Posted 2015-03-10 10:05 PM (#162832) Subject: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
New User
Posts: 2
Location: tucson, az
Well actually it's not me, it's my dad. I'm only here asking for advice on how to make the trip more enjoyable. The trailer is a 2015 Bison Trail Hand, 2-horse w/ 6 ft. lq space. http://www.dhmco.com/bison-horse-trailers/living-quarters/3-Horse/7... (<) It's being towed by a 2014 diesel F250. He, his three-legged dog, and his one horse will be traveling practically all over the US starting sometime before this September. He's never done anything like this before but he's owned, bred, and ridden for 30 years or so. He can work from anywhere and at 56, he's finally decided to actually go and do something he's always wanted to do and I'd like to help in any way I can. It seems pretty freakin small with absolutely no room to stretch his legs and no real space for dakota, the dog, but he seems to be happy with it and confident that he can make it work. So I think we'll just have to get creative. He doesn't want to add any more height to the trailer but I believe it would still be best to install a hay rack where he can also put his generator and water reservoir. We think that we can use the stall closest to the bathroom door for more storage and put Arizona, the horse, in the larger back stall. He needs a place to put temporary fencing and awning furniture (which we haven't quite figured out yet), and I assume he'll put it all in that stall. I'm also worried that even the back stall won't be big enough for a constant-travelling horse and wonder if we should just give him the entire area. That's pretty much where we are at for now. I'm sure there are just a ton of things that we could add or modify, etc.. But we don't want to spend more than we have to and we absolutely cannot break warranty. Any advice of any sort is appreciated, and let me know if you have questions/need clarification.
Posted 2015-03-11 4:55 AM (#162833 - in reply to #162832) Subject: RE: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
Sounds like he has a nice weekend package. It is going to be a squeeze, but he will figure it out... sometimes, you ride enough that you don't really spend much time in the LQ... you need a shower, toilet, pen set up *portable electric? for the horses, and something to make the dog comfortable.
Posted 2015-03-11 10:45 AM (#162835 - in reply to #162832) Subject: RE: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
Veteran
Posts: 147 Location: santa clara, ca
he can probably squeeze a good amount of stuff in the first stall especially if you have a full divider and use stackable bins. Hay rack (hay ppd maybe since he'll be travelling in the fall/winter) will give a ton more room, but he has to be willing to go up/down the ladder. I have seen portable corrals on the side of trailers (more room in the inside), but there are also collapsible panels that don't take up a lot of space.Also, don't forget about the truck!-add a rood rack-add water tank in the bed (http://downunderseller.ecrater.com/p/355692/63-gallon-pickup-bed-water-caddy)However, with a F250 you might get into a payload issue.on a side note:I would bring two spare tires for the trailer (especially if you are going into remote areas and you don't want to wait 1-2 days to source the exact tire)..perhaps even the truck. also (this is critical) get a US rider or similar (membership, http://www.usrider.org/) as most towing company won't tow livestock
Posted 2015-03-11 5:38 PM (#162838 - in reply to #162832) Subject: RE: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Agree the spare, spare for the trailer. Trailer tires can be rare in some parts of the country.Ditto USRider for travel assistance. They answer the call with "Are you and your animals safe?" Having a road service EXPECT to deal with animals is worth it.
Posted 2015-03-13 5:24 PM (#162853 - in reply to #162832) Subject: RE: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
New User
Posts: 2
Location: tucson, az
He already has subbed for US Rider. Sounds like an awesome service. We are working on deadening noise in the stall compartment, buying a generator, installing a hay rack, and looking into some air-shock load-stabilizers. Does anybody have any idea about softening the ride in the trailer? Something simple that's worth the cost. Im not sure a roof rack will be necessary. Maybe some running lights. lol
Posted 2015-03-16 7:51 AM (#162879 - in reply to #162832) Subject: RE: Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
Veteran
Posts: 133 Location: NC
Instead of a hay rack on the roof I would do an enclosed hay pod, that way the hay wont get wet if it rains, and you can keep other stuff up there without the worry of it blowing out or having to tie it down. Also you can put your generator up there on the walkway.
Going on two year trip with lq trailer.
