small horsebox or trailer whats best

[debsflo]

cant decide whether to stick with 4x4 and trailer or buy a 3.5 2 horsebox. plusses for me are already have towcar and trailer but new horse prefers travelling in box. if got horsebox would have to pay small amount to park somewhere else as oh not happy for it to be parked on drive. thoughts for and against please as i have to make a decision very soon renewing work car.daughter in pony club so plan regular use

 

[Its_A_Rollover]

After having a horse box and having to maintain it and a car with little guarantee that it will start on a show day I am seriously considering changing to 4X4 and trailer when - plus you dont need to tax and pay for diesal for 2 vehicles

 

[Cliqmo]

Depends on the size of your horses TBH. My friend had a ford transit with Ifor Williams box on the back and the space was the equivalent of a 510 trailer (more space up front as it didn't taper like the trailer does) However the ramp was REALLY steep and the front ramp really quite narrow (same as the trailer but seems narrower because it was steeper) and with anything heavy on board (Mums 16.3hh shire x tb) or two 14.2hhs it seemed to handle/corner quite badly. Personally I would rather use the trailer as it just seems safer

 

[debsflo]

already paying for 2 as have an old 4x4 just for towing and work car so that wouldnt be a problem.

 

[debsflo]

hi ali m yes agree dont like the ifor williams either for same reason.seen a ford transit onhorsedeals cant post the link cos inm useless

 

[eggs]

Depends on the size of your horse and whether you are likely to be transporting two horses regularly. The small 3.5 ton lorries do not have a big payload and VOSA are get quite hot on checking (my friend was recently taken to a weighbridge by VOSA).

If you are worried by the lorry not starting it is a good idea to get an isolator switch put onto the battery. Never had a problem since I had one put on.

 

[debsflo]

horse is 15hh and only likely to travel one mostly

 

[marmalade76]

Modern boxes like the Equitrek have a lower centre of gravity and are probably more stable than the sort where the box sits on top of the chassis, like the Ifor Williams containers. Having had one of these, I would agree that they are not good for big horses or those that don't travel well.

 

[Cliqmo]

Do you have "Grandfather rights" on your license? I.e do you have Cat C, D etc? If so you are probably better off getting something a bit larger as (A) it will be cheaper as the little lorries are really trendy and so frankly a bit of a rip off and (B) the horses will have a better ride

Ooh I like this one!! http://www.horsemart.co.uk/advert/3_horse_living_lincolnshire/24865

 

[Gucci_b]

Horse box all the way, I hated pulling a trailer.... but thats just me

 

[ladyt25]

I would always opt for a box as do not like trailers at all and know too many people who have had nasty accidents (my sister being one).

If only 15hh horses then a 3.5T should be ok although, as said, because of the demand for them due to the newer licence regulations it may actually be cheaper to look for a 5T to 7.5T if your licence allows. There are a fair few in that sort of size and they are generally cheaper than the popular 3.5T plus likely to have a higher payload.

Alternatively you can have our old 7.5T we are currently selling!!!

 

[Tnavas]

I love my little truck - it is so much easier and safer to drive than a car and trailer. The horses travel facing backwards which they love and the accomodation means I can keep warm on cold days, make a cuppa and generally be comfortable. It's also far cheaper to run than a 4 x 4.