DAF LF forms basis of new Equi-Trek Envoy horsebox

Leading UK horsebox builder Equi-Trek has chosen DAF’s LF model as the basis of its new 12 tonne Envoy horsebox. The new model was launched in July at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.

Manufacture of Envoy has already begun at Equi-Trek’s production facility in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire at an initial rate of one a week. The company expects to sell the horsebox mainly to professional equestrians in the UK and across Europe, where it has an established sales network.

Tom Janion, a partner in the firm with his father Ray, says that the combination of the competitive cost of the DAF LF chassis combined with their own efficient production methods and buying power have resulted in a 12 tonne horsebox that is available at a price starting at under £60,000.

“This is a highly attractive price for a horsebox of this size and quality,” says Mr Janion. “It should prove very appealing to a wide range of people, not only professional riders, but also some amateur or leisure riders who might otherwise buy a used vehicle. With an Envoy they get a brand new vehicle on a DAF chassis that is fully warranted and for which there is first-class service and parts back-up.”

Envoy is based on the 5.4 metre wheelbase DAF LF chassis at power ratings from 160 to 210 bhp (118 to 152 kW). This uses the four-cylinder FR engine employing SCR technology to meet Euro V emissions standards and has second generation on-board diagnostics. A six speed manual transmission is standard in the LF with the AS-tronic automated gearbox as an option.

Clever integration of the cab profile with the body has ensured an aesthetically pleasing appearance and good aerodynamics whilst still allowing the cab to be easily tilted for maintenance access. A dual passenger seat has also been specified to allow up to three people to travel in the cab. A reversing camera assists safe and easer parking of the vehicle and allows observation of the horse area from a seven inch monitor in the cab.

The Equi-Trek Envoy is designed to carry four/five horses in safety and comfort. Access is by a large, well-balanced and easy to operate rear ramp. This leads into a spacious stabling area with well-padded movable partitions to allow for different sizes of horse. Ample tie rings allow each animal to be well secured and easy to clean materials are used throughout.

Up to six riders and grooms can enjoy comfortable accommodation in the living area. This features a dining/leisure area with upholstered seats and storage for bedding and personal equipment underneath, a large removable dining table, a tv/dvd, and two wardrobes in which to hang riding apparel. There’s a fully-fitted handbuilt kitchen area and independent changing area/shower room.

Large underfloor and side storage lockers provide ample space for feedstuffs, saddles and tack and are accessed by power-assisted, lockable doors. Other lockers provide storage for the optional generator, gas bottles and 240 volt electricity supply.

A key part of the appeal of the DAF chassis on which to base Envoy was the extensive network of over 1,000 dealers and service points across Europe. In the UK alone there are 150. This means that users will always have access to local dealer support wherever they are located.

Underpinning this is DAF’s ITS service, which provides industry-leading response times to a breakdown anywhere in the UK or mainland Europe and which can be critical when animals are being carried. The ITS service, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covers 41 countries, and calls are dealt with in 15 different languages.