Refurb or replace? 3.5 ton box body.

[Wizpop]

Hi, Just looking for some advice or people’s experiences. I’ve got an Eqitrec 3.5 ton wagon. It has only done about 20,000 miles as has had little use. I didn’t buy it new, but the box itself is really needing some refurbishment and repair now. The windows are difficult to open as they get moss growing between the sliding panels in spite of me trying to keep it away, there are also leaks from the windows themselves, and now the ramp has gone through- it also needs welding as it drops on one side. So, my thoughts are, either have the box refurbished and repaired or buy a new box to go the existing chassis. The box doesn’t need to be Equitrec as long as it’s a good make.
I’m in the North of England so would be looking to repair/ refurb or replace within the northern area.
So, suggestions or experiences folks! TIA

 

[Cragrat]

My concern would be the condition of the chassis. You said its only done 20k, but don't say how old it is? Has a mechanic checked it over and given his opinion of its posisble life span?

 

[Boulty]

Where in the North are you? Can recommend PJ Equine Services near Otley, Leeds who does good quality repairs at a reasonable price. He’s sorted several leaky windows for me, put new vents in, created new windows & replaced my floor at various times as well as other random bits n bobs. I think he does welding but will admit I’ve not yet had cause to ask him about that

 

[Lucky Snowball]

If the engine is reliable I would refurbish the box. Ramp repair is not a big job. Good clean, new curtains, carpet etc.

 

[SEL]

Mine was mechanically sound so I had it refurbished - cheaper than selling and buying another. Plus now I know it's sound.

 

[Mrs G]

A friend of mine did the same as SEL. Her box was in good, reliable mechanical condition so she had it re-furbished inside and re-painted outside and it came back looking like new but for at least half the price of buying another and without the hassle of going horse box-shopping.

 

[MissTyc]

There are also different levels of refurb - worth taking it to a horsebox builder/repairer for a chat.

"Back in the day" I bought a 3.5t under £10,000 because it was mechanically sound and known verified history. I assumed the rest of my purchase budget would then go on the refurb, but in the end it was refurbed for about £3,000 as turned out to be solid and safe, so just needed new windows and ramp, locks, fittings, interior design. I didn't have it sprayed as got caught up in the budget adventure of it all, but it was a wonderful box for me for 6 years ... That was 10 years ago and I just saw it come up for sale for £10,000 lol. Wonder if it's still as sound, 16 years on ...

 

[Wizpop]

Thanks for the information SEL, Mrs G and MissTyc.

Where in the North are you? Can recommend PJ Equine Services near Otley, Leeds who does good quality repairs at a reasonable price. He’s sorted several leaky windows for me, put new vents in, created new windows & replaced my floor at various times as well as other random bits n bobs. I think he does welding but will admit I’ve not yet had cause to ask him about that

I’m in Cumbria, so Leeds is doable.
So, I know the chassis is sound and it’s good mechanically- been regularly serviced. Refurb is sounding like a good option.

Any other suggestions for places to ask for quotes?

 

[mavandkaz]

Get it properly checked out. If it's leaking around the windows, and the ramp has gone, there is a good chance that the panels have also blown. This happened with my 3.5t (not equitrek, who are known for poor build quality) and all panels had to be replaced. You would never have known just looking at it. In total it cost just over 10k to sort.

 

[VRIN]

Brethertons might be an option for refurb??

 

[Wizpop]

Get it properly checked out. If it's leaking around the windows, and the ramp has gone, there is a good chance that the panels have also blown. This happened with my 3.5t (not equitrek, who are known for poor build quality) and all panels had to be replaced. You would never have known just looking at it. In total it cost just over 10k to sort.

Thanks - I’ll check that as no obvious signs.

 

[Wizpop]

Brethertons might be an option for refurb??

Thanks - I’ll have a look and see where they are.

 

[exracehorse]

I’ve just had a brand new ramp put on my 3.5 box. Vauxhall movanna. As ramp was rotten. Cost me 1.800k. The whole side panel on drivers side will need replacing in next year. He’s estimating another 3/4k for that ! It’s not cheap to refurbish.

 

[SEL]

I’ve just had a brand new ramp put on my 3.5 box. Vauxhall movanna. As ramp was rotten. Cost me 1.800k. The whole side panel on drivers side will need replacing in next year. He’s estimating another 3/4k for that ! It’s not cheap to refurbish.

I've just paid under £4k for ramp, floor and a side panel. I need to get the panel sprayed at some point but you should get more quotes because 3/4k for a side panel is expensive

 

[exracehorse]

I've just paid under £4k for ramp, floor and a side panel. I need to get the panel sprayed at some point but you should get more quotes because 3/4k for a side panel is expensive

 

[maya2008]

I paid about £5k for new ramp (which had to be resprayed to match the box), new horse area floor with WISA board, new panels around the side, reinforcement to the bulkhead, replacement of trim near the ramp. That was in 2021, 3.5T box.