which 3.5t horsebox maker gets the thumbs up?

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4April

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I am currently on the hunt for a 3.5t horsebox manufacturer which is highly commended.
I live in Cheshire/Merseyside, and am willing to travel upto 60 miles or so.
I like the look of Boss and Alexanders. Any thoughts on these. Also found: Dan Barnes, Foxy twins, Thoroughbred, Barlows, Equitrek.
Realistically I don't want to pay over £20k. So good workmanship and good price.
Ideally a seperate living but a breastbar in rear facing horse bit, no antiweave grills or huge partitions. Something bright and welcoming with a bed and amenitites.
Any reccommendations are appreciated! Cheers
 
Try looking at Marlborough horseboxes - I know a few people who have those and they are very happy with them. They're in Lancashire so not too far from you. For some reason, I don't like Equitrek - they seem a bit flimsy...
 
You will not go wrong with Boss, go visit the workshop and see how open they are to letting you see every step of the build, then go compare that to Alexander's, you will answer your own question!
 
Another thumbs up for Marlborough. Had one for over ten years. Lovely box. Solidly built. Reliable +++. Ours was uprated to 3.9T but even so you need to be mindful of weight if you want even basic living and only travelling one horse. Worth discussing with M'boro - they are very experienced. Good luck. You should get a good box with your budget.
 
the boss ones do look impressive I though they looked worth a visit thanks

And I will have a look at marlborough heard good about them. im only going to travel one 16.3 or a 14.2 with a foal so i would like a tonne payload which I know isnt alot but Ive heard terrible things about boxes with a big payload being flimsy
 
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I had a 3.5t built by Chaigley which was fab - though i purchased it through a middle man who was seriously dodgy and a compulsive liar (name Jean something in the Kent area - it was so long ago I cant remember) - I would defo buy Chaigley again but would recommend going direct. Look at the chassis they use as well, not just the body as some 3.5t chassis are more suitable as horseboxes than others.
 
I got mine from Foxy Twin based in the SE, Kent or Surrey way I think. Great box, basic but in good nick and been a brilliant lightweight box. I think he gets them made Oop North and then brought down. When I was looking, about 4/5 years ago, they were a the lower end of the price range but still good quality, well made and a good range.
 
George Smith are now owned by Equimark, who make fab boxes. I'm very happy with mine. They are in Suffolk though - might be too far for you to go - but really worth a look.
 
I've got a Chaigley. Its fab but I have nothing to compare to as its the only one I've had.

My friend has an Alexanders - very nice. But it was expensive on a 54 plate, I think. Another friend has an Alexanders but she paid lots of money for the coachbuild and it was on an older van chassis and then she got lots of mechanical problems later on which cost her a fortune.
 
A few years ago, I had a really good box built by cw equine solutions in South Wales. Here is a link to their website, though I don't think it is up to date:
Www.cwhorsesboxes.co.uk.
The build quality was fantastic,my the chassis totally reliable and safe.
Sadly had to sell as needed a bigger box, but I would use him again should I ever need a smaller box again.
 
We looked at Alexanders a few years back when we considered a smaller lorry. They were ok but there were some features I wasn't keen on. I believe Minster Horseboxes in York do decent conversions and there's also S&L Horseboxes who I think may be nearer you? If you have up to £20k you may be aswell getting one built to your spec.
 
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