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The Solution Section (FAQ)
What is an Equi-Trek Horse Van and how is it different from a trailer?
Equi-Trek Horse Vans by L & D Trailers are European-style horseboxes where your truck and horse trailer become one vehicle, so you drive WITH your horses instead of towing them behind. There is no hitching up, no trailer sway, and no worry about a trailer disconnecting or its brakes and lights failing, because there is no separate trailer. You can monitor and comfort your horses directly during travel.
Why do horses face backwards in the Equi-Trek Horse Vans?
Rear-facing travel is safer and preferred by most horses. A study of a one-hour journey found a significant decrease in heart rate in horses traveling backwards, and those horses rested more often on their rumps to maintain balance. Forward-facing horses held their heads higher, moved more frequently due to difficulty balancing, and vocalized more often.
How much does an Equi-Trek Horse Van cost?
The VISION Horse Vans start at $69,999 and run to $85,000 with many options, which is about the same as a new heavy-duty pickup truck. By comparison, a truck like the F350 alone can run close to $70,000, and a good horse trailer can add another $20,000 to $60,000 on top of that. They are also cost-effective over time, with lower tire, oil-change, and toll-road costs.
What chassis and engine are the Horse Vans built on?
All Equi-Trek Horse Vans are built on a brand-new Ford Transit chassis. The VISION is powered by a 3.7L V6 275 horsepower gas engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox that meets the latest emission standards. It sits on a Ford 350 chassis with dually wheels, sway bars, and the Ford ST Traction control system for superior stability, and all warranties are standard with Ford.
How many horses fit in an Equi-Trek Horse Van, and can it handle large horses?
The VISION is a compact, easy-to-drive two-stall horsebox, and horses as large as 18 hands can ride comfortably. If you have more than two horses, the Ford 650 can be customized to fit up to four and as many as six horses. Horses ride between the axles for a comfortable, solid ride and load via a side ramp so the handler can guide them.
Who makes Equi-Trek, and who brought it to America?
Equi-Trek was founded in Yorkshire, England in 1999 and is the largest HorseBox manufacturer in the UK. Drawing on the makers' international competition experience and their selection of options, Equi-trek LTD calls itself the Choice of Champions. Horse owners Lynn and Dan Roberge brought the concept to America after researching manufacturers worldwide, choosing the Ford Transit for its quality and durability and forming a partnership through their parent company, L & D Trailers, as Equi-Trek Portland.
How long does it take to get a Horse Van, and is financing available?
L & D Trailers keeps some Equi-Trek VISIONS available, but ordering one built for your needs may take 4 to 6 months depending on cab availability and the Ford Transit build schedule. Several financing partners are offered, including Ford Financing and commercial financing for lease or purchase of the VISION with 50% business use. For a training stable, breeding farm, or other horse business, the Horse Vans are a legitimate, tax-deductible expense.
How do I get more details or order an Equi-Trek Horse Van?
Lynn and Dan Roberge are happy to talk through your horses, your travel needs, and customization options such as leather seats, Bluetooth, and full cab customization. They are also accepting orders now for the upcoming VISION RV and VISION 5 seater. Call Equi-Trek Horse Vans at L & D Trailers at 541-806-6333 or visit https://www.equi-trek-portland.com to learn more.
What is Equi-Trek's patented side-loading design and why does it matter?
Equi-Trek pioneered a low, wide side-loading ramp that lets a horse walk forward into the trailer rather than being backed up or turned around in a tight straight-load. The horse also exits by walking forward down the same wide ramp, so it never has to back out blind. Many owners find nervous or hard-to-load horses settle much faster with this natural walk-on, walk-off motion.
Who sells Equi-Trek Horse Vans in Oregon?
They are sold by L & D Trailers, owned by Lynn and Dan Roberge, the Oregon Equi-Trek dealership. The Roberges are 30-year Oregon residents and horse owners who operate from Trail Dust Trailers near the Mount Hood Equestrian Center in Boring, Oregon. You can reach them at 541-806-6333 or
[email protected].
What are Equi-Trek trailers made of?
They are built on a galvanized steel frame with aluminum tongue-and-groove floorboards, composite-material walls, rubber matting in the horse area, and a fiberglass roof with an aerodynamic front cowling. Newer models use lightweight composite materials with no wood products, so there is nothing inside that can rot over time.
How much does an Equi-Trek cost?
Pricing starts at $19,999 for the smallest Apollo and runs up to $32,999 for the Night Treka, with the three-horse Space Treka III starting at $31,999. Those prices include factory shipping to a US port plus a roughly $2,000 custom/import fee. Call 541-806-6333 for a build-specific quote, since options affect final price.
What models are available?
The trailer range includes the Apollo, Day Treka, Night Treka, Star Treka, Space Treka III, Multi Treka, and Carriage Treka. The horsebox (living-quarters) line includes the Equi-Trek Vision, Vision Excel, and Vision RV, plus large horseboxes by special order. The Star Treka and Multi Treka are special-order only.
How big a horse will fit in an Equi-Trek?
The horse area offers a full 7'6" of height that accommodates horses up to 17.3 hands. The Day Treka and Night Treka step up to 7'9" of height specifically to give tall Warmbloods plenty of headroom. Equi-Trek markets these as big enough for 18-hand horses.
What is the tongue weight, and is it easy to tow?
Because the horses ride over the axles, the maximum tongue weight on the hitch is just 330 lbs. Combined with all-wheel independent suspension and surge/mechanical brakes on every wheel, the trailer tows smoothly and stays balanced. Dual wheels with sway bars add extra stability on the road.
Can a smaller SUV tow an Equi-Trek?
Yes — L & D Trailers notes that many smaller SUVs with an adequate factory tow package can pull a loaded Equi-Trek thanks to the low tongue weight and over-the-axle balance. You should always check your specific vehicle's tow capacity and tow package before purchase. The dealership can help you match a model to your tow vehicle.
How much do Equi-Trek trailers weigh?
They range from about 1,800 lbs for the smallest Apollo up to roughly 3,300 lbs for the largest Space Treka III. The lightweight composite construction keeps weight down while preserving strength. Lower trailer weight is part of what makes them towable by smaller vehicles.
How do the three-horse models position the horses?
The three-horse Multi Treka and Space Treka III use a slant herringbone arrangement with rear loading, where the horses face backward. This layout uses space efficiently and keeps the load balanced over the axles. The Space Treka III also includes large tack areas near the hitch with a hay room.
How does the stall divider work?
The divider is hinged at the rear and adjusts off the centerline so you can give a larger horse more room or balance two different-sized horses. It can also be removed entirely to create a single open stall, which is ideal for one horse or a mare-and-foal combination. This flexibility lets one trailer serve several hauling needs.
Is there a living-quarters or RV option?
Yes — the horsebox line offers owner accommodation, from the Equi-Trek Vision and Vision Excel up to the fully customizable Vision RV. The small horsebox range is built on a one-ton Ford Transit chassis and can carry up to two horses while offering a large 6 ft x 6 ft tack room or separate living area. The Vision RV offers multiple floor plans, a standard tack locker, and an optional second locker.
What chassis and engine do the horseboxes use?
The Vision range is built on a one-ton Ford Transit chassis with a 3.7L V-6 gas engine (diesel optional) and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Dual wheels add safety and stability. Air conditioning and rear-facing two-horse side loading are part of the design.
How long does it take to get a custom Equi-Trek built?
Custom orders are typically built in 6–10 weeks once a deposit is placed and the VIN is approved. The balance is due when the trailer arrives, and L & D Trailers provides DMV dealer services in Oregon. Trailers ship to either West Coast or East Coast US ports.
Is financing available?
Yes — L & D Trailers partners with Highland Financials Inc. for trailer financing, with alternative leasing available through Highway Commercial. They do not offer direct in-house payment plans. Talk to the dealership at 541-806-6333 to discuss which option fits your situation.
Which top riders trust Equi-Trek?
Equi-Trek is a British, family-owned brand favored by Olympic athletes and World Cup champions, including William Fox-Pitt, Oliver Townend, Phillip Dutton, and John Whitaker, as well as US Olympian Jan Ebeling. The company has been a long-standing Olympic-level sponsor (including Team GBR). That competition heritage reflects the build quality and safety standards behind every unit.
Can Equi-Trek ship to Canada, and is there a water tank option?
L & D Trailers will provide the necessary paperwork for Canadian buyers but notes they are not experienced with the Canadian import process; trailers ship to West Coast or East Coast US ports. An optional water tank is available that fits within the chassis frame with an exterior fill access point. Call 541-806-6333 to discuss shipping logistics and options for your build.
