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Preparing your Horsebox for a Lockdown let down

As we head into the winter months and another spell of lockdown, horses might be taking a little holiday as riders could be side-lined. Apart from the frustrations of reduced training, match practice and competition over the coming weeks, have you considered the implications this may have on your horsebox?


What is best practise for maintaining a lorry when it’s not in regular use? Read on to find out more!


Equine Quality director, Candice, usually uses her EQ horsebox all year round. If not for travelling to shows but to go training or to taking it to viewings or as a tradestand exhibition. Currently however, there are fewer reasons to hit the road.


If in these current times, you are not regularly using your horsebox, Candice recommends it gets run at least every two weeks. Not just turned on either, driven around in, horseless if necessary. This can help prevent the brakes from seizing up. (This might not be practical during lockdown and turning over stationary might have to suffice according to current government guidelines regarding essential travel.)


Think about where you will house your horsebox – a muddy patch or damp grass can rot the chassis and also makes it harder if you do have to move it. Leaving it under trees is best avoided, landing debris can cause damage to the paint or body work. Rotten leaves will lead to mould on the roof and in seals or windscreen wipers. Hard standing or under cover, such as in a barn is better if possible.




Ensure your levels of anti-freeze and it’s strength are satisfactory – you may need to top up several times over the winter or add some more to increase it’s strength during a really cold snap.


To prevent a water leak – drain the water from your tank and pipes. Top up enough to meet requirements if you head out with horses but drain again afterwards. If water freezes overnight during a really cold spell, the ice can damage the pipes leading to cracking and leaking.


Gas bottles should also be turned off. The toilet tank should also be emptied.


Have a clear out of your cupboards – damp, muddy clothes stuffed in a drawer could lead to mould and bad smells. The emergency digestive biscuits should be taken out – you don’t want to entice mice!




Whilst on the subject of damp – if your lorry has a hook up you could run the heating at least once a week throughout the winter. This will help to prevent damp from building up. You can also put a dehumidifying gel in the living and cab to absorb excess moisture. Another option is a plug in heater on a low temperature – as long as it is safe to do so.


Clean out the horse area! Urine and droppings can damage the floor. In fact, clean the whole lorry. A thorough clean without the time constraints of getting ready for a show can highlight any minor repairs. Get these done over the winter so they don’t become big problems when you come to use the truck more in the spring or post lockdown.


 

EQ are based in Sussex and offer a full valet service. This service is great for both horsebox owners wanting to sell their truck and those just wanting them to have a thorough clean. We can also arrange servicing and MOT’s, habitation and appliance checks and help with maintenance and repairs.


Whether you are thinking about upgrading or downsizing your horsebox over the winter, speak to Equine Quality. We have our own EQ builds available as well as a superior selection of used horseboxes to suit all budgets and requirements. Equine Quality can also act as your selling agent for your existing horsebox – saving you hours of time and upfront advertising costs.


If you have any questions regarding your horsebox or our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Email: sales@equinequality.com


Call: 01825 831 931




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