Divider Project

Waiting on the hinges to arrive so we can get started.  Here's a sketch of what we're hoping to achieve:

Hopefully we can find a screw-eye bolt large enough to attach the butt-bar clips too.  Or, at least, large enough to attach 2 large links or rings to, and then attach the butt bars to those.  That way they don't have to attach to one another anymore.


3/4" threaded rod and washers should hold it in place in the pin drops properly, and still give me some ability to remove the entire bar if necessary.

The hinge straps are 12" long.  We'll be using either 2x6 or 2x8 boards (leaning towards the 2x8, to make sure there's enough space for the cushions to attach).  That means on either end, 12" of steel will be sandwiching around 3" of wood together with heavy bolts.  I'm hoping this will prove sturdy enough for even the bounciest horses.

We'll need to measure and cut precisely, because I want the hinges to attach tightly to the end of the wood, and then be able to fit into the pin drops.  Once everything is put together, I'll paint it over with deck stain to seal it from the moisture.

Pretty sure we have all the details worked out- now if those hinges would just hurry up!!

Pics

With the cushions and walls installed, and the shavings down.  I'm pleased.

End of Year Updates

Pics to follow tomorrow.  Yesterday we got the side cushions installed- there has been too much humidity and rain to paint the plywood, so I decided to go for functionality first.  I can always cover them up when we paint.

Also have a promising solution to the divider bar.  We located these, a special type of gate hinge, online:

These appear to be a perfect solution.  They have a 3" width, so Ty suggested we fasten 3 layers of 1x6 board in, bolt them all the way through, and secure the ends with pins as we did before.  I feel that having equal pressure on either side will prevent any destruction if the horses lean on it again.  Once the hinges arrive, we'll get the boards and give it a shot.  Hopefully this will hold up.  Once it's put together, I'll seal the boards with deck stain same as the plywood, and then install another set of cushions to either side.  I'll probably order the chest and butt cushions at the same time, and get everything installed.  Then the horses will be nicely padded all around, which should improve Major's overall opinion of trailer rides.  :-P


Hoping to accomplish all this in the next couple weeks.  Installing the divider is the priority, the cushions will be added afterwards.  Once all of that is done, or if there happens to be a day of good weather, I'll need to hit the interior with the primer and sander and see if there's any chance we'll get to paint it before spring.  I'm also putting money aside to hopefully get a full set of tires done as soon as possible.  The exterior work is last on my list, I'd rather it was safe and comfortable for the horses first.  We're also picking up some thin plexiglass to experiment with new window options.

Forward march!!

What? Progress?

Well, after doing a whole lot of nothing for the past few months, I've finally managed to get something done with the trailer.  My dad helped me bolt in the new plywood sheets, so the walls are nice and blemish-free.  I'm hoping to get a coat of deck stain on it this week, and I'm ordering the new pads today, so hopefully I'll be able to get those in in the next week or so, depending on how fast they arrive.  

The divider is still a problem, the wooden one was destroyed and I'm not a huge fan of the temporary PVC contraption.  I talked to a couple welders, but they want about $350 to make something for me, and that's just too much.  I need to put money towards a new set of tires as soon as possible, that takes precedence over dividers.  Going to keep looking and see what I can find though.  

At some point we're going to tackle the wiring, and hopefully someday I'll get the paint done.  

The mats are pulled out in this photo because I scrubbed them like crazy with hot water and deodorizer, and from now on I'm keeping shavings in the trailer at all times.  The mats just get too gross otherwise.  I'm also flipping them over- one side has deep ridges, the other side has a much shallower honeycomb pattern that would be so much easier to clean, but I think it still has enough texture to help the horses grip as they're walking on.  

Wish I was further along, but, at least I'm still moving forward!