Old Rice box conversion

Kishikirk7

Hi there,
I have recently started a conversion project, I am turning an old rice box into a camper van. I purchased the box last year and passed my driving test to pull a box. Recently, i went to get a trailer service company to take a look at the brakes etc... He wouldn't even entertain me for 1 minute! I know getting brake shoes on this might be impossible but is it possible to change the hitch to something more modern/safer. I recently read a UK thread where someone changed there hitch lock to a Bradley Double hitch lock. She said her mechanic did this with little difficulty? I had no idea about hitches etc.. before I bought this but in terms of safety I will not be carrying live stock and I drive like a snail. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
New to Boards. Thanks

Muckit

Could you post some pics? If your horsebox conversion is under 750kgs when fully laden it doesn't need brakes. If it is over 750kg it does.

I'd imagine those old horseboxes are very heavy compared to modern ones. Is it timber clad?

Everything can be done. But will it be economical is another thing.

If worse comes to worse, you could park it at end of garden, prop the body and use it as a funky garden retreat. And set your eyes on a different safer road legal caravan option.

_Brian

Look at some of the hitched on caravans.
They have a clamping action that clamps onto the towball each side as well as locking as standard.

The result is it seriously reduces the potential for snaking as you tow.

I expect you should get a second hand one from a caravan breakers.

Maybe I’m biased being a caravan owner but would a small two berth in need of refurbishment not be a more suitable starting point.

Wildsurfer

Is 'Rice' box a typo or slang?

Muckit

Wildsurfer wrote: »

Is 'Rice' box a typo or slang?

No the make. Rice made horseboxes and other stock trailer too. I think they were british

Say my name

Muckit wrote: »

No the make. Rice made horseboxes and other stock trailer too. I think they were british

Heavy box they were too.

If someone had their mind on converting a horsebox. It would have to be an ifor Williams. Well made to last, easily pulled and more especially, brakes.

Nekarsulm

www.wtltrailers.co.uk

_Brian

Say my name wrote: »

Heavy box they were too.

If someone had their mind on converting a horsebox. It would have to be an ifor Williams. Well made to last, easily pulled and more especially, brakes.

I heard of lads putting two sets of bunks into an Ifor and using it as a crash zone at a festival.

Say my name

_Brian wrote: »

I heard of lads putting two sets of bunks into an Ifor and using it as a crash zone at a festival.

Glamping in style.

Muckit

_Brian wrote: »

I heard of lads putting two sets of bunks into an Ifor and using it as a crash zone at a festival.

Slurry tank fitted = ensuite!

mayota

Reminds me of this guy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS1oqRFi52Y&feature=share

AckwelFoley

Say my name wrote: »

Heavy box they were too.

If someone had their mind on converting a horsebox. It would have to be an ifor Williams. Well made to last, easily pulled and more especially, brakes.

The brakes Ifor Williams use including the brake cables are the same brakes used on perhaps 90% of all braked trailers on the road. Knott Avonride.