Posted 2015-10-14 1:22 PM (#165078) Subject: Wisdom on Trailer Rehab
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Gallatin Co, Ky
Last year I purchased a 2000 CM Trailer Dakota 2 Horse Slant Load BP, got a good deal on it and the frame is good, axles are good, brakes could use a little work (looks like they've never been used. I guess previous owner never had a controller.), electrical has a couple minor things.The big thing it needs is mostly cosmetic, it is all steel and by my standard it is heavy (just shy of 3000# empty) and its very rusty.So brakes and electrical I can handle no problem.What I'd like some opinions on is: - Replacing steel roof with a translucent fiberglass top, (make it not seem like a dark evil hole.) - Cutting off the steel siding and replacing it with aluminum inside and out. Note: leaving steel structure. - repaint the whole thing.Questions: - How difficult on a scale of changing a light fixture to building a new addition on a house is this? - What gauge aluminum should I use is appropriate? - I've also kicked around the idea of adding a permanent ramp to the rear, I use this trailer also as a toy hauler. What are personal experiences with horses and ramp trailers vs step up?Any additional Tips, pointers, concerns are all welcome.Thanks
Posted 2015-10-14 11:19 PM (#165084 - in reply to #165078) Subject: RE: Wisdom on Trailer Rehab
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Unless you are particularly knowledgeable of sheet metal fabrication, attaching aluminum to a steel frame, can result in the destruction of the aluminum. You will need many sheet metal tools, welding equipment and keen skills to effect the results you've mentioned. Fabricating an entire FRP roof takes another expertise. It's not unreasonable to suggest that you may be setting yourself up for a disappointment in the finished product. As was stated, you may be better off in the long run with a different trailer, both labour and money wise.
Posted 2015-10-15 6:45 AM (#165086 - in reply to #165078) Subject: RE: Wisdom on Trailer Rehab
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Hacking the trailer up that much could destroy it's structural integrity. I'd put your plans as building a house sun room on the edge of the house where the creek floods. You've stated it has rust, the bomb is already ticking on that trailer and you might not have anything left by the time you finish all your "projects." I agree with above, save both your money and time then purchase what you need when you find the right trailer.
Posted 2015-10-15 8:39 AM (#165089 - in reply to #165078) Subject: RE: Wisdom on Trailer Rehab
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
Gard is right about the structure and mixing steel with aluminum... CM makes a good trailer, but get an all aluminum (Norstar) now I think they are made by Cimmarron... You really do get what you pay for, especially in horse trailers. If you do not intend to trade every couple of years or so, buy a really good one. Look at structure before the bells and whistles in the LQ. You should be able to sell your CM for decent $$$.
Wisdom on Trailer Rehab
