Tell me all you know about 3.5t boxes!!

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mischamoo

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Could anyone provide any recommendations for 3.5t horseboxes, preferred makes/style or builders preferably local to South East/East Anglia area.

If anyone drives one, tell me what you like about it, what you don’t like about etc.

PM me if you’d rather with the info! Am looking to purchase one and the market is so varied would like to hear people’s experiences to narrow down my criterias.

Many thanks!
 
I have had a couple. I bought one from a dealer in east Anglia for quite a lot of money and stupidly didn't check the payload. Turned out it could only carry 800kg. ! I sold that one and last year bought an equitrek sonic from bearts of Stourbridge. I did quite a bit of research first including having a chat with the hire company at Manningtree who have equitreks. It has a payload of 1040kg. I had the rear door made wider so that I could get in and out easily with a saddle. Bearts were great. I absolutely love it. It drives like a car, the horses love it and I can do everything myself. It also has the safety breast bar so if one of the horses did go over it you can drop it down from outside the box. And it does 40 to the gallon! Love it
 
I have got a Truleisure box and we love it. Have had it about 5 years now from new. Have a look at their web site. PM me if you want any more info.
 
ROG said:
For how many horses ?
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I have a 15.2 TB who weighs about 480kg so one that would have a comfortable payload to carry him and another of similar weight and build (when we take his friend out) plus tack etc, is there such horsebox with such a big enough payload on a 3.5t model....?
 
mischamoo said:
I have a 15.2 TB who weighs about 480kg so one that would have a comfortable payload to carry him and another of similar weight and build (when we take his friend out) plus tack etc, is there such horsebox with such a big enough payload on a 3.5t model....?
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Unlikely to happen because the payload (total weight loaded) has to accomodate everything and not just the weight of the horses

Most can only legally have one horse or two very light ponies weight wise

Generally for two horses you will need a LGV C1 vehicle/licence (3.5 to 7.5 tonnes) or a two horse trailer requiring a B+E licence
 
ROG said:
Unlikely to happen because the payload (total weight loaded) has to accomodate everything and not just the weight of the horses

Most can only legally have one horse or two very light ponies weight wise

Generally for two horses you will need a LGV C1 vehicle/licence (3.5 to 7.5 tonnes) or a two horse trailer requiring a B+E licence
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, in that case ignoring the occasional need to travel a friend, recommendations for 3.5t boxes (preferably the coach built boxes and not converted vans) that comfortably and safely carry the above one horse & tack & me, budget up to £15k. I don't particularly want to take a test for a licence to tow or to drive a 7.5t as I passed after 1997 and would rather stick to a smaller box.
 
I assume you prefer the 3.5 tonne horsebox over the lightweight trailer option which is possible for B licence holder if they have the right vehicle and trailer combination ?

THIS SITE might help with 3.5s
 
I looked at many makes and models before finally getting an Equitrek Sonic. Dealt with them direct and they were very helpful and prompt on dates. I only use it for one horse as have a trailer also. I bought it mainly for me to travel around to friends and shows on my own in the week.

I like the fact it has the gates most of the others did not offer this when I was looking. It drives likes a car, all my horses/ponies travel great in it. I know Equitrek have had bad press but I have been really pleased with it. I however would love to upgrade to a Whittaker 3.5 ton, the fittings are much more superior and are finished off to a high standard.
 
ROG said:
I assume you prefer the 3.5 tonne horsebox over the lightweight trailer option which is possible for B licence holder if they have the right vehicle and trailer combination ?

THIS SITE might help with 3.5s
Click to expand...

To be honest I hadn't thought about the lightweight trailer as always thought this wasn't an option with the licence I hold so would welcome any views on this! However having driven a few 3.5t boxes I like the security and stability they seem to offer that maybe a trailer wouldn't however please correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks for the website link, will take some time to read through the information.
 
mischamoo said:
To be honest I hadn't thought about the lightweight trailer as always thought this wasn't an option with the licence I hold so would welcome any views on this! However having driven a few 3.5t boxes I like the security and stability they seem to offer that maybe a trailer wouldn't however please correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks for the website link, will take some time to read through the information.
Click to expand...

Just a few of the options for towing on a B only licence ......

BATESON LIGHT HORSE TRAILER
CHEVAL LIGHT HORSE TRAILER
IFOR LIGHT HORSE TRAILER

Contact trailer manufacturer to have trailer downplated if needed (free or very little cost)

Toyota Rav 4 (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1425
GVW = 1785
Max towing weight = 1500
Max trailer plated MAM = 1425 kgs


Nissan X trail (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1515
GVW = 2050
Towing = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1450 kgs

Kia Sportage (AWD) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1678
GVW = 2140
Towing = 1600
Max trailer plated MAM = 1360 kgs

FREELANDER 1 (2001 - 2005)
Unladen/kerb = 1500
GVW = 2040
Towing = 1800
Max trailer plated MAM = 1460 kgs

SUBARU FORRESTER (4X4)
Unladen/kerb = 1465 minimum
GVW = 2050 maximum
Towing = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1450 kgs

Skoda Yeti (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Kerb = 1530
GVW = 2070
Towing capacity = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1430 kgs

Suzuki vitara (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Kerb = 1400
GVW = 1950
Towing = 1850
Max trailer plated MAM = 1400 kgs


Deduct trailer unladen weight from max trailer plated weight to get maximum load/horse weight for the trailer
Example:- Nissan (1450) minus IFOR HB403 (770 appx) = load/horse 680 kgs
 
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I have a huish horsebox trekker 2. That is a van conversion, not a coach build. I wasn't going to get a van conversion but after my research I considered it. It is the same chassis as a coach build, it just hasn't had the body rebuilt onto it. Mine has a 1.1t payload. Has a huge amount of room in the horse area and the grooms area is completely separate so it doesn't have the horses head hanging into it get haylage everywhere! It's like driving a car. I love it!! Best thing I ever bought! My first proper journey out in it tomorrow with the ned!
 
Thankyou all for all your input and suggestions!

I have a quick questions for ROG as I am struggling to work this out myself! Going down the 4x4 and single trailer route, using the IFOR HB403 and towing with a Kia Sportage (2.0L - 2003) with these specs, would this be possible?

Gross vehicle weight 1928 kg
Max loading weight 434 kg
Max towing weight (braked) 1800 kg
Max towing weight (unbraked) 465 kg
Minimum kerb weight 1494 kg
 
How about Atacanter they stock theault and sometimes have second hand ones. They are automatic transmission, have a door wide enough at the back that if there was an accident you can get the horse out rather than cut them out. It has a collapsible breast bar, it is built for horses so the wall between the horse and driver is reinforced I think so if you had to slam your foot on the break they don't crush you! It unloads to the left (the side of road not middle) the partition is very very easy to adjust, its also light because I think it's made of aluminium so you have a bigger payload. Also it comes with a spare wheel included in the weight whereas equitrek don't include a spare wheel in the weight and I think it's vital to have one! The ramp is easy to do and I like that the top opens sideways I think the ones that open upwards might put them off loading -and its nice to leave the bottom up and be able to leave the top open so they have air and you can see them when out at a show etc.
 
Polly at Travel Two Horseboxes is very good. Sources boxes around the country for uk customers, Hannah I've got for the Anglian van style with door/removable breast bar so if horse did go over top then in emergency could open the double doors at back. I love my Vauxhall movano converted by a guy up north but they do have their quirks. I went for this over a wide back door as the wide Horsebox back doors didn't feel that strong and lock more like a camper van lock so I felt one kick out and the door would come open where as the original van back doors are sturdier with sturdier locks. I think nothing is perfect and issues what ever, I think down to individual choice in end and one that looks sensibly and safely built.

I found it really stressful getting a box a few years ago, I hope you get sorted, Hannah
 
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