Installing extra trailer windows.....???

[Beatrice5]

So the trailer has been taken in for it's new floor today and I thought while it was in I would investigate installing side windows.

Has anyone else done this and any advice, tips and guidance appreciated.

I have found a horsebox manufacturer who has given me guidance on standard sized and prices and the smallest standard one they do is 19inch x 12 inch which sounds quite big???

Also do I put them on the sides or in the ramp top door and above the jockey door ??

The windows are perspex and sliding . At what size do you need bars and would windows affect the structural stability of the trailer ?

My main motivation is to make the trailer as inviting and comfortable an experience for my horses and if the top rear doors need shutting such as when on the motorway I don't want the horses to feel too enclosed and worried. Also the front window sits right where my discoverys rear brake light is which mean I cannot see the horses whilst driving I do not have much option to make it taller due the the trailers constrution ( Richardson circa 1998) how wide can you go safely before upseeeitn the structure again ?

Many thanks.

 

[TheSylv007]

Absolutely go for it! I have an old Richardson and was having a few issues with travelling. Among other things my mare would stamp and get agitated whenever we stopped at junctions and traffic lights and was getting worse to load. The trailer did seem quite dark and it was very disorientating not being able to see out of it when moving (I did the naughty thing of going in the back with her on a quiet country road to try and see what was going on). I had a local chap come out and put in two polycarbonate windows in the front of the trailer (where the modern ones like Ifor 511s have them halfway along the top panel) as well as replacing the existing window which had crazed with age. He even put silver trim which looks great. The windows are super strong and won't crack or craze. The difference has been amazing. I have a reversing camera in the trailer so I can see what she's doing and I can see that she now spends much more time looking out of the window instead of getting agitated and doesn't stamp when we stop any more. Its so much lighter, even with the back flaps closed and it made it much more pleasant. It only cost £20 a window to do as well - worth every penny!

Mine didn't need any reinforcements as it was in the fibreglass anyway and the windows aren't that big. Admittedly they don't open but my trailer doesn't get all that hot even with all the door shut as it has a white roof.

 

[Beatrice5]

Wow thank you that is really helpful.

I love the trailer it looks fab. Where did you source your window materials ? Also one final question my trailer has the canvas rear cover over the ramp with twist stud fasteners . I was thinking of getting ply and treating it top doors made but do you travel with the canvas down and the horse inside ever ?

Many thanks

 

[Beatrice5]

Sorry theSylv007 what size are your windows please ? As they look perfect .

 

[TheSylv007]

Hi

The windows in the sides are exactly the same dimensions as the front window which is usually pretty standard on Richardsons I think - should be about 10 or so inches across at a guess.

The windows are made of polycarbonate (so they won't scratch or craze) and were provided by the fitter who also provided the window seals. I'll find out what they advertise themselves as so you know what to look for on google!

I have doors on the back of my trailer but have never shut them while the horse is inside. If anything I think they rattle around a bit and can flap in the wind when open so I'm not sure how great they are.

 

[ezililaur]

VERY Helpful. Thank you for this!
I have the exact Richardson and was wondering about having new windows installed.
Now I can see it can be done so very pleased.