Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Safety & Legality
Are 3.5T horseboxes safe for transporting horses?
Yes – if they are built correctly. Safety in a 3.5T horsebox depends on structural reinforcement, weight distribution, braking performance, and the quality of the build, not just the base vehicle.
Poorly built horseboxes can flex under load, place excessive stress on axles, and compromise horse stability during braking or cornering. A properly engineered factory-built horsebox, built to a known and verified standard, addresses these risks at the point of construction.
What safety features should a well built horsebox include?
At a minimum, a well-built horsebox should include:
- Triple reinforced bulkhead between the horse area and driver’s cabin
- Aluminium plank flooring (not plywood)
Aluminium side safety cell construction - Secure stallion partitions with solid structural mounting points
- Correctly positioned breast and breech bars
- One-piece non-slip rubber flooring to prevent moisture ingress
- Adequate ventilation and horse fans
The absence of these features increases risk in emergency braking, sudden manoeuvres, or collision scenarios.
Is a newly built horsebox from another brand the same as a newly built Liberty Horsebox?
At a minimum, a well-built horsebox should include:
- Triple reinforced bulkhead between the horse area and driver’s cabin
- Aluminium plank flooring (not plywood)
Aluminium side safety cell construction - Secure stallion partitions with solid structural mounting points
- Correctly positioned breast and breech bars
- One-piece non-slip rubber flooring to prevent moisture ingress
- Adequate ventilation and horse fans
The absence of these features increases risk in emergency braking, sudden manoeuvres, or collision scenarios.
Payload & Legal Use
What payload should I realistically expect from a 3.5T horsebox?
A realistic payload for a correctly built 3.5T horsebox typically falls between 900kg and 1,200kg, depending on the base vehicle, build specification, materials used, and additional features.
Payload must account for:
- Horses
- Passengers
- Fuel
- Tack and equipment
Any advertised payload should be treated with caution unless confirmed on a weighbridge after the build is complete.
Why do payload figures vary so much between horseboxes?
Payload varies due to differences in:
- Base vehicle specification
- Age and mileage of the chassis
- Materials used in the build
- Optional features and layout
Payload is often quoted optimistically or calculated before a horsebox is fully completed. The only accurate payload figure is one measured after construction.
Is it illegal to overload a 3.5T horsebox?
Yes. Exceeding the 3,500kg maximum authorised mass is illegal and can invalidate insurance, result in penalties, and compromise vehicle safety.
This is why accurate payload calculation and transparency are essential when choosing a horsebox.
Liberty vs Other Brands (New & Pre-Owned)
How does a pre-owned Liberty Horsebox compare to a pre-owned horsebox from another brand?
A pre-owned Liberty Horsebox was originally built by Liberty, meaning the original build specification, materials, and safety features are fully known and traceable.
Pre-owned horseboxes from other manufacturers may also be sold by Liberty, but only after passing a strict inspection process to ensure they meet Liberty’s safety regulations and build standards.
Some manufacturers’ horseboxes are not accepted at all due to construction methods that do not meet Liberty’s safety criteria.
The key difference is not the badge — it is whether the horsebox meets Liberty’s safety and structural standards.
Why won’t Liberty Horseboxes accept some brands on part exchange?
Because safety is determined by construction methods used at the point of build. Some horseboxes are built using processes or materials that cannot be adequately reinforced or verified after completion.
If a horsebox does not meet Liberty’s safety requirements for structural reinforcement, flooring, partitions, or weight distribution, it is not accepted for resale, regardless of appearance or age.
This policy exists to protect customers and maintain consistent safety standards across all horseboxes sold by Liberty.
Are Regent Horseboxes built to the same standard as Liberty Horseboxes?
Regent Horseboxes are built in the same factory environment and follow a comparable construction process. This shared build origin allows Liberty to verify construction methods, materials, and safety features with confidence.
As a result, pre-owned Regent Horseboxes are treated differently to horseboxes built by manufacturers whose build processes cannot be verified.
How does Liberty assess whether a pre-owned horsebox meets its safety standards?
All non-Liberty pre-owned horseboxes undergo a comprehensive inspection covering structural integrity, flooring, partitions, safety features, payload accuracy, and overall build quality.
Only horseboxes that meet Liberty’s internal safety regulations and standards are accepted for resale. This process ensures that customers are not exposed to unknown construction risks or compromised safety features.
Cost, Value & Longevity
What affects the cost of a 3.5T horsebox?
The main cost factors include:
- Age and condition of the base vehicle
- Build specification and materials used
- Level of structural reinforcement
- Safety engineering
- Aftercare, warranty, and support
Lower-priced horseboxes often compromise on materials, reinforcement, or long-term durability.
Why do some horseboxes appear much cheaper than others?
Cheaper horseboxes often use:
- Older or higher-mileage base vehicles
- Lighter or lower-grade materials
- Minimal structural reinforcement
- Limited or no warranty
These compromises may not be obvious visually but can affect safety, longevity, and resale value.
Aftercare, Warranty & Ongoing Support
What warranty and aftercare does Liberty Horseboxes provide?
Liberty Horseboxes include:
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12 months MOT
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12 months build warranty
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6 months mechanical warranty
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Breakdown cover
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Servicing, repairs, MOTs and parts support available on site
Why does build origin matter more than whether a horsebox is new or pre-owned?
Because the most critical safety and structural decisions are made during the original build. Reinforcement, flooring, safety cells, and weight distribution cannot be fully assessed or altered once construction is complete.
A known build origin allows buyers to make informed decisions based on how a horsebox was engineered, not just how it looks or how old it is.
Bucknell
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX27 7LT
