|
|
|
|
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
About
the Vehicle
Q1. Which is the best truck
to buy for a horsebox?
A. In our experience most of the commercial vehicles
available today are suitable for our use. More important is the general
condition of vehicle and the use it has had in its previous life. If
you have a preference for a particular vehicle don't go forward with
blinkers!
You may pass a better condition, better value vehicle of another
manufacturer. Don't be afraid to ask for a test drive. Check that you
can achieve a comfortable and safe driving position.
Remember that a recent test certificate doesn't mean the vehicle
is fault free, but it does go part way. If you are not a qualified mechanic
always have the vehicle checked out by somebody who is!
back to top
Q2.What
do the model numbers on the chassis cab mean?
A. The first numbers indicate the vehicle weight,
the second the bhp. of the engine.
Examples. Cargo 0813. The 08 is the code for 7.5 ton.
The 13 represents 130 bhp engine size.
814 Mercedes. = 7.5 ton with a 140 bhp engine.
This number system is adopted by most of the commercial vehicle
manufacturers.
back to top
Q3. Which size engine should
we go for?
A. As horseboxes are usually driven carefully, at first
sight it may seem unnecessary to have a large engined vehicle. However,
as we are now using motorways more frequently, the need to cruise without
engine strain or excessive noise is of paramount importance. This can
only be achieved with a large engined unit. If you mainly use the box
for short local trips a small engine unit can be a more economical proposition.
The latest 7.5-ton vehicles can have engines as large as 160
bhp. It seems only a few years ago the Bedford TK was king.
It's engine produced only 90 bhp !
As a general rule we would suggest that the larger engine the
better, even if your use may dictate a smaller unit, think of the resale
value!
If we were buying a 7.5 ton vehicle for a customer we would
not look at anything under 130 bhp.
back to top
Q4. What does 7490 KG on the plating
certificate mean?
A. The GVW (gross vehicle weight) shown on the plating
certificate is the Maximum weight the vehicle can be when fully loaded.
back to top
Q5. I have heard of people
being stopped by the police and then fined for overweight. How can I
avoid this happening to me?
A. You should be aware of the unladen weight of your
vehicle. This can be easily established by taking the unit to a Public
Weighbridge.
Armed with the unladen weight, now add the weight of your load.
(Horses, people, tack, dog, sandwiches and mother-in-law).
This total should not exceed the GVW.
For accuracy consider two trips to the weighbridge.
The first unladen and the second fully loaded.
The few pounds this will cost you could save a fine of over
£1000.
back to top
Q6. Can I be overweight
on either axle?
A. It is possible to be prosecuted if overweight on
either axle. The plating certificate will show different limits against
each axle.
Axle 1 is the front and on a 7490 KG vehicle will be around
3000 KG.
Axle 2 is the rear, and will be around 5000 KG.
To be sure you are legal it is wise to have 3 weighs on the
weighbridge.
1). Front wheels on.
2) All wheels on.
3). Rear wheels on.
With the weighbridge ticket you can now compare with the figures
on the plating certificate.
The responsible horsebox manufacturer has always been aware
that the position of the horses in relation to the rear axle is crucial
in achieving a properly balanced vehicle.
We have recently discussed this situation with a customer who
is a magistrate. By coincidence he had just fined a commercial operator
£600 for being overweight on the front axle.
You have been warned!
back to top
Q7. Do I need to use the tachograph?
A. If you are using the box for private purposes
you are not required to use the tachograph.
back to top
Q8. Do I need an Operators Licence
for my box.
A. All commercial vehicles over 3500 KG when being
used commercially are required to have a current Operators Licence.
If you are using the box for private purposes you are exempt.
Beware. If you are transporting any load for reward, ie. a producer
taking ponies to a show, a livery yard owner taking his clients to a
show, you must have a current Operators Licence.
In addition the vehicle must not be taxed as private heavy goods,
and must be run on a tachograph. Remember that if involved in an accident
and it was shown that you were in contravention of any of the above
it is unlikely that your insurance would be valid!
back to top
About
the Container
Q9. Exactly what is a "Coachbuilt"
box?
A. The term "Coachbuilt" is seen in many horsebox
adverts.
It is generally thought that a new build on either a new or
pre used chassis is a "Coachbuilt".
However, the established manufacturers would argue that a traditionally
constructed box based on a steel or aluminium frame, (or in days of
old a hardwood frame, usually ash), is a true "Coachbuilt". The frame
is clad externally with a smooth sided sheet.
Aluminium being the preferred modern material.
Most new boxes are today constructed of a GRP faced board.
Although the manufacturers of these units may disagree, we can't accept
these as "Coachbuilt".
back to top
Q10. I have been told that
a conversion is inferior to a new build.
Is that correct?
A. The obvious difference is that with a conversion
we are working from a
box van that is pre-used.
A good condition ex-commercial GRP van can be converted to the
same level as a new GRP build. (At a fraction of the cost of the new
material). There is an obvious advantage in starting with new materials,
but for the average DIY builder working in the open, having a waterproof
"shed" from the outset is not only saving money but enables the job
to continue "indoors" during bad weather.
back to
top
Q11. What is GRP or Glasonite?
A. Glasonite is the trade name for GRP board.
The boards are available in single sheets up to a maximum
size of 40'-0" long x 14'-0" high.
They are constructed from a core of plywood (usually ¾" or 18mm
thick), faced both sides with a skin of fibreglass. The external skin
is usually a smoother finish than the interior. (But not to the fine
finish of aluminium).
For many horsebox manufacturers these sheets represent the most
economical way of constructing the external wall of a container. Once
lifted into position it is a simple matter to fix with either bolts
or rivets, cut out the openings for windows and door, the side is ready!
The main disadvantage of such a construction is the lack of
lateral strength, and the vulnerability of the board to dampness ingress.
Any damp, which penetrates the outer skin of fibreglass, will
seep into the plywood core and could cause rot in the future.
Unless double skinned there can also be a problem with internal
condensation.
back
to top
Q12. Which box van construction,
is the best to convert?
A. The two most popular forms of van construction
are: -
a). Aluminium. The original operator for maximum payload would
specify an aluminium container. The construction of such containers
are therefore the lightest available, without any consideration to the
overall strength of the unit. They can be strengthened, but this takes
time and money. Also by the time they become available to us they are
usually scratched and dented on the external face.
Not the finish we require for our new horsebox! REMEMBER it requires
the same investment in time and money to convert a bad container
as it does a good one.
b). GRP/GRP Board/Glasonite/Fibreglass Faced.
GRP board has a tougher external face, therefore standing up
better to the occasional knock.
The disadvantages are that as a raw material it is heavier than
aluminium, and is vulnerable to dampness ingress, which can cause the
internal core (plywood) to rot without it being apparent from a visible
external examination. In addition we must bolt through to the external
face to achieve any meaningful fix.
(With a frame construction we have vertical uprights at regular
intervals enabling us to achieve a strong fix for partition mountings
etc. etc.)
back
to top
Q13. Should we retain the tilt cab
facility?
A. We consider the decision to tilt or not is dependent
on the value of the living to the customer. If it is intended to use
the living for regular overnight stops, with maybe a number of multi-nights
away, the water and draught-proofing problems associated with the hinged
front flap, lifting floor and detachable cab access, does not seem a
practical option.
If the living were just for day use, with the Luton front more
for looks than of real value, we would suggest retaining the tilt cab.
Remember, the asset value of the horsebox is usually increased
with a coachbuilt front and full cab access.
On a non-tilt cab unit making the raised section of floor between
the driver and passenger seats completely removable can access the engine.
From this access most of the routine engine servicing can be
carried out with only a minimum of inconvenience. Should the worst happen
and the engine require taking out, the front axle will have to be dropped.
As would also be the case if a fixed Luton front was in place, as there
is a limited amount of space between the engine and the underside of
the Luton. Not enough space for lifting tackle to remove the engine.
back
to top
About
Horsebox Design
Q14. What size container do we need?
A. There are a number of points to consider here.
a). The number of horses to be carried.
b). Size of horses.
c). Living area requirement.
d). Any parking or access limitation.
d). Weight.
In the trade we work on 1mtr (33") for each horse, and 600 cm
(24") for ponies. These sizes are for guidance only.
Based on the above a 3 horse could need 9/10' (2.8mtr/3.2mtr).
The same area could accommodate 4 ponies.
A comfortable day living would need 6'-0" (1.8mtr). A toilet/shower
or tack area could be fitted into 3'-0" (90cm).
Based on the above an 18'-0" (5.4mtr) container would be adequate.
If you plan to travel herringbone, an 8'-0" (2.45mtr) Wide container
would be the best option. We would build a new box to height of 7'-6"
(2.25mtr).
In box van terms, this would usually mean an 8'-0" high unit.
REMEMBER height is not just clearance for the horses ears,
but VOLUME. ie. air space.
The greater the volume the more air there is around the horse.
This will lead to a more comfortable horse area. An 8'-0" high container
on a 7.5 ton chassis
(17.5" wheels) will be approx. 11'-6" high overall.
Any higher than this may give problems with the occasional low bridge,
but will certainly give problems with tree branches.
back
to top
Q15. Which ramp spring system is
best?
A. The two most popular systems are:
a) Under slung or b) Exposed side springs.
Of the two, side springs are the most efficient, and the easiest
to fit, whilst offering the maximum adjustment.
The system can be fine-tuned so one person can easily lift the ramp.
Unfortunately they don't look as good as unders!
Under springs are by far the most popular.
They require the ramp to be hung in such a way that the drop
mounting plates do not infringe the underside of the hanging rail when
the ramp
is lowered to the floor.
We supply the spring set with a number of adjustments, enabling
the DIY installer achieve a professionally balanced ramp.
In short neither can be said to be best.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
For the inexperienced the sides are less problematical.
The unders look better, but don't work quite as well.
back to top
Q16. Why do you recommend heavy
and expensive rubber flooring in the
horse area?
A. A good quality rubber flooring with a minimum thickness
of 10mm. helps the horse achieve a positive grip.
Thin cheap rubber doesn't offer much grip and is less hard wearing.
We supply both 10mm ribbed sheet and liquid granulistic.
Both are good value for money.
back
to top
Q17. How much ventilation
should we allow?
A. It is usual to allow for two opening windows (one
nearside, one offside) for each horse carried. The windows must be made
from toughened glass, with the head window opening protected by vertical
bars.
(Horizontal bars are more vulnerable to a bored horse).
back
to top
Q18. Why on "FOXLEA" boxes
do you block out the light from the
fibreglass roof?
A. Our usual treatment of the roof is to insulate between
the roof sticks, and then Under-draw with white polyester coated ply.
The opaque fibreglass acts in a similar manner to a greenhouse.
It only needs to be a bright spring day and the temperature can
rise alarmingly.
One of the most common causes of horses sweating up in transit
can be traced to an increase in temperature and the lack of ventilation.
A bonus with the above treatment is the reduction in condensation
in cold weather.
back
to top
Q19. What are the advantages
of the half-skirted partition?
A. Whilst in transit the horse will be continually
trying to balance against the movement of the vehicle. With a half skirt
partition we can allow the horse to be snug at his flanks whilst improving
his balance by spreading his feet beyond the partition line. By comparison,
with a full-length partition if we allow space at floor level for the
horse to spread his feet, his upper body will be bouncing in a space
too wide for his width.
REMEMBER. We can discuss the theories all day, but it is down
to you to establish the method which suits your horses best.
back
to top
|
|
|