A One-horsed Trailer for Use with the Private Car.
Page 63
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J'ITHERTO the motor horsebox, whether in the form of a complete vehicle or a power-hauled trailer, has been chiefly used for the conveyance of horses entered for race meetings, but a further use for such equipment is indicated by a new type of two-wheeled trailer which has just been placed on the market by the Eccles Motor Cara
vans, Ltd., Gosta Green, Birmingham. From numerous inquiries which the company has received it has been made quite evident that there is a considerable demand for boxes to be used in a private capacity for bunting, and it is to meet this demand that this vehicle has been produced.
The new trailer is mainly intended for the use of the hunter who is also a motorist, for by its use he can convey his horse to the meet in a trailer attached to the car in which he travels, returning after the meet in the same way. This method has distinct advantages, one of the chief being that it overcomes the possibility of a tedious journey, perhaps over a long distance, affecting the condition of the animal.
The box is built up of oak framing on a dropped axle running on roller bearings, and as the floor level is only 1 ft. 2 ins, from the ground the horse can readily be led into and out of the interior. To facilitate these operations the two ends are made to drop, and they are of such a length that they form gradually inclined ramps. To enable the front end of the trailer to be lowered, the towing pole is made easily detachable. The method of attachment to the vehicle used for hauling is similar to that adopted in the case of the company's caravan trailers, the towing pole being so arranged that automatic braking can be effected.
The oak framing of the body is strengthened by ironwork and the walls are constructed of double-armoured thick plywood, which is covered on both sides with steel sheeting.
In spite of its robust construction the trailer is of comparatively light build, so that when carrying a horse the total weight should not be too great for a private car to pull over ordinary roads.