Lindy Diamond
New User
Hi, I'm thinking of changing my HB511 to a small lorry. Needs to carry to 16hh horses. Any advice on which one? I don't need a 7.5t, so maybe 3.5 or 4??
Small lorry versus trailer
- Thread starter Lindy Diamond
- Start date
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
you are highly unlikely to get the payload on a 3.5t, though you may do on a 4.5t if it's a lightweight build.
HeyMich
Well-Known Member
As MP says, you'll not get the payload for 2 x 16hh horses in a 3.5t. Most only have 1.0-1.2t maximum, which doesn't leave much after 1 x 16hh horse, driver, diesel, tack, water etc. There are some 4.5t - 6.5t lorries around, but they are few and far between, and you'll need confirmation of available payload or will have to take it to a weighbridge.
I think for 2 x 16hh horses you'll need to stick with the HB511 or invest in a 7.5t lorry.
I think for 2 x 16hh horses you'll need to stick with the HB511 or invest in a 7.5t lorry.
HufflyPuffly
Well-Known Member
To be fair you don't always get much more payload (I've seen plenty with only around 1.5t when I've researched) in a 7.5t if it has living fitted out too. Agree with the above though 3.5t it would be so tight on payload I'm not sure it's feasible.
We have a 15.2hh and 15.3hh and can 'just' carry them both on limited fuel in the tank, only the driver and limited tack carried (no extra water etc), though I do know that when fit both are or just under 500kg (the 15.3hh weighs less go figure). It's what's driven my decision to do my trailer test and get a trailer, as for me it didn't make financial sense to swap the little box for a bigger box and need to take my 7.5t/HGV test (trailer test is about half the cost), but I already have a car that can tow...
If I could afford another box I'd get a 6.5-7t one, they tend to have masses of payload to play with!
gallopingby
Well-Known Member
I have a 3.9 ie 3.5 upgraded with 1.4 capacity. Previously l had a 6.5 which had 2.2 but was much heavier to drive. Some 3.5 can be upgraded to either 3.9 or 4.5 depending on the chassis.
Lindy Diamond
New User
Lindy Diamond
New User
I've no idea of the cost of running a lorry (say the 4 tonne). I've a 2 litre jeep which is sore on fuel to tow. Not sure of tax, fuel costs, servicing, etc for the year. At the minute trying to work out pros and cons.
For anyone that has a small lorry, do you prefer the tack inside (in the groom's area) or outside?
For anyone that has a small lorry, do you prefer the tack inside (in the groom's area) or outside?
gallopingby
Well-Known Member
Yes it takes 2 one is 550 and the other a bit less. It wasn’t completely empty when l had it weighed, didn’t empty the water or tack Etc beforehand so weight is just for people and horses. I suppose it depends how heavy they are, if 600 each you may be better with a 4.5. Anything over 3.5 has to be plated and therefore servicing is a little more complicated these days. Mines great to drive. I have a tack locker which goes into the living at the back and another smaller one which would have held a water carrier if they hadn’t put water underneath. Both lockers are outside.
Midlifecrisis
Well-Known Member
I am in the process of considering to do the same OP. Payload is the crucial element...the first 7.5t I viewed today ended up only having 1.3 t payload...too little for my 2 horses, fuel, tack and people.
Tomorrow I am viewing one with almost 2t payload...an older lorry but fitted out more “lightly”. Once payload OK I can look for leisure batteries/isolator/tack storage in and out/stalling/etc etc..I’m learning a whole new subject.
Tomorrow I am viewing one with almost 2t payload...an older lorry but fitted out more “lightly”. Once payload OK I can look for leisure batteries/isolator/tack storage in and out/stalling/etc etc..I’m learning a whole new subject.