Replacing trailer floors etc

[Scruff]

I'm just exploring my horse-transport options, and I'm on a budget, so I'm considering an older trailer, but I obviously want my horse to be completely safe when travelling.

To people who have renewed floors in trailers, what did you use to do it, and how expensive/difficult was it to do? (I have an obliging dad with tools and lots of woodwork-type skills

)

Are there any other obvious things I need to be wary of when looking at trailers, that might not show up at first glance?

I'm only at a theoretical stage so far, but if I do eventually decide to go for it, I want to get it right

 

[Cahill]

i think you can buy the kit from the trailer maker.

 

[hadfos]

I had a willing husband to do my trailer floor,lol,still waiting!!I do have an old rice trailer that will carry 2 16.2 hunters,depends on were you at??needs work,cheap,not advertising,just stating a fact,lol????pm me if interested??

 

[Scruff]

I'm in south Wales, so a bit far, otherwise I'd have been very interested, lol. Thanks for the thought

 

[hadfos]

ohhhhh,lol,just abit!!!plenty of em about thow!!!x

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

When you go to look at an older trailer check around the base, where the walls meet the floor for corrosion. Obviously check the floor for rot, lift any mats to have a good look underneath. Check if the brakes are working & not stuck on. Regarding electrics, I wouldn't be too bothered, the cheapest way to sort then out is to remove them & attach a trailer board which you can buy from any car assessory outlet. That way you'll guarantee you have working lights at a cheap price.

Regarding replacing a rotten floor. I would always remove the old floor & replace it with a double thickness of 18mm or 22 mm marine ply. Before fitting it I would treat it with yet more preserver, it's easier than when it's fitted. Some people replace the floor with hardwood planks, great but pricy. If there is any water leaks into the trailer from any seam you can use a mastic gun & seal it with silicon sealer. I did this & additionally drilled out some loose rivits & replaced them & that also tightened up the joints.

Oh, if has been involved in an accident just walk away, it is unlikely you will have the tools or knowledge to do a wquality repair.

Good Luck

 

[Scruff]

Thankyou, that's really helpful, my dad suggested using marine ply if I need to re-floor as well.

I think I might be printing off that list if I ever get as far as going to see one

 

[_daisy_]

my dad replaced my wagon ramp with marine ply. Cost us about £50 for the materials and about half a day of dads time. He cut and measured the wood whilst I painted it, then he fixed it all to the frame. Hey presto new ramp. Did it really quick as well as my horse had put her foot through it so he needed to do it asap!