Introduction

Renovating horseboxes presents unique challenges, often coming from issues such as wear, corrosion, and safety concerns. Here at Simmal, we can provide the perfect solution to our horsebox and trailer renovation customers—our aluminium 5-bar treadplate, also referred to as a chequer plate or checker plate. This material is designed to withstand heavy usage while maintaining a professional finish. In this case study, we showcase how our product was used to revitalise horseboxes and solve key issues for clients.

The Challenge

Horsebox owners approached us as they had encountered struggles with:

  • Slippery Surfaces: Traditional materials pose safety risks for animals and handlers.
  • Corrosion and Water Damage: Materials like steel are prone to rust, and wooden flooring and ramps can and do rot, especially in moist environments. Whereas aluminium doesn’t rot or rust and instead forms a natural oxide layer that protects it from further degradation, making it a superior choice for harsh conditions.
  • Maintenance Costs: Frequent repairs due to material failure led to high ongoing expenses.
  • Weight Constraints: The moving load of a live animal already reduces payload efficiency and increases fuel costs; heavy materials only worsen the situation.

These challenges prompted our clients to look for a better alternative, one that addressed safety, durability, and efficiency.

The Solution

Our aluminium chequer plate, known for its distinct 5-bar pattern, was chosen as the ideal material to address these challenges for this project. Key features of the product include:

  • Anti-Slip Surface: The raised bar pattern improves grip, ensuring safety for animals and handlers.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Unlike iron and steel materials that rust, aluminium does not rust and instead forms a protective oxide layer that shields it from further damage, even in challenging environments such as those found in horseboxes. Whereas wooden boards and ramps rot in moist and muddy environments, aluminium remains as strong after many years of use as it was on the day it was installed, making it the superior choice for use in harsh conditions.
  • Lightweight Strength: Aluminium has a higher specific strength than mild steel, meaning it provides more strength per unit of weight. This makes it an efficient choice for reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining durability. When used on ramps, the lighter weight of aluminium is especially beneficial for the “solo user,” who, oftentimes, has to put up and down the ramps by themselves.
  • Low Maintenance: Its smooth finish and resistance to corrosion make cleaning and upkeep simple and efficient. Aluminium floors, walls, and ramps are easily cleaned using a hose or power washer.

The material was installed to replace existing flooring, wall linings, and loading ramps, ensuring a safer and longer-lasting solution.

Implementation

The team at Simmal worked closely with the horsebox renovators to ensure that the project ran smoothly. The steps included:

  1. Receiving measurements and project requirements from the customer.
  2. We recommend an aluminium 5-bar treadplate as the ideal solution based on the customer’s needs.
  3. Cutting the treadplate to precise specifications using our expert in-house facilities.
  4. Machining fixing holes and folding the treadplate to create features such as lips and stair nose and ramp edgings required by the customer.
  5. Labelling the pieces to simplify installation for the customer.
  6. Delivering the final product ready for immediate use in the renovation process.

By providing these tailored services, we ensured that the customers received high-quality materials that were easy to install and customised to meet the specific project needs.

Results and Benefits

The use of our aluminium 5-bar treadplate provided remarkable results:

  • Improved Safety: The anti-slip properties offered significant protection for both animals and handlers.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: The corrosion-resistant surface significantly cut down on repair and replacement expenses.
  • Increased Durability: clients noticed a huge improvement in the lifespan of their horseboxes.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The professional finish added value to the overall appearance of the horsebox.

One pleased horsebox renovator stated: “The aluminium 5-bar treadplate has transformed our horseboxes. It’s safer, looks fantastic, and is far more durable than the materials we used before.”

Conclusion

Simmal’s aluminium 5-bar treadplate has proven to be a game-changer for horsebox renovation, addressing key challenges and delivering superior performance. Whether you’re an owner looking to upgrade or a manufacturer looking for reliable materials, our products are the ideal choice for long-lasting and cost-effective solutions.

Do you need to renovate your horsebox or upgrade its materials? At Simmal, a family-owned business led by the Simmons family, we bring many years of industry experience in managing horsebox and trailer requirements, combined with a personal understanding of equestrian needs. Proud owners of Golvers Hill—a renowned name in showjumping—the Simmons family trusts our aluminium 5-bar treadplate for its unmatched quality and performance. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can upgrade your project. Call us on 01772 324277 or email the team at sales@simmal.co.uk.