that there is insuficient payload. Louby, you seem to be getting the hang of what to look for.:D
 
Mike007 said:
Basicly yes. A down rated vehicle will tend to be heavier and more solid. It will tend to handle better too. All this is infact good,but it must not be too heavy so that there is insuficient payload. Louby, you seem to be getting the hang of what to look for.:D
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lol, aaahh but will I ever find it :D:D:D
Horseboxes seem to be drying up :(:(
So you reckon it isnt a bad thing this :confused:

Thanks brokenarrow, I would make sure I knew the unladen weight but I felt I was grilling her that much, I thought Id wait to see more photos before asking that question as Im sure she wont know.
 
Louby said:
lol, aaahh but will I ever find it :D:D:D
Horseboxes seem to be drying up :(:(
So you reckon it isnt a bad thing this :confused:

Thanks brokenarrow, I would make sure I knew the unladen weight but I felt I was grilling her that much, I thought Id wait to see more photos before asking that question as Im sure she wont know.
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yes ditto what others say, mind there is oftern little difference between a 7.5 and 10/12 ton mostly 8 stud wheels, stronger springs, and wider tyres, 14 ton up bigger diameter wheels heavyier axles etc and bigger chassis...
 
perfect11s said:
what a stupid comment... it surely depends on whether it still has a resonable payload as that is the only downside of downrated lorrys...
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stupid? why?

its the same with rated vehicles...check the payload...if i want a 7.5T why bother with a down rate...if i want a 7.5T why bother with a 10T download?

as i said, why is it a stupid statement?
 
Thanks for all your replies
I didnt know it was downrated when I rang, it isnt advertised as that, it looks just like a normal 7.5t size wise which is what I want. I just wanted to know the pros and cons and if it seems suitable when I get the pics then would def ask for unladen weight as I would with a 7.5t.
 
louby still looking for a lorry! got a nice 2001 man for sale. i think your main problem is you want a nice lorry (which we all do!) on a limited budget. plenty nice and good 7.5T for sale that are not rot boxes which dont cost a fortune to run tax insure and maintain, BUT the initial outlay is quite high! a downgraded lorry will have plenty power, and should be strong and robust if well built but you will compromise payload! what you gasin on the swings you lose on the roundabouts! quite a lot of nice 7.5 t in the horse nd hound each week!
 
Yep Im still looking :D:o:o
Everything I see thats 'nice' is miles away. I dont mind travelling a couple of hours but am finding even with raising my budget, when I get there its a wasted journey.
What do you think is a fair budget to get a basic lorry with a strong well made horse area? I thought Id easily get something a bit older this time that looks like a horsebox :o.
 
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