Trailer or 3.5t van ??

[Muddywellies]

I currently have a trailer but I've always wanted a 3.5t van (had 7.5 lorry in the past) . I now have the possibility of getting a van but now I'm not sure. My horse loves the trailer and self loads. Looking at 3.5t vans up to 20k, in comparison to my light airy trailer, they look claustrophobic and gloomy, with v small windows. My horse loves looking out through the windows in the trailer. Getting a van will mean I'm far more independent as I'm extremely nervous towing, but I want my horse to be happy. Any thoughts?

 

[Abacus]

Personally I've always had vans (and a couple of bigger lorries) and find horses travel well and happily in them. Could you borrow or hire one to see how you get on? If I was nervous towing I'd definitely do it, I wouldn't want the worry of towing distracting me from going out and having a good time.

 

[leflynn]

Can you go and try your horse in one? Either someone you know or hire similar?

 

[Muddywellies]

Can you go and try your horse in one? Either someone you know or hire similar?

That's a good idea.

 

[Lady Jane]

I've never been brave enough to tow a trailer but my 3.5 is so easy (had 7.5 before in pref to trailer). If well ventilated and good windows they are def not gloomy or claustraphobic. But when you say 'van' do you mean a van conversion as opposed to coach built? They generally have less ventilation and windows as they reduce the strength integrity and extra reinforcement is needed which puts the price up

 

[IrishMilo]

I prefer the idea of my horses travelling in lorries, I don't know if there are any evidence based studies but trailers just seem a bit precarious to me. Lorries hold their value extremely well too, especially the 3.5s.

 

[Muddywellies]

I've never been brave enough to tow a trailer but my 3.5 is so easy (had 7.5 before in pref to trailer). If well ventilated and good windows they are def not gloomy or claustraphobic. But when you say 'van' do you mean a van conversion as opposed to coach built? They generally have less ventilation and windows as they reduce the strength integrity and extra reinforcement is needed which puts the price up

No you're right. I don't mean the teeny vans - I mean the slightly bugger coach built box van types.

 

[dottylottie]

i got my box for 8.5k, as it needed a new ramp. that and the service etc put the total to about 10k, and i think i got a cracking box for that money! mine is lovely and bright, and roomy, it has 2 windows in the back but doesn’t feel claustrophobic. I am looking at getting windows or a fan put in further back, but obviously this will cost me a lot! I’ll come back and attach a photo if i remember

I actually prefer towing, but the horses are so much happier in the box.

 

[Identityincrisis]

I love my 3.5t and can’t imagine going back to a trailer. I felt so disconnected from the horse in a trailer, hoping he was ok ‘back there’ whereas I have a cut through window and cameras in my van so very aware of him.

They are sooooo easy to drive. I pack mine up and head off on my own, i love the freedom.

I added extra lights and a couple of fans as ventilation can be an issue in them

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I love my 3.5T, it’s a van conversion but has had the head height extended to give headroom. I think it’s much more spacious and airy than my trailer ever was. It’s got 3x side windows in the horse area and “skylight” which lets light in and you can partially open for extra ventilation (or fully open but I read you shouldn’t drive them like that).

It’s easier to drive, MUCH easier to reverse down narrow lanes, but fits into a trailer sized parking space on the yard.

Think we paid 25k for a new conversion on a second hand chassis 15mo ago (2016 plate, 96k miles)