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Post by geegee21 on Nov 16, 2015 19:29:20 GMT
I'm looking to buy a 3.5t horsebox, and wonder what manufacturers come recommended? I would like to have day living included. I have done some research and it seems that some companies don't make their own boxes, and also that removable breast bars seem to be a good option.
Your comments are appreciated!
Many thanks,
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Post by comanchediva on Nov 16, 2015 21:20:00 GMT
and also that removable breast bars seem to be a good option. Your comments are appreciated! Many thanks, A full wall is a much better option x
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Post by waspblue on Nov 16, 2015 22:41:22 GMT
Regent built our box and it has a full wall, which is definitely something I would not want to compromise on. It is also difficult to keep a good weight allowance and have cookers etc as day living. We had our box stripped right back to give us a better weight allowance on Kent from Regents advice, he is the owner. The box has been brilliant, reliable, safe, easy to drive and very smart. I also liked that Regent will guide you through what you want done and it's pros and cons, as opposed to just doing things and then you find you may end up with a lorry that is over laden even with one pony, tack etc in it. Our box has a nice separate day changing area and we cut down on tack lockers and anything else that added unnecessary weight, and just has saddle poles and bridle / coat racks. The luton over the cab has tons of space in it, so a tack locker was not required, we just pack only what we need and carefully, so as to stay within the law. The box is beautifully finished and the aftercare from Regent is excellent, I cannot fault them. Well worth a chat to them, see what they suggest. Hope this helps and if you'd like any more info I'll gladly try to help you. Just PM me through here.
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Post by janetbushell on Nov 17, 2015 6:17:55 GMT
Delighted with our Equitrek Sonic - bought new (08 plate) - good aftersales service from Equitrek but definitely NOT from the dealer we purchased from, who are now no longer agents - & this has full wall separating horse from groom's area plus breast bar for partition (no idea whether it is removable as never looked!)
Weight not an issue for us as we only travel one, but daughter also sleeps on Luton when at away shows by taking a foam mattress & sleeping bag. We have small groom's area with bench storage seat, 2 saddle & bridle racks
We upgraded from trailer as daughter couldn't afford 4 wheel drive for ordinary motoring & horse had moved to live with her so no easy access to mine for shows. However when we "did the circuit" as a family (several animals, children & a dog!) we loved the space/facilities of a 71/2 ton.
If I had to pick any one of these 3 methods I would still be pleased with the Equitrek, but I have no experience of other small boxes.
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Post by Wiltshire Man on Nov 17, 2015 7:36:32 GMT
Grays Horseboxes in Wiltshire
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Post by gooogle on Nov 17, 2015 19:04:55 GMT
We've just taken delivery of an Austen Reid 3.5T. Love it to bits! We took three months researching and viewing. Think we've viewed every make available, not prepared to critise any make on here, but be aware that reinforced bulk heads are not standard on some of the better known makes. The difference is in the event of a worst case scenario, ie hit up the back by hgv, the horses stay in the box and don't join you in the cab. The fire brigade have strong views on this as it has happened ! You sacrifice some payload but that's life. The finish is lovely, we went mid range. We are adding some extras ourselves as my oh is an electrician and mechanic and we're cheapskates! He added a two way microphone to the camera which is brill because you can talk to them from the cab. Good luck in your search, view lots and take your time.
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Post by Toaster on Nov 17, 2015 21:21:20 GMT
May I be the first to recommend a lightly used 1986 ford transit van with attached shed? the good points: the seats are nice. really nice. The bad points: It doesn't go unless you smack it with a hammer It doesn't stop unless you put it in to fifth and stall it It doesn't like wet grass Or dry grass Or even dry tarmac no takers? Joking aside I have seen a few friend's Marlborough horseboxes up close and their build and service seems very good. I would also choose a full wall or failing that one of the flip up jobbies that discourages horses from wanting to closely inspect the living area Whatever you decide to go for try and get it weighed yourself if you can, the weight certificate you see when viewing the box may have been done with goodness knows what stripped out of the box
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Post by geegee21 on Nov 18, 2015 19:23:38 GMT
May I be the first to recommend a lightly used 1986 ford transit van with attached shed? the good points: the seats are nice. really nice. The bad points: It doesn't go unless you smack it with a hammer It doesn't stop unless you put it in to fifth and stall it It doesn't like wet grass Or dry grass Or even dry tarmac no takers? Joking aside I have seen a few friend's Marlborough horseboxes up close and their build and service seems very good. I would also choose a full wall or failing that one of the flip up jobbies that discourages horses from wanting to closely inspect the living area Whatever you decide to go for try and get it weighed yourself if you can, the weight certificate you see when viewing the box may have been done with goodness knows what stripped out of the box Thanks, that made me laugh! Very good point about the weight. I think full wall probably the way to go. Certainly don't want hay in the grooms area!
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Post by geegee21 on Nov 18, 2015 19:25:32 GMT
We've just taken delivery of an Austen Reid 3.5T. Love it to bits! We took three months researching and viewing. Think we've viewed every make available, not prepared to critise any make on here, but be aware that reinforced bulk heads are not standard on some of the better known makes. The difference is in the event of a worst case scenario, ie hit up the back by hgv, the horses stay in the box and don't join you in the cab. The fire brigade have strong views on this as it has happened ! You sacrifice some payload but that's life. The finish is lovely, we went mid range. We are adding some extras ourselves as my oh is an electrician and mechanic and we're cheapskates! He added a two way microphone to the camera which is brill because you can talk to them from the cab. Good luck in your search, view lots and take your time. Thanks Thanks for your helpful comments, another good safety point. I havn't heard of this manufacturer though. Do they have a web site?
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Post by geegee21 on Nov 18, 2015 19:27:49 GMT
Regent built our box and it has a full wall, which is definitely something I would not want to compromise on. It is also difficult to keep a good weight allowance and have cookers etc as day living. We had our box stripped right back to give us a better weight allowance on Kent from Regents advice, he is the owner. The box has been brilliant, reliable, safe, easy to drive and very smart. I also liked that Regent will guide you through what you want done and it's pros and cons, as opposed to just doing things and then you find you may end up with a lorry that is over laden even with one pony, tack etc in it. Our box has a nice separate day changing area and we cut down on tack lockers and anything else that added unnecessary weight, and just has saddle poles and bridle / coat racks. The luton over the cab has tons of space in it, so a tack locker was not required, we just pack only what we need and carefully, so as to stay within the law. The box is beautifully finished and the aftercare from Regent is excellent, I cannot fault them. Well worth a chat to them, see what they suggest. Hope this helps and if you'd like any more info I'll gladly try to help you. Just PM me through here. Thanks Waspblue, I have found Regent on the web, so having a look through to see what they can offer.
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Post by chloesmum on Nov 19, 2015 9:15:38 GMT
Would echo gooogle re the reinforced bulk head. We got a newer 61 plate model last year which I love and it so much nicer to drive than our old R reg Renault, however as some will know from previous threads Jacob our stallion HATES his lovely new lorry! He has always sat on his bum and pushed when he gets bored but coming back from Olympia last year was a nightmare we could see the partion moving behind us as we were driving. I had it checked and although assured he could never come through as it was reinforced I ended up having another removablae partion made to go behind him just for my peace of mind. I also know from a racing friend that there have been occassions when racehorses have ended up in the cab! Have to add all our other ponies travel brilliantly in it - it is just Jacob! The reason he hates it is because he cannot lean over the chest bar as it is solid and too high for him. I wanted side tack lockers and seperate grooms area but hadn't realised the issue with the breast height. The old lorry had a lower chest bar and was open into the grooms area which he preferred. Of course H&S now make them all higher to stop horses rearing over them but for small ponies they are too high. Although the younger ponies seem fine with it. Jacob is 129cm and is VERY stocky short legs! (he is in my picture) We take the middle partion out and he travels in the whole box which he loves but obviously not convenient if you want to travel 2! If I was going to change mine I would get one that has an adjustable height breast bar, I have looked at the stallion boxes which have no breast bars but I think he likes something to lean on. Good Luck - by the way I think Regent build ours but ours is an Ascot.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 22:26:46 GMT
We recently bought a Matlborough sport. It's so well made. Very solid. I love the full height partition. Our yearling is very safe in it and unlike other boxes the rear partition height is 4' 6" meaning there's no chance of him getting over it. Would thoroughly recommend Marlborough
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Post by 2connies on Nov 24, 2015 16:42:40 GMT
Another vote for Marlborough !
Ours is on a Renault chassis and very well built.
The sales guy who runs the company is good to deal with and very straight forward.
Good company imo.
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