Frequently Asked Questions

General

What makes Stephex Horseboxes different from other brands?

Traditional UK horsebox builders have a deep-rooted heritage of building heavy, bespoke wooden-finish interiors. Stephex challenges this legacy by introducing a modern, European automotive-grade finish using lightweight carbon-fiber looks. This modern design drastically reduces the unladen weight of the vehicle, providing superior safety engineering, better fuel efficiency, and higher legal payload capacities compared to legacy horse lorries. This ensures your horses travel in the ultimate climate-controlled comfort.

Where can I view Stephex horseboxes in person?

You can view the Stephex range in person throughout the UK by visiting us at our main dealership or at premier horse shows nationwide. Our primary UK showroom is located on Aviation Way in Carlisle, Cumbria (CA6 4NZ). Thanks to our superb transport connections right next to the airport, if you own a light aircraft or helicopter, you can even fly to us directly for a private consultation.

Alternatively, we regularly exhibit our latest inventory of new and pre-owned horseboxes at major national and international equestrian events. You can experience our premium builds firsthand at key fixtures throughout 2026, including the Belsay International Horse Trials, the Royal Highland Show, Burgham International, Scone Palace, and the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Contact our team in advance to schedule a private walk-through of our STX and AKX models during any of these events.

How do I get a quote?

Getting a quote for a new or customisable Stephex vehicle is straightforward. Whether you are looking to purchase a stock 3.5t horsebox, configure a bespoke 7.5t build, or enquire about a luxury 26-ton motorhome, our team is here to guide you through the process.

To request a personalised quotation or to discuss your specific horse transport requirements, simply contact Piers directly on 07908 749148. Alternatively, you can book a consultation or send an enquiry via email to info@stephextrucks.co.uk. We work closely with you to map out your layout choices, horse capacity needs, and any finance options required to complete your acquisition seamlessly.

Purchasing & Customization

Can I customise my Stephex horsebox?

Yes, we offer extensive options to customise your Stephex horsebox to meet your exact personal or professional requirements. Our flagship STX range represents the pinnacle of bespoke design, allowing you to tailor everything from the living accommodation layouts and automotive-grade finishes to the configuration of the equine area. Built on premium Mercedes, Scania, or Volvo frames, these heavy-duty vehicles can be fully customisable to safely transport up to nine horses in world-class comfort.

If you are looking for a compact 3.5t lorry or a versatile 7.5t build, we provide a wide range of premium configurations, luxury leather options, and layout extras. However, if you prefer a faster delivery time without navigating a lengthy customisation process, our AKX range offers a standardised, “ready-to-go” luxury build on a dependable Mercedes chassis at a more accessible price point. From luxury motorhomes with integrated garages to high-volume horse trucks, our team helps you secure the perfect transport configuration.

How long does it take to build a custom horsebox?

Production times for a custom build vary depending on your specific requirements and chosen chassis configurations. As a general guide, we advise approximately 4–5 months for a 2-horse truck (such as our high-volume 3.5t lorry models) and roughly 5–7 months for our larger HGV horse vehicles. This timeline ensures that every safety engineering detail, climate-control system, and bespoke internal finish is executed to absolute perfection.

However, if you require a luxury vehicle immediately to meet an upcoming competition or racing schedule, we also maintain a premier selection of “ready-to-go” builds. Our AKX range offers standardised, luxury configurations at a more accessible price point with significantly faster availability. Additionally, we frequently carry physical, factory-direct stock models and certified pre-owned vehicles that are available for immediate delivery.

Do you sell pre-owned horseboxes?

Yes, we often have a selection of approved pre-owned Stephex and other brand horseboxes available.

Horse Safety & Comfort

How do Stephex horseboxes ensure horse safety during transport?

Horse safety and engineering excellence are at the very heart of the Stephex design philosophy. Every vehicle we offer is built to ensure your horses travel securely, reduce travel stress, and arrive at the competition entirely composed and ready to perform.

Our trucks feature advanced safety engineering, including fully reinforced bulkheads and impact-resistant partitions to protect the horses in transit. The horse area is equipped with temperature-regulated ventilation systems, shock-absorbing flooring to minimise joint fatigue over long journeys, and custom ergonomic layouts designed specifically for stress-free loading and travel. By combining lightweight carbon-fiber styles with robust structural security, our builds provide a level of protection that far surpasses traditional, heavy wood-finish horseboxes. This keeps your equine partners completely safe while safeguarding your long-term financial investment.

Can I transport more than two horses in Stephex horseboxes?

Yes, depending entirely on the specific model and chassis configuration you choose, Stephex horseboxes can easily and safely transport more than two horses. Our high-volume 3.5t lorry models are engineered as highly maneuverable stalls ideal for transporting up to two horses safely.

However, if you manage a larger racing yard, polo team, or busy showjumping operation, our larger configurations offer significantly expanded capacities. The functional luxury AKX models, built on dependable Mercedes frames, are designed to accommodate between five and nine horses. Furthermore, our flagship STX range can be highly customised on premium Mercedes, Scania, or Volvo frames to transport up to nine horses in world-class, climate-controlled comfort. This ensures that no matter the size of your string, your horses travel under the highest levels of safety engineering.

Driving & Licensing

What type of license do I need to drive a Stephex horsebox?

This depends on the size and weight of the model. Smaller 2-horse models can often be driven with a standard car license (B), while larger trucks typically require a C or C+E license.

Are Stephex horseboxes easy to drive?

Yes, Stephex horseboxes are specifically engineered to be incredibly easy, smooth, and intuitive to drive. Unlike traditional, heavy British builds that can feel cumbersome, Stephex vehicles feature a modern European design built on premium Mercedes, Scania, or Volvo chassis. These automotive-grade foundations ensure that handling, steering, and braking feel exactly like driving a modern luxury car or commercial van rather than a heavy utility truck.

Our high-volume 3.5t lorry models offer exceptional maneuverability through narrow UK country lanes and busy event grounds, making them a favourite for casual hobbyists and professional riders alike. Across our entire range, including larger full-HGV models, advanced driver comfort and performance mobility systems come as standard. With features such as intelligent cruise control, ergonomic cabins, high-definition camera monitoring systems, and advanced stability control, you and your horses will arrive at your destination composed, relaxed, and entirely stress-free.

Maintenance & Support

Do you provide servicing and repairs?

We offer complete ownership confidence through our dedicated UK aftersales support team. This includes comprehensive factory warranties, rapid access to genuine replacement parts, and a nationwide horsebox mobile repairs network. If an issue arises while you are at a show jumping event or at home, our mobile technicians can come directly to your yard to minimise your downtime and keep your truck moving flawlessly.

Where can I find replacement parts or accessories?

Genuine Stephex parts and accessories can be ordered directly through our official UK service network. We maintain direct access to the European factory inventory to ensure that sourcing replacement components for your STX or AKX horsebox is completely seamless. From specialised equine safety components and window grilles to custom internal fittings, using official factory parts protects your comprehensive warranty and maintains the high resale value of your vehicle.

To order components or accessories for your horse truck, simply contact our Carlisle support desk directly via phone or email. Our specialist technicians are on hand to identify the exact parts required for your specific chassis build, minimising your downtime and ensuring your transport continues to operate flawlessly.

Financing & Delivery

Do you offer financing or leasing options?

Yes, we offer highly flexible, competitive financing and leasing solutions tailored for both personal and commercial business needs. We understand that acquiring a luxury asset requires careful capital management, which is why we work alongside specialist equestrian lenders to structure packages that suit your specific financial requirements.

Our bespoke finance options include tax-efficient leasing, structured hire purchase agreements, VAT deferrals mapped to your cash flow, small initial deposits, and lower monthly payments with larger balloon options. Whether you are an elite amateur buyer investing in an AKX model or a professional racing yard acquiring an STX flagship vehicle, our team is here to guide you seamlessly through the funding process. Please see our dedicated finance page for further information or to start your application.

Can Stephex horseboxes be delivered internationally?

Yes, we facilitate worldwide delivery and maintain a strong, active network of international clients across Europe and beyond. Whether you are an international show jumper moving between seasonal tours, a continental racing yard, or a UK-based buyer looking to transport vehicles abroad, we can handle the logistics seamlessly.

Our expert team manages the entire international transit process, ensuring your premium horse truck or customisable 3.5t horsebox is delivered safely, fully compliant with regional transport regulations, and ready for immediate operational use. Because our vehicles are built on dependable global chassis frameworks like Mercedes, Scania, and Volvo, you can travel overseas with absolute confidence, knowing that global servicing and parts support are readily accessible wherever your competition schedule takes you.