Things to look for when buying a 3.5t lorry

[Minty45]

I’m lucky to be in the position to buy my first 3.5t lorry, but feeling a bit overwhelmed as to where to start! I have around 22K to spend… what would you have on your shopping list for something of this budget? I will be organising a pre-purchase inspection, but I want to avoid getting ripped off. How flashy it looks isn’t majorly important. Thanks!

 

[SEL]

Get the floor checked - I've got a big bill coming with mine

Otherwise go for the newest reg you can afford and check the MOT history on line.

 

[dougpeg]

Check they haven't been written off in a previous life. Surprising a lot have. I think it's about £13 for an online RAC check which checks this, including mileage, plate changes and outstanding finance etc.

In respect of mechanics and horse area; a pre purchase inspection is money well spent.

Do your research on brands.

Ventilation is a key thing to consider.

Payload is important to know.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Get the floor checked - I've got a big bill coming with mine

Otherwise go for the newest reg you can afford and check the MOT history on line.

This, plus check ramp, its fixings and springs if fitted.

Ensure all door locks work, windows work, internal and external lights work.
If it has an immobiliser, is it standard or retro fitted?
Is the rolling chassis a common make, is it a limited edition - if so, what differences from std.
Does everything in cab work, heater, air con etc, no warning lights on.
Check for water ingress everywhere - roof, windows, rear and horse doors, lockers etc.
Fancy paint? Check it's a std RAL number in case you ding it. Fancy paint will cost to respray (not cheap with std colours)
Spare wheel, is there one, is it safe to use?
How many keys?
Any service history? Receipts for new parts?
Tyres all not 'just' legal but good for a while yet.

Happy shopping!

 

[Minty45]

You guys are so helpful! Thank you! What about mileage?

 

[Jambarissa]

If you look on horse mart at the bottom of horsebox ads there's a link to a guy who does repurchase checks. I'm not suggesting you use him but he has a load of useful videos of what to look for, most often proper bulkhead reinforcement.

If the payload is high where have they skimped on materials to make that happen? Usually reinforcement of floor and walls.

 

[Merry neddy man]

PAYLOAD PAYLOAD PAYLOAD.

 

[Northern Hare]

PAYLOAD PAYLOAD PAYLOAD.

You beat me to it!

OP, if you don't have C1 on your Driving Licence, and you don't want to take your C1/HGV Test, you will need to make sure that your new lorry, plus everything inside it weighs less than 3.5t to make it legal.

The problem is that this often limits you to carrying just one horse or two ponies. It's a pain but the only way to know what the horsebox weighs is to take it to a weighbridge - either full, or empty and then work out what everything you're going to load into your lorry is going to weigh.

 

[Abacus]

You beat me to it!

OP, if you don't have C1 on your Driving Licence, and you don't want to take your C1/HGV Test, you will need to make sure that your new lorry, plus everything inside it weighs less than 3.5t to make it legal.

The problem is that this often limits you to carrying just one horse or two ponies. It's a pain but the only way to know what the horsebox weighs is to take it to a weighbridge - either full, or empty and then work out what everything you're going to load into your lorry is going to weigh.

Regardless of whether you have C1 on your license or a pre-97 license - if it’s a 3.5 tonne van that’s all it can carry. You can’t overload a 3.5 tonne truck even if you have the right license; the limit on the van is due to braking capability and other factors.

 

[Identityincrisis]

A written off vehicle isn’t necessarily a big no no, all of my cars have been purchased after being written off and my horsebox was (I bought it as a van and had it converted) BUT you either need to know what you’re looking for and repair it or get a reputable repair job done.

Mileage is personal preference- high motorway miles are ok but if it’s been a multi drop parcel van it will have been ragged around. At the end of the day a horsebox rarely adds thousands of miles to the engine.

People can be very vague with the payload!

If it’s a box style rather than a van, are the sides reinforced? And how are the sides fixed to the floor

Don’t be sucked in by a fancy paint job!

 

[Jambarissa]

I was going to suggest looking at reputable 3.5t manufacturers to see the payload of their new boxes then you would have a better idea of what's been skimped on. But I've just tried to do this and they don't say! They're all 'stalled for 2 horses' with no indication that these would need to be some skinny sub-400kg horses!

I know it's a business but bloody hell, no wonder people think they're fine to put 2 horses in them.

I'd suggest 900-1000kg is the max payload without skimping on materials, and will be less if it's got cupboards, seats, etc fitted.

Remember payload isn't just horses, it's humans, equipment, fuel and water too.