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Post by greyhorse on May 23, 2017 7:56:22 GMT
I have one small pony and a 4x4 and am really hoping to start getting her out and about.
My options are a single trailer or a Bateson derby and my 4x4 without the trailer test, we have checked this with the DVLA and it's under weight and legal. My car can more than tow this as it has a towing limit of 2200kg and the combination would be less than 1200kg.
A double trailer and the test, more expensive as we would have to pay for training but it would mean I could take someone else with me. Also more strain on my car.
Or the third option of a 3.5t. I wouldn't have a huge budget and would only be using a few times a month if that so I'm not sure if this is a waste of money. However I would feel better driving this.
Has anyone else been in this dilemma and what did you go for?
How expensive is it to run a 3.5t realistically and is it worth the cost for the amount it will be used?
Would travelling and competing everywhere alone be miserable?!
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Post by sjw87 on May 23, 2017 13:17:28 GMT
Not got time to reply fully but please be aware that the DVLA deal with licenses only so are not always accurate with information such as what they have given you. The DSA (formerly VOSA) are the ones you need.
The rule regarding the 3500kg towing limit without a B+E licence is not the actual weight or your vehicle/trailer combination but the total MAM. This is the Maximum Authorised Mass. If you look in your car handbook then there will be the kerb weight (unladen) and the MAM (the maximum the vehicle is permitted to weigh when loaded). The trailer will also have an MAM on the plate. Add these two together and if they exceed 3500kg then you cannot legally drive them on a b licence, even empty.
There are a few ways round that by using specific combinations of tow vehicle and trailer, getting the trailer downplated by the manufacturer (meaning that it can only ever be filled to that weight) but to be quite honest, it's far better to just to do the trailer test.
There is a lot of misunderstanding about the above and the DVLA giving out incorrect information but it's your licence at risk (and potentially your liberty if you caused an accident). For the amount of money the trailer training and test cost, it is money well spent to ensure that you legal and that you have the training to keep and your precious cargo as safe as possible.
Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards
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Post by greyhorse on May 23, 2017 13:26:38 GMT
Thank you SJ. The combination involved getting the trailer downplated but would leave 600kg for pony in the trailer roughly. I will check this out. I do not think I could pass the trailer test, not that I would struggle to drive one but I have massive anxiety in being watched in a test setting- so much so it took 5 attempts at my normal test due to nerves. I am not a rubbish driver honestly but have huge issues with exams. The only option would be asking my husband to do the test for me but this would mean relying on him to come to everything which he may not want to do! Hence trying to find a way around it using the B I already have  |
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Post by bigmama on May 23, 2017 13:57:36 GMT
Having had several trailers and several 3.5 tonners, nowadays, we prefer the latter, ie. 3.5T.
All the family can drive it and it is easier to park/manoeuvre than a trailer, much more space to carry tack, clothing, food, etc with changing area for rider and groom, luton bed for sleeping, portaloo and plenty of space for equines up to 15.2
We also use our 3.5T for collecting haylage, feed, shavings and for moving household items, for example, our washing machine broke down at the weekend and is currently making it's way to the tip in 3.5T
No more expensive to insure than my car, the same cost as car for road tax and reasonable on fuel (diesel)
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Post by mcnaughty on May 24, 2017 9:56:48 GMT
All I can add to the above is that 3.5 tonne lorries are lovely to drive but you would need to do your homework and buy a half decent one and not skimp too much on the finances!
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Post by greyhorse on May 25, 2017 5:05:44 GMT
My budget would probably be around £7000. Would I be buying a disaster for this?
On the other hand I could either get a brand new ifor williams 401 or even a 505 for half of the price.
I would much prefer the box but the costs of running it in winter when I will use it less than once a month are putting me off!
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Post by bigmama on May 25, 2017 13:53:40 GMT
My budget would probably be around £7000. Would I be buying a disaster for this? On the other hand I could either get a brand new ifor williams 401 or even a 505 for half of the price. I would much prefer the box but the costs of running it in winter when I will use it less than once a month are putting me off! The first 3.5 tonne horsebox we purchased was a VW LT35 Diesel and, albeit several years ago, the price of it was about half the amount you have budgeted. It had a small living and luton bed and the horse area was coachbuilt. We did rub it down and repaint it ourselves, paid about £60 for livery stripes and that included the man coming to us to stick put the stripes on our box, plus new wheel trims. It looked a little belter! Mechanically, it's Perkins engine chugged it's reliable self up hill and down dale, taking it's time but getting us everywhere in the UK nonetheless. After a few years we sold it to upgrade to a 7.5 tonne and we would often see our old faithful VW LT35 at shows in the north west of England. It's new owner had it for several more years before selling it on. I have no doubt that it will still be trundling around the shows, it was so reliable. So you see, you do not have to spend an absolute fortune on the latest horsebox, you may get a lucky find like we did! |
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Post by sjw87 on May 25, 2017 16:27:17 GMT
Whilst bigmama is right, unfortunately 3.5t boxes have exponentially increased in price in recent years due to the licence changes.
You may find a good 3.5t box for your budget but would very much recommended getting an independent inspection by someone with both mechanical qualifications and horsebox knowledge (ie. Check floor, ramp, walls etc). Annual maintenance costs are entirely dependent on your purchase. For example, my 21yo 7.5t I recently sold was a very good build on a fantastic merc chassis and once again sailed through plating with no work needing to be done. A similar box on a lesser chassis could easily have needed £1.5k of welding doing. The right box gives you freedom whilst the wrong box is a financial nightmare.
Consider honestly how much you are likely to use it. High standard 3.5t horsebox hire is usually around £100 per day for a weekend day and although it sounds expensive, can actually work out to be the most financially viable option when you consider all running & maintenance costs plus purchase price & depreciation. You are also safe in the knowledge that you're in a far better box than you may be able to afford to purchase yourself.
Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards
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bugs
Junior Member
Posts: 121 
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Post by bugs on May 25, 2017 21:36:59 GMT
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Post by honeypot on May 26, 2017 9:37:44 GMT
I used to have a 7.5 tonne, when I sold it I looked into getting a 3.5tonne. I hire as I worked in out that I would have to spend over a £1000 a year, that does not include the cost of the lorry before it made any sort of financial sense.
I hire a top of the range model, a far better lorry than I could buy, they are lovely to drive, everything travels really well in them. I do have a tatty old trailer that gets used more for shifting furniture.
Work out how many times you are going to use it, why have £7000 sat on your drive?
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