Horsebox brands

[Namexhangedforthis]

So, following on from my earlier thread, I’ve decided to buy a 3.9/4.5T horsebox.

I unfortunately can’t stretch to new, and am trying to get to the bottom of which builders are good. I did look on ‘dodgy horsebox builders’ Facebook group but it seems any time a brand is mentioned to be good, others will come out of the woodwork to say it isn’t. I have a feeling that all the dodgy dealers are on there bigging themselves up and bad-mouthing rival companies who may or may not be good.

I have heard the following are good and make their own boxes rather than sub-contracting out to other potentially less-good builders.

Krismar, Stephex, Oakley- all out of my price range

Bloomfield, ?John Oates, ?Huish

Potentially avoid: Regency, Alexander

Others- seem to be a lot I’ ve never heard of

I’m in the south but would travel.

Please feel free to pm me any thoughts if you’d rather not post here.

I don’t need fancy living but a good strong easy-to-drive box which will take approx 2 horse total weight 950 kg with decent storage. My budget is up to 25-30K

If a Freddie Gover 3.5 comes up, go for it. One of the best. Do not touch Unique as at any cost,.

Theault , rock solid, my 06 reg is going well, and holds its value. Dealers Atacanter are very good to deal with. Everyone who drives or borrows it raves about it, their horses travel well.

its disadvantage is a relatively low payload, my 3.5 has 980kg.

but that reflects its solid build. I could upgrade it to 3.9 or 4,2, easily. But I haven’t got any real need.

I don’t know if they do 3.5 trucks but Peper Harrow are south and well-regarded. Thinking of makes at the yards we were at when we were down that way, a couple of people had good boxes from Marlborough. But there are lots of good smaller brands (who aren’t spending huge amounts on marketing..). Whichever box you go for, make sure you get it thoroughly inspected by a mechanic who works on horse boxes so will be checking the integrity of the floor, ramp etc as well as the engine

I commented on your other thread, I have a Regent but they’re based in Blackburn so a fair way north for you! I think that’s the Regency in your OP? I toured the factory before I bought and am so happy with the build (I bought a box that was converted and then advertised rather than speccing it myself like I did with my last one). The company owner did the tour himself and nothing was too much trouble. A family member is a mechanic and I took him with me and all questions were answered satisfactorily. I paid in your price range for a brand new (albeit high mileage) four year old conversion.
A pony club pal of mine has an Alexander and it’s lovely; she highly recommends them. Sorry

Kevin Parker, North west x

Winterbournes are awesome but not sure how many are around now.

Thank you- all very helpful.
I think Regent and Regency are two different companies @lapuf

There is an 18-year old 3.5T Theault for sale at Atacanter for £21,000 so you’re right about them holding their value @user1499114292

There are a few Equihunter around- has anyone any experience of them?
Please keep any suggestions coming!

Where are you based ?

@aliceofyork I’m in the south but happy to travel as regularly visit family and friends in the north (including York!)

Im
askimg because I will have a 3.5 tonne Horsebox for sale in January . It’s built on a vauxhall
movano base. 63 plate. I’m only selling because I’m getting a larger box . DM me if you might be interested 😊

@aliceofyork Thanks but I’m really looking for 3.9T/ 4.5T so I can take two

Second Theault/Atacanter. We switched from an older Alexanders to a newer Theault last year and have been really impressed with the build quality.

Regent build for Regency and many many others.

Kevin Parker no longer trade.

Equihunter are a decent build, but don't hold their money for resale.

Alexanders don't build their own boxes, there are 2 or 3 builders they use and rebrand.

Bloomfields are a good build, slightly overpriced for what you get quality wise.

John Oates manufacture and build their boxes, rather than buy in kits to build from, as most others do.

If you are wanting a new build, I'd always recommend visiting the factories, ask about bulkhead reinforcement, floor, and chassis warranty.

Also, be sure to get a payload certificate, you’d be looking at approx. 950kgs on good quality coachbuilt 3.5 tonne. You’d get more from a panel van conversion approx. 1150-1250kgs.

I once hired a Marlborough claiming to have 1400kgs, so I took it to the weigh bridge and it had 750kgs!

As another poster said Peper Harow are excellent and do 3.9/4.5t Just remember that an upgraded 3.5t is still a 3.5 with a few bells. I'd go 5t - loads more payload and built on a more substantial chassis.
https://phhb.co.uk/portfolio/2005-renault-mascott-5t/ is a good deal. George Smith builds good boxes.

Avoid Equiwreck. I don't like Bloomfields personally and yes Freddie Gover boxes are excellent.

Avoid Equiwreck.

😂😂
But seriously, 1000% this.

I got both of mine from Priory Stud horseboxes in Braxted Essex.. the first one was second hand and I was so impressed with the build of it , I went direct for another when I upgraded from the 5 tonne to a 7.5 They work with you and can source cabs/bodies if not in stock, will alter to your spec and are very reasonable priced and a well established family business. They have a website and I would recommend calling for a chat if you are interested

Thank you all for your advice, and for the comprehensive summary @CanIinterestyouinasarcasticcomment!

Out of interest why aren’t you keen on Bloomfields @BotterMon ? With their latest collaboration with Holland Cooper I can see they’re going a bit bougie but I just want a decent secondhand day box from a few years ago.

My new shortlist (all secondhand but less than 10 years old) is:
Peper Harow
John Oates
Freddie Gover
Kevin Parker
Bloomfields
George Smith?
Theault (although probably over budget even for 10 year old box)

I’m sure there are plenty of good smaller coachbuilders around but I’m going to play it safe and go with a well-known long-established company that build solid boxes and will hopefully be easy to sell on when the time comes.