Renault Dodge Horseboxes (5/6 tonne) - ADVICE

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lucille

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looking into buying a lorry
Arround the 5/6 tonne mark, and have found a few that suit my specifications, on Renault Dodge 50's
My budget is limited, so im looking at older lorries, but still want something safe and reliable,

Just wondering if anyone knew anything of these good or bad, obviously every lorry is individual, but in terms of ,, any common problems or faults, or likewise anything you perticularly like about yours.

Also how important is power steering in these, as iv seen , one with , one without, the one without is the nicer lorry, and not as far for us to travel to view and the guy selling it insists its still light on the steering, but I very much doubt he would tell me differant, as he is wanting to sell it of course

Any info/ opinions apprechiated (sp) ? xx
 
I've got one of these (actually selling it at the moment!)

I don't know if not having the power steering is that bad of a disadvantage TBH, we've never had a problem with it being too heavy.

Of course it's slightly harder when you're manoeuvring at low speeds but it's not like you try to do a 3 point turn in a horsebox that often!!
 
I had one about 10 years ago, without power steering. I could manage but occasionally had to grasp the steering wheel with both hands to get it to move so I would strongly suggest you test drive it before you decide. I have a feeling they stopped making them quite a while ago so any models still out there are likely to be very old so take an experienced mechanic with you because some of the repair bills required to get these lorries road worthy make a mockery of the budget selling price.
 
Hi, ive got an "H" reg 6.5 tonne which ive owned for about 3 years now. Always been totally reliable. The mechanics are simple, so theres not too much to go wrong. Mine is a 2 horse forward facing with a kitchenette and luton, which ive stayed in for a few days at a time. Its easy to drive and economical ... about 30 mpg. It only goes about 55mph flat out though, but thats fine ... I get there .. eventually! The only parts ive had to get are a couple of shock absorbers ... the spare parts are quite rare now, but there is a dodge 55 website which lists stockists. Mine has power steering. Having had a car with no power steering, I would imagine a lorry would be really heavy to manouvre without it. I havent a clue how to post piccys, im sorry, but if you would like some, please pm me and i'll email to you.
 
I've one, a rare old antique A reg. Top speed 55mph downhill with a wind behind you - LOL

Engine wise, simple as simple, they on and on like Ariston and the only reason they normally die is because the cabs fall apart..........parts wise yes it can be expensive as nobody makes them anymore but in 5yrs i haven't had any problems, just find the right mechanic, yes it can seem expensive at MOT time but when you divide it mthly, it still works out cheaper than hiring a lorry or a running a 4x4 365 days of the yr.

Common costly problems are king pins, rust round the cab (mine had whole new floor welded in last yr) and brake discs/pipes.

Mine hasn't power steering and i'm 5ft nothing and not large, manage just fine although yes two hands to hoik it round a tight spot parking sometimes but once moving it's not a problem at all.

They aren't brilliant cold starters but squirt a bit of 'easy start' up the inlet and starts ok, also handy to have a battery isolater switch fitted if it hasn't one already.

Mine creaks, squeals, grunts, smokes a bit when she wakes up first thing and looks like a travelling dustpan from the outside but the inside is my private palace with no expense spared for mine and the ponies comfort!
 
Not sure why you say that alligator40, i've had 3 different mechanics/garages say the same thing about Dodge's, they are well built, safe, reliable, easy to work on and cheap to run and do go on for yrs so not sure what the problem is?
 
oh i LOVED my little Renault Dodge. she was called Katie and utterly brilliant. Never ever had any problems with her and loved her so much i sold her to the person that promised to keep intouch, not the one that offered the most. I'm still in touch with her new owner and she sends me photos and updates. She's never gone wrong or had a single problem.

mine was K reg (1993?) and i never had any problem with the steering. mine didn't have power steering, and i'm a wimp! :D

oh, and mine was also uprated to a 7.5 tonne from 5tonne, so better suspension and brakes and waaaay more payload.

x
 
maletto said:
I've got one of these (actually selling it at the moment!)

I don't know if not having the power steering is that bad of a disadvantage TBH, we've never had a problem with it being too heavy.

Of course it's slightly harder when you're manoeuvring at low speeds but it's not like you try to do a 3 point turn in a horsebox that often!!
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Me too: the only reason I'm selling mine is because I have developed chronic arthritis in my left knee and am having to go automatic so selling the lorry to have a trailer I can tow with an automatic car.

I agree with Maletto - mine is an 1987 on an E plate and doesn't have power steering. However I must say the ramp is the easiest I have ever dealt with - it only takes one person and can be done single handed.

Mine is plated as 6.6 tons, at present we only use it to travel our 17.1 WB, it gives her space and plenty of headroom, but is stalled for two horse/3 small pony (sideways/herringbone)

I will be really sad to see ours go, it has been a good reliable runner and our mechanic always says they are good motors.
 
Boysey

"Mine creaks, squeals, grunts, smokes a bit when she wakes up first thing and looks like a travelling dustpan from the outside"

Are you sure we aren't driving the same lorry??? :) :)
 
On a long journey with mine you are guaranteed to be hoarse because of shouting at each other over the noise of the engine! .. on a plus note though, mine has over 2 tonne in payload, which is great for 2 chunky cobs. Like I said, mine has also been totally reliable.
 
I've got one and I love it to bits!!

Great payload, even with fitted living, and travels two chunky horses without any problems. The horse area is fitted to travel 2 herringbone and all the horses that have been it travel very well. It takes a 17 hand horse easily with head room to spare plus my big cob. The turning circle is amazing and it is very easy to drive and park - it's total length is less that some of the very expensive 3.5tonne lorries that we have up at the yard. I've never found the steering to be heavy and I am a 5ft 2 midget.

We've never had an issue with reliablity and it is very solid - but it is a professional conversion. The previous owner used to compete in Europe so it has even been on the autobahns! She had no issue with taking it overseas.

Go look and test drive......good luck
 
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