Van conversion what to look for

[tanira3]

Hi all,

I'm starting to look for a van conversion horse box but know some can be a little sketchy. Has anyone bought one and could tell me what to look for. I'm aware it would need a reinforced bulk head but what does that look like? What else?

Tia

 

[AFB]

It's usually going to be behind boarding and out of sight (assuming you're buying a second hand conversion?) - so you need to be buying a branded conversion with a good reputation really.

 

[oldie48]

Just having a really good look round and a push on the walls is a good start, I looked at one which was really smart but I wouldn't have put my dog in the back it was so flimsy. Obviously the floor and ramp need to be strong enough but beware of very heavy ramps, they can be a nightmare to put up. Another issue is the height of the box at the top of the ramp. I had quite a tall horse who had to learn to duck when he got to the top of the ramp. Also look at height of the breast bar and potential exit from the back should the horse manage to get over the breast bar. Also be aware that cutting a hole in the side of the van weakens it considerably so without proper reinforcement the van body can flex with the weight of a horse in it and this can compromise the integrity of the ramp fixings, so check carefully how the ramp is help up when travelling. Make sure you know the payload. I had a van conversion for 7 years, I did spend a bit of money having the bulkhead reinforced a bit more than it was as I was conscious that the horse was behind me with little to stop it coming through to the cab if I had to do a quick stop. It didnt cost that much and it gave me peace of mind. I would get anything you think of buying checked over by someone who knows their stuff before parting with any money though as it is quite tricky to be sure of the construction. FWIW I now have another 3.5 which is not a conversion, they are so convenient and cheap to run and i'd never go back to a trailer or a 7.5. Good luck.

 

[tanira3]

Thanks for your help. I am moving up from a trailer and so this is all new to me. Out of interest what did you get if it wasn't a conversion?

 

[oldie48]

It is coachbuilt on a 3.5 chassis. Much bigger area, more head room and a more usable space at the back with an external tack locker. I had a full up 16.2 and he was quite cramped in the conversion although he travelled very well, I had a smaller horse when I bought the conversion. Rose is smaller at 16hh so would have been fine in the conversion, which was well built but it was getting a bit elderly.