Trailer or box

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fairhill

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I know it's been done to death, but I'm finally in a position where I can think about getting my own transport
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But I am totally confused by the options... So, given that:

* I will be transporting 2 horses most of the time, both in excess of 600kg, and one will definitely only fit in a trailer similar size or bigger than an ifor 510.

*I'm unlikely to be staying over at venues, so living not essential.

*It will be used for trips less than 50 miles long the majority of the time.

*My budget is £10k max

*I have a small car at the moment, and normal mileage is 6-10 miles a day.

*I can drive up to 7.5 ton on my license.

in your opinion, should I get a trailer, box or other???
 
Definitely keep the car and buy a 7.5 tonne box. As you are travelling big horses and with your budget you will be much better off with a box. We have heavy horses and have a DAF 7.5 tonne lorry which is great and it does over 20 miles to the gallon, laden. I think you will find that the horses will travel better in a box as well.
 
IMO, you dont have to get the trailer MOTed or plated, and the sort of box you want (lightweight 2x horse, sparse or no living) are pricey at the moment as they seem to be the box du jour as it were.LOL.
Id go for a trailer and 4x4.
 
I went for get a separate bix but then that is because I have. Except in my case I travel quite alot in my car and it worked out cheaper to run this and a box then to invest in a 4x4 and trailer. I also prefer lorries to trailers and 4 too big horses you would need something with a lot of pull and thus it'll probably be a fuel gusller (sp)
 

Its not so much to buying but more the upkeep, so if you can afford to run and maintain a lorry, then get one! On the other hand, after youve bought a trailer, thats it! Other than an annual service. You will however, have the expence of running a 4x4. So Id look into the long term running costs if I was you.
 
Hmm... it might need another post to look into running costs! I'm a complete novice when it comes to transport. I'm not as concerned about running costs and upkeep - I'd rather have something I know the horses will be happy and safe travelling in.
I guess I'd need a disco or defender-type to pull them both safely in a trailer, especially as I live near the peak district, so there's plenty of hills.
 
I am in the same position as you and have decided to go for a box rather than chop my little car in for a 4x4 and a trailer.

I do a lot of miles in my car and it is very economical to run so rather then get a 4x4 which I worked out would cost me more than twice as much to run I decided to get a small lorry which I will probably only use a few times a month.

I think that a box is safer than a trailer anyway.
 
Personally I'd go for a box. Everytime.

Easier to drive than a trailer, no fear of jackknifing or snaking behind you. Just my personal opinion!!!

A trailer is cheaper to run.

Also, your car gets to stay clean after outings! As all your gear goes in the lorry. You have space for extra haynets, water, etc etc.

If its raining and you have a lorry you can leave the horses on teh lorry and have room to get onboard and tack them up on board as on a trailer you cant as no room.

One tip - buy a lorry that has power steering!!!!! It you have particuarly long horses perhaps a lorry with front facing sections would be better. Also make sure you can lift the ramp on your own as you may need to head off early somewhere or be the last to leave and if you are on your own nothing worse than trying to find someone to help you put your ramp up.

The only downside is if you get a lorry you'll need to take it out for spins everynow and again to make sure that the brakes etc still tick over as you don't want it ceasing up. The worst thing with a lorry is under use.

Lorries can be costly but I think they are worth it. When you next go to an event ask around the lorry park and see what other competitors are driving and what they recommend and what their experiences are.

Do you know anyone experienced who can go with you to look? Perhaps a mechanic or someone from your yard that has experience?

With 10k you'd have quite a few options.

Good luck!
 
I'd definitely go for a lorry (5.5 or 7.5 ton) over a trailer. A 4x4 is a gas guzzler (cue all the posts from people saying "Mine isn't" ). You'll have to get used to driving that instead of your small car, and its not very economical to use a 4x4 all the time for short runs, IMHO.

Personally, I think its harder to get used to towing a trailer than it is to get used to driving a lorry. If you have very large horses, I think they feel safer in a lorry as well, and i would certainly feel happier about schlepping them around in a lorry rather than worrying about them in a trailer. The wet-weather aspect can't be understated,, either - it is SO much nicer to be able to prepare and tack up in the dry, especially if its absolutely pelting down, or is really muddy.
 
I currently have a 4x4 and trailer but would love to get a lorry and small car. However, the 4x4 is vary reliable and I couldn't afford a really nice lorry at the moment so I'm saving up and have to put up with the 4x4 and trailer for now.
 
In your case you do very little few in your car so the extra fuel that a 4x4 will use will not be too much of a problem. A 4x4 only needs a MOT, not plating which is more rigorous. The trailer needs no MOT etc just an annual service to ensure brakes, floor, lights etc are ok.

With a lorry you will need plating & any repairs, tyres etc on a lorry will cost you dear. You will have 2 vehicles (Lorry & Car) to insure & tax.

I believe that in your individual circumstances a 4x4 & trailer will be a much more cost effective direction for you to go. With the mileage I do I need a small economical car & a lorry
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My horse is fantastic in a box and so I naively thought I'd have no problems with him in a trailer so we bought a trailer and have found my horse will go in but wont stay in but as hubby already had a 4 x 4 I thought it was the best option.
I'd make sure your horses will travel in a trailer first if you decide to go with a trailer.
If I had the choice I would definately go with a box though. I'd be interested to know the running costs too as its looking like my only option now.
 
I have had both a trailer and a box and to me it is a box every time because they are far stronger in an accident, drive better and one is less likely to suffer from road rage. tehy also give the horses a far better and safer ride.
 
I agree box is better. I have had both I sold my lorry as horse was off for a year and the lorry had to be taken for runs twice a week. My lorry's breaks went because it sat for a while It cost over £1000 to fix. I loved my lorry though and given the choice i'd have one before a trailer. I bought a new ifor williams and horse did not travel to good in for a start so I sold it and bought a baitson ascot which he now travels in. But they do travel better in a lorry. It's great to sit in at shows and at least you have the option of staying overnight if you have to. we went to blair and had to sleep in a tent but it was good fun the weather was glorious. As most people say it's an expence but if you can afford it then Go For it.
Your also need
A parking space for a lorry
Road tax
Insurance
and a husband/partner who is good at sorting them if something should go wrong
 
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