Horse box as a bike trailer : Also in Idle Banter

[DaveW_42]

Already posted this in Idle Banter but thought I'd put it in here too...
Feel free to delete one or the other!


Hey all,

After a bit of advice or opinions on using a horse box as a bike trailer.

I'm looking at getting rid of the trusty van, mainly due to difficulty finding somewhere to park it and the expensive insurance, tax, MOT and servicing for a van that is now rarely used.
Since I became a dad last year, I've not raced at all but am looking to get back into it. I've now started getting some grief about where the van's parked and am not looking forward to paying out insurance, etc for the full year, so, it has to go.
Now... I don't have a driveway or allocated parking, but I could store a horse box trailer at the bottom of my garden quite happily so no issues with storage, I also wouldn't have to tax, ins and MOT it so no outlay there either.

I'm going to be running both a wet and dry bike so the horse box trailer would have to be big enough for 2 bikes plus all the kit, awning, genny, fuel, etc. and I'd kip in the back of it too.

Question really is, does anyone use one already? Any probs with it? Is it big enough? How do they tow? Are they sealed or are there loads of open grates that allow air flow for the horses that would just make me freezing cold at night!? Can you buy them ready converted? Any reccomendations on the type of horsebox? (atm I'm looking at either a Richardson Supreme or an Ifor Williams 510).

Any help?
Cheers,
D

will two bikes fit in a horse box, yes with ease
fit some mounting points which is easy for your straps and your all good
duel axel is deffo better
the "horse head space" most have dividing bar or small wall will easily carry all your kit while the "main bay" will hold the bikes


downside
they cost a feckin fortune
make sure its not a side loader only (some are)
check your licence entilements as horseboxs come under weight scutiny more than normal ones (the trailers genrally weigh more than most peoples licence allows)
make sure the car is up to the job as said they weigh quite a bit

example: a 2 horse box would hold 3 bikes and full kit for a few weeks away

as to your questions
towing is easy get duel axel
some are sealed some are open sealed ones cost a bit more
coverting is easy weld some strap points to frame job jobbed
some gucci ones have electric piped in
dont expect change from £2500 for one that will be perfect for your needs
will get the name of the wifes one later when im home and post it for you


just dont add the horse to purchase list or you be a very poor man like me

[DaveW_42]

brilliant stuff. Cheers Dave. Now I just need to check my license and sell the van...

erm... Anyone want a van!?

Only if its free

Personally I say van, trailers are limited to speed on the motorways. As Dave Preston mentions you need B +E licence. Without grandfather rights. That means there was a cut of date for passing a car test where you got trailer added for nowt. But with a weight limit. That is unlikely to apply to a horse trailer. Off the top of my head that limit is 750kg. Your car may not be suitable for such a heavy trailer. I use my van and sleep in it. Parking isnt an issue but its a VW Transporter and failry small.

Originally Posted by daved407

Personally I say van, trailers are limited to speed on the motorways.

And the reversing issues, parking issues, storeage....

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by daved407

Personally I say van, trailers are limited to speed on the motorways.

+1 on the van!

Pros and cons of the trailers, caravans and vans.

Van is easiest TBH, I've packed two full race paddocks into a Iveco and transit and I've overtook them on the bike (I was a lazy c*** and pottered to a fuel stop and had caffeine) easily doing 90+

and me dicking round on the A1 with both of them

[DaveW_42]

Thanks for the replies guys. Am considering keeping the van now - had alook at the horse boxes but you're right - would need a diff categroy on my license. Unfortunately I missed out on the freebie things by about 4 months when I turned 17!
Van just passed its MOT with only a couple of minor things and that's having been stood for nearly a year! That thing is indestructable. Might consider building some sort of garage compartment in the back of it and a living section in the front. It's a big old thing - one of the mobility minibus things that local councils use - so there's plenty of space inside...
Anyone know a good (and cheap) chippy in the herts area!? Might have a go myself too. Am going to take photos and measure everything up and build something in maya (a 3D package) so should be able to plan it out pretty well.