Helios body
The latest Helios design with new materials
We have designed the Helios body from the ground up using the latest research and products. The whole design is built around strength and lightness (payload is an amazing 2.8 tonnes). We pride ourselves on providing quality and innovation at an affordable price. Over the next months we are introducing new products and materials for both the 3.5 tonne Aeos horsebox and 7.5 tonne Helios horsebox. At present we are undergoing final design work with a major solar panel manufacturer and will be fitting a complete new system with custom shaped panels that are even more efficient. The system charges the batteries throughout the day, even with cloud cover and low light levels.
We have new aluminium honeycomb composite panels in production now for our latest builds; these panels are of the highest quality available and increase our build quality and payload even further. The panel is actually aluminium and not just a wood filled GRP panel with aluminium glued on the outer face with joining strips to cover the joins. Another benefit of our Helios design comes from these composite panels used throughout the build. Unlike the heavy GRP sides made from wood, they are light, strong and not affected by water. Here is an example of the savings composite panels make over the previous GRP (glass reinforced plywood) type. The weight saving over wood filled GRP sides is more than 271kg or 596 lbs on each horsebox! Using these latest composite products also removes the need to line the GRP panels on the outside face with aluminium sheets. If you consider a 20’ horsebox body, to cover one body in alloy sheets, it would take 10 sheets and if you stacked them together they would make a sheet 2500mm x 1250mm and 20mm deep and 160 kg or 352 lbs in extra weight, plus glue and unsightly joining strips! This example should go some way to showing how we add strength but save an amazing 431 kg or 948 lbs (nearly half a tonne) from each Helios horsebox.
To compliment this we have a new one piece ramp panel and this increases the quality and strength of the horse ramp. There is a new range of bonded windows including a choice of a bonded skylight in the pod. We have a complete new rage of interior colours, units and new fittings.
Unique design
At the conception stage of the Helios brand we wanted to design and produce the Helios fibreglass pod and body kit specifically for one cab and chassis. The problem was there were a few generic fibreglass pods available and they were designed to be cheap and fit any model cab, the market was flooded with them. We wanted something unique and to go our own way with something that fitted one style of cab perfectly. It was also a priority to have full control over the strength and quality of all the fibreglass parts we use. With a wealth of experience gained over many years we have manufactured horseboxes on a whole range of chassis, so when it came to choosing just one make, it had to be the DAF LF range due to its high degree of flexibility and reliability. The Paccar 4 cylinder - 3.9 litre engines have exceptionally low fuel consumption and remarkably low noise levels. When combined with anti-lock brakes, cruise control, electric windows, exhaust brake they make the perfect horsebox.
Transporting horses safely
Loading horses can be problematic, especially if the horses are new to the horsebox. For this reason we have used the latest equine research on colours, vibration and sound as part of the design. Each aspect was carefully considered. Through use of the latest coach building practices including glues and bonding tape we have greatly reduced sound and vibration. Add to this the noise reduction properties of our next generation Coat-X and we have probably the quietest and most comfortable horse transport available. We use light grey Coat-X with white ceiling and walls to make the horse area as light and inviting as possible. Large windows and roof extraction vents also help with air flow and natural light too. All our Helios horseboxes benefit from a very shallow ramp. This design allows us to have a floor to top of ramp height of just 32”. This makes loading the horses much easier. The whole design of the horse area is aimed around ease for loading and transporting horses safely. Customers will not find heavy stainless sheet or heavy rubber mats, just a clean smooth finish made to steam clean and look like new each time.
Research and development
Common concerns amongst the equine community are the stress levels endured every time they transport their animals. Equine experts have found that noise and vibration inside the horse area can cause both fatigue and stress to ponies and horses alike. This leads to longer recovery times before horses are ready to event, race and show. Experts believe that fatigue and stress during transportation can lead to colic and other health concerns, not to mention poor performance.
As part of our research and development and including recent independent studies by acoustic and vibration experts, tests have proven that manufacturing using the latest glues and tapes reduces noise at highway speeds of up to 41% and vibration is reduced by up to 30%. There are even more benefits including, stronger construction, longer lifespan and reduced corrosion. The problems associated with aluminium construction using welds and mechanical fixings are many. Probably the worst two are metal fatigue causing cracks and corrosion around fixings and corrosion caused by dissimilar metals. To completely remove these problems we use glues and coach building tapes on every part we can, removing these issues completely and adding to the strength and lifespan of each Helios horsebox.
Paintwork
From the very first Helios design meeting, our paint team, with over 30 years of paint experience in both the commercial vehicle and aerospace industries had many recommendations. We liaised with our paint manufacturers and the combined recommendations have been incorporated into the Helios and Aeos manufacturing process from the start. Our aim through using the latest manufacturing techniques was to remove all external fixings and joining strips. This removes problem areas that can let paintwork down later. We are proud to say that we have accomplished this, adding to the ethos of the Helios brand. We are so confident in our Helios paintwork and build quality we include a comprehensive 2 year warranty with every build. In addition we have added thousands of new colours to our range, so we can offer even more choice
Additional benefits
We have picked each material for its weight, strength and durability over the life of the horsebox. With this sensible approach to materials, colours, weights and sizes, we design the whole box around each customer’s needs. For this reason we can boast probably the lightest horseboxes for sale on the market today. Our attention to detail is another reason why our horseboxes look like new many years later and in return this lowers depreciation.
.JPG "Horse Partitions In Quality Helios Horse transporter for sale")
.jpg "Helios Transporter for sale with optional Helios bumper fitted")
.jpg "Deluxe Helios horsebox for sale with raised floor and curved steps from Kevin Parker Horseboxes Ltd")
.jpg "Deluxe Helios horsebox for sale with curved steps from Kevin Parker Horseboxes Ltd")
.jpg "Deluxe Helios horsebox for sale with raised floor from Kevin Parker Horseboxes Ltd")
