Purchasing a horsebox or Trailer
You need to think about: Phase 1.
- can you aford the vehicle and the up keep
- for trailers do you have the right towing vehicle
- have you towed before? you might need lessons
- How many horses you will be transporting
- what does your driving liscence alow you to drive
- Have you got a good mechanic to keep it well maintained and tested.
- older boxes / trailers will require more more and parts are harder to find and can be more expensive
- does your horse travel better herringbone - forward facing or rear facing
- what type of living do you need day or night
- have you got safe storage for the vehicle.
- you need to be aware of insurance costs depending on size / weight
- what security are you planing ( steering lock -tracker-wheel clamp.)
- make sure your happy with diesel not petrol as they are expensive to run
Before you buy your trailer/ vehicle Phase 2
- you need to go out and drive a few first before you seriously looking ( unless one suitable comes up )
- check vehicle for damp area : ( under chassi - horse body )
- walk round vehicle make more of any defects
- check tyres for un even wear or bald spots
- does it look like vehicle has been used or is ther grass growing round it like stored for along time.
- check cab for rust
- check cap inside for holes in floor
- check body outside for damage take particular attention round the ramps for rust and worn out springs
- have a good look under the body for damage
- check the ramp for damage and if it goes up and down easy
- check the gates make sure they are in working order no damage
- inside the horse area check partitions for damage and opening and closing
- trailers check electrics and the towing bar which conects to car for damage
- check round the edge inside for rotten areas I recomend these by banging round the floor they will show you weak spots
- stand in the back of horse area legs apart and see how stable box is by trying to rock vehicle from side to side this will tell you how horse will find it in high winds.
- check the ceiling for leaks and damp spots
- check jockey door from horse area to living
- check the living area lights cupboards for any damage ask if any of the appliances work or not.
- check lights
Test drive Phase 3
- If you have checked all the above and find nothing to put you off
- in the cab check to see if any lights remain on
- check lights work indicators etc
- test drive ( note any warning signs that remain on )
- check how easy the gear change is
- check if vehicle pulls to right or left when you drive or brake this means wheels are out of alignment or other reason
- does it drive well
- does it feel heavy on the straight or corners
- does it pull away from stand still ok or is it sluggish
- how easy is it top maneuver sharp turns or backing to turn round
- is it quite nippy
- if slow when empty it will be slower when loaded depending on size of horse(s)
- ask friend or owner to drive box(trailer) and stand in the horse area and see what sort of ride this will give your horse
Mechanic Phase 4
- If your still happy with all of the above arrange for your mechanic to go test drive and give it the once over
- report to him any findings you have found on the vehicle or driving
- if mechanic is happy but found some issues talk to horsebox seller and see if they will rectify serious issues or will come down in price.
- once happy you should have a safe horsebox and one you can enjoy
HorseBox and Trailer
Reflectors / Warning Signs
Please don't be put off if you see some of the link are in the USA. I have it that some of these are cheaper to buy from in the USA and that's inc shipping than the UK is and there is more selection
http://www.cautionhorses.com/prod_sign-series.shtml
http://logo-reflective-decal.blogspot.com/2011/08/caution-horses-reflective-horse-trailer.html
http://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/
http://www.brooklandsfarm.co.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hddeAAL2nys%3d&tabid=154
http://www.reflectivelyyours.com/generic66.html?gclid=CNLTw_ifhqwCFcod4Qodz1QF_g
http://logo-reflective-decal.blogspot.com/2011/08/caution-horses-reflective-horse-trailer.html
http://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/
http://www.brooklandsfarm.co.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hddeAAL2nys%3d&tabid=154
http://www.reflectivelyyours.com/generic66.html?gclid=CNLTw_ifhqwCFcod4Qodz1QF_g
Horsebox / Trailer Parts
http://www.horseboxbits.co.uk/
http://www.berkshirehorseboxbits.com/
http://www.hartwood-elite.co.uk/
http://www.whb.org.uk/acatalog/Partitions__Pads___Foam.html#a625
http://www.plumblocoproducts.com/portawash.html
http://www.berkshirehorseboxbits.com/
http://www.hartwood-elite.co.uk/
http://www.whb.org.uk/acatalog/Partitions__Pads___Foam.html#a625
http://www.plumblocoproducts.com/portawash.html
WHEEL CHECK LOOSE WHEEL NUT INDICATOR
http://www.wheel-check.com/
are a gr8 way of finding if one of your wheel nuts on your horsebox or trailer have got loose.
These fit over the nuts a certain way and if they move you will notice the points have come out of alignment
pictures can be seen on the sites below
http://www.redcatindustries.com/
http://www.redcatindustries.com/wheelsafe.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wheel_nut_indicators.jpg
can be purchased here too
http://www.tadcommunicationswatford.co.uk/sem-commercialvehiclepartsandaccessoriesslough.html?refcd=go46492742s&tsacr=GO9206234021
There are 3 main types
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUyGI4RO8u0&feature=channelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FO-vwqMu5nQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FO-vwqMu5nQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUyGI4RO8u0&feature=channelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FO-vwqMu5nQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FO-vwqMu5nQ