Which older style 3.5 ton to get? Advice please

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asterid

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So, I've decided on a 3.5t. Id love a new movano, but unless I win the lottery or marry a rich man, that ain't going to happen!

So with a very low poor budget of 1500-2000, I've narrowed my search to two possible 3.5t.

I really like the VW LT35 diesel, love the side ramp e.t.c But am concerned that they only do 40mph on the straight with the wind behind them! Are they all that slow? Not that I want to speed along at 80mph, but a bit more oomph would be nice.

Either that or a ford transit. Hate the little front unload ramp, so would have to be herringbone. Unless I can find one with a side ramp! Are the transits any speedier and pull up hills better?

Any other suggestions?

(it is for one horse, a lightweight 16hh TB).

Thanks

(my only other thought was to by a Luton Van transit and have a side ramp put on. Anyone done this? How much would that cost? Would the floor need strengthening?)
 
my 3.5tn transit has a limiter on it.. set at 55mph.

it is herringbone but they are hard to fine, i was advised against bying a wv.
 
Personally I'd be very cautious with a budget that small.

I have no personal experience of either so can't help you there, but I do know the Ford Transit types have a high centre of gravity which can give an unstable ride.

Could you not hold off and save for a bit?
 
i have an old LT35 bought for within that price range last year. true its not the fastest around but it ain't bad and wouldn't i want to go any faster. can get between 50-60 on the flat in good conditions. but does struggle on long hills, usually drops to 40-45 on the hills around me. but has good pull on short steep ones in lower gears. I carry one horse, a 16.3.

also mine is petrol (not sure if that makes a difference to 'pull') plus mine needs a service so am hoping to get a bit more power out of it after that, as don't think it is quite working 100%
 
I have a coachbuilt, GC Smiths LT35 diesel which cruises along at 50-55mph happily on the flat, yes it does slow up a sharp steep hill but on a longer slow hill it copes fine. It will run all day and I we have used it for some decentjourneys and never had a problem in 4 years. It will be for sale soon but it will have a higher price tag than that!
 
No help but I'm also looking for a 3.5t horsebox in this price range so shall be watching with interest. Have been googling vw LT35 now, you have reignited my desire for my own transpost *le sigh* lol. Good luck!
 
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