If you are in the market for a new horsebox, it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. Whether you’re buying new or second-hand, you want to ensure sure it is suitable for your needs, and you carry out a thorough inspection before committing yourself to buying.
What should I check on a horsebox?
Whether you already own a horsebox, or are looking to buy one, the main areas and things you should check are:
- The floor: most floors in horseboxes are either made of plywood with rubber matting on top in which case it is advisable to lift the mat up to check for any signs of rot, or aluminium planking. It’s also a good idea to check the vehicle underneath.
- The ramp: the condition of the wood on the ramp, as well as how heavy the ramp is and whether the springs on the ramp can be adjusted.
- The ceiling: that there are no leaks coming through, and that these haven’t affected other areas of the horsebox. Leaks in the ceiling can usually be fixed by replacing the sealant.
- Signs of rust: older horseboxes may naturally start to show some signs of rust or corrosion; check underneath the horsebox to make sure the rust is not causing any structural problems.
- Mileage: it’s common for horseboxes to have a high mileage but this isn’t a problem as long as it has been looked after.
- Living area: is everything working properly, including lights and appliances?
- Tyres: check the tread depth-this should be a minimum of 1.6mm across ¾ of the breadth, or 1mm for over 3.5 tonnes, as well as tyre pressure.
- Payload: if you are buying a horsebox a good company may have invested in weighing equipment and be able to substantiate their claims about the payload of a vehicle. Alternatively, if you are unsure about the payload of your horsebox you can take it to a public weighbridge.
There are also companies who can carry out a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) for you before you buy, as well as regular safety checks during the life of the horsebox.
What else do I need to consider?
You will need to make sure you have horsebox insurance in place, as this is a legal requirement.
Under UK law you will also need to hold a specific licence depending on the weight of the vehicle that you are driving.
If you are buying a horsebox, check whether the horsebox is being sold by a business or an individual, as this will affect your consumer rights. If the horsebox is being sold by a business and you are a consumer (buying goods for personal use) then the sale will most likely fall under Consumer Rights law. If you are buying from an individual, then Consumer Rights legislation will not apply, and you will not have much protection if the item is faulty or you wish to return it.
The horsebox I’ve bought is faulty/not fit for purpose-what can I do?
If you have bought the horsebox from a business then you will be protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which automatically implies that the horsebox must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and sold as described. Under the Consumer Rights Act you normally have 30 days to return the goods, however it is always recommended to check the seller’s terms and conditions.
If you have bought the horsebox from an individual then Caveat Emptor, or “let the buyer beware” applies and you do not have the protection of Consumer Rights laws. In this case you may not be able to return the horsebox unless you can prove that the seller has breached the terms stated in the contract. In these circumstances it is preferable to have a contract put into place to protect your position as much as it is possible to do.
If you need further advice on ensuring sure your horsebox is safe, or advice on buying a horsebox, please contact our Equine Law team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers
