Renault Dodge Hosebox 5ton

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Shipley

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Hi

Does anyone have one? I am looknig at buyung one and wondered what they were like to drive? Is there an issue getting parts? Any good bad points would be much appriciated

Thanks in advance
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I tried one a month ago and it was the most horrible thing I had driven in a long time. Consequently I did not buy it. The horse box on the back was perfect but I could not have put up with driving it. My husband says the engines are bullet proof, but the cabs rust badly.
 
It had a horrible gearbox, you basically moved the gear stick and hoped to find a gear - any gear. It had PAS which was fine. When you touched the brake nothing much happened until you pressed more firmly and then eventually they reacted and the lorry sloped off to the left. I accept it was an old vehicle, but the gearbox was really awful. You had to really stretch to reach the stick too - and I am 5'11'' !

There are several models around, maybe the one you are trying will be better, it is always worth going for a look.
 
I have a really old one and it is brilliant. Always starts no matter how long its been left even when its really cold (although do put a heater in front of the engine for 1/2 hour before trying on freezing hunting mornings!). I is great to drive considering how old it is and the steering is fine as long as the power steering is working! Only problem is parts. All the parts have to be reconditioned and so if one part keeps going wrong you are in a bit of trouble. I love mine because it gives the horses a great ride, the back is really well built and solid, but I probably wouldn't go out and buy it now! I am just driving it until it dies!
 
I used to have one and it was OK to drive for an old box. I think the main problem is that they stopped doing the Dodge a while ago (at least that is what I was told) and any lorries you find will be really ancient.
 
I have a c reg one, its fine to drive, engine is sound as a pound but cabs do rust - fine if you have a friend/rely or OH who can weld. I havent driven a new lorry so cant compare. I had to have my master cylinder reconditioned. Engine part I understand can be substitued by tractor parts - I cant remember which type.

They are a love or hate thing I think, I believe there is also a clique on here for dodges - keep meaning to ask if I can join, I do love my dodge
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I've had one for three years and its brilliant to drive and I love it dearly. The man who maintains it for me says it runs like a dream and drives really well. He seems to get parts easily when they are needed. Great little lorries in my opinion.
 
We love our Dodge. It always starts at first attempt and gives the horses a very stable and comfortable ride. I am only 5'3" and I can reach the gears no problem - getting in the cab is a climb though! My friend is 5'8 and finds it easy to drive too.

The previous owner took it to Germany without worrying. There are no weight issues or worries either and it is always admired wherever we go. BIL is in the army and he really rates them as it has a Perkins engine and is based on the old US army trucks. Our horseboxrepairman says he'd recommend it to anyone as it gives the horses a far better ride than some of the more flimsy modern trucks.

Yes the gear box takes a bit if getting used to as reverse is where first gear is and first gear is where second gear is, but once you get used to it it is a doddle.

Can I join the clique too??
 
My Dodge just died. My silly horse went lame for 2 years which meant the lorry sat on the farm and slowly rusted away. It was perfect, I totally loved it, but the bit that holds the engine in place is now too rusty and VOSA told me to run away.

You can replace parts with Massey Fergusson parts - especially the starter motor
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Handily though if it does go you can bash it from inside the cab, no inconvient climbing under the engine.
 
I've got a V reg Dodge 50.
Love it, the brakes are great, selecting gears is easy, the steering is heavy, but I'm getting power steering put in. Massey Ferguson parts for the engine and the engines are so basic that there's not a lot can go wrong. My mechanic loves it.
I Love it.

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Forgot to say, mines a 5 1/2 ton lorry with no living, just room for the horses, although after what JM07 said I'll get it weighed just to make sure.
Dodges also have their own forum with really knowledgeable people, also they have their own Face book page.
 
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