Uprating 3.5t Lorry question

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Annagain

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Having come in to a little bit of money, I'm mulling over my transport options. I currently have an IWT 510 and tow two big'uns (both 16.2+ IDx) with a Discovery. One isn't a great traveller but travels much better on my friend's Equi-trek (i.e backwards) so I'm at the very least going to swap my trailer, but I'm getting seduced by the thought of a litle lorry. I've seen that Equi-Trek and Alexanders both offer 4.5t versions of theirs, but can't stretch to their prices (or to anything that new for that matter). I would need however the payload of a 4.5t with my two big boys.

I'm not fussed about living as don't do masses of travelling with them, but just fancy the thought of not having to hitch up and then park up again afterwards, and think a well built lorry is safer than a trailer. I have the old style licence so weight isn't an issue in that sense.

I've seen plenty of manufacturers who say their 3.5t lorries can be uprated to 3.9t, but none who mention uprating to 4.5t. Are the 4.5t ones on a different chassis or is it possible (and financially viable) to uprate a 3.5t to 4.5t retrospectively?

It's probably all pie in the sky and I'll end up with the trailer :rolleyes:

ETA: Don't really want a 7.5t as I like the idea of travelling them backwards as my awkward ones travels backwards much better and I haven't seen any 7.5t lorries that travel them backwards. With the price of fuel these days as well, I don't want any uncessary extra weight to cart about.
 
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i have definitely seen them about! they also do forwards ones which are easily converted to backwards. Also a friend had one built but depends on your budget - i can find out who built hers?
 
There are many chassis designs for horsebox vans so finding the design weights is the first step

For those over 3.5 tonnes that is usually on a VOSA plate
For those of 3.5 and under that will probably be in the handbook or obtained by contacting the manufacurer but you might be lucky and find a plate with it on

You will need a LGV C1 licence to drive anything between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes GVW

There are many at 3.5 which were downrated from a higher GVW so that B licence holders can drive them

There is a big difference between a 7.5 lorry and say a 5 tonne van - airbrakes for one!!
 
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