What should I expect to pay for a safe van conversion?

[Hettie]

Hi

As above really... I am looking to buy a lorry (like many of the H&H'rs) and am wondering whether it would be worth buying a van conversion (only have 2 horses) rather than going to the expense of getting the lgv/hgv license + bigger lorry. Anyone have any views/experiences to share? Also what would a reasonable price be for a 2nd hand conversion? It doesn't need to be new/or look fab but in safe/sound condition. I have seen some recent conversions on horsemart etc for around £4000. Are these safe? Or too good to be true?
Thank you for any input!

 

[OWLIE185]

I do not like conversions as they are not built for the intended purpose.

If you value the safety of your horses, yourself and other road users stick well clear from a conversion.

The only way to build a horse box on a used chassis cab is to go to a reputable company that builds horseboxes and they can then source a good chassis cab for you, remove the container, thoroughly check out and service the chassis cab and then paint the chassis and build a new container on it to the correct legal requirements (axel weights etc.).

 

[luckilotti]

Some are ok, some i would stick away from!

IF you were going to go down that route, you would have to check that the chassis had had any required modifications, I knew someone who bought one that hadnt had something done to the suspension springs??
If her horse flinched, it was very scarey to be in!

BUT... i have 2 conversions and am happy with both.

Maybe if your not sure you could look for one with an Ifor Williams body on? I would def try and stick with one that was a professional conversion.