Posted 2012-08-05 12:19 PM (#146087) Subject: drop down windows pro or con?
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Baker City
I am having a hard time deciding between the circle j bronco or bronco plus but in debate about the drop down windows? Ive only had open stock like trailers but getting more serious about hauling 2-3 hours away 3-4 times a month in the summer and the winter 1/month. Ive put fly masks on in the stock trailer and blanket in the winter and that always worked just fine but wondering if people recommend making the jump to drop down windows for more comfort for the horse? I understand they can get pretty hot with the enclosed trailers? Thanks for any advice in advance!
Posted 2012-08-05 1:34 PM (#146091 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: iowa
I have drop down windows and like them but I do not have them down when traveling because I do not have the safety bars to keep their heads in. I think they can run a couple of hunderd per window and just another expense. I probably wouldn't buy a trailer with out drop downs. If traveling a ways I need access to the horse that I couldn't get with out the drop downs.
Posted 2012-08-05 1:39 PM (#146092 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Head drop-downs allow a bucket of water to be offered. Butt side drops make for a very cool trailer. Almost a run-in shed on wheels. This is very important when stuck in traffic or when one can't unload. Been in both situations. I like having the dual side drops.
Posted 2012-08-05 3:08 PM (#146093 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I love drop down windows. Trailer is totally dry in the winter when it rains. I have many times stored stuff in the trailer that I didn't want getting wet such as feed or hay.(Believe me, you might think you wont do this but you will) and keeping it closed or windows open with screens will also prevent birds nesting as well as the bees and wasps making nests in your trailer. Also when camping..the raccoons can get in the stock trailer types and will ruin your camping trip.
Posted 2012-08-05 3:53 PM (#146097 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: AZ
It is VERY hot here in the summer and we do haul several times up north to the cooler weather. I have drops on the head side and sliders on butt side and back door windows and roof vents...the last haul was at 2pm and neither horse had a drop of sweat on them when they arrived here in the heat. They were cool. I see many with stock sides and no vents and wonder if the horses get hot.
Mine have bars but I do mask them for debris. I like that you can drop the bars to tie/untie and just tend to the horse than stock sides. We had a 2 horse with stock sides and were glad to sell it for a trailer with drops.
I would buy one with drops...it is too expensive to add them later if you get the other trailer.
Posted 2012-08-05 4:07 PM (#146098 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I don't know of any con's for having all drop windows. Other than the cost to buy.
I guess having a drop might get caught in lead ropes if you tie horses to the trailer, But it has never been a problem for me. Stock trailers have less of a chance of a rope getting caught under or wrapped around a window.
And I do like that my wood shaving stay dry in the wet weather if I just shut the windows. I never have any wasp nest inside. And I had not thought of the raccoon and other varmits. I've had friends sweep out the trailer and sleep in the back vs listening to my snoring up in the bunk. With windows they have as much or as little privacy and ventilation as they want.
I open all or just one or two drops., In the winter I can leave the drop up and just slide the slider portion to get enough ventilation. Mine have jail bars with screens .
And why not the Butts side. It allows total control of the ventilation.
Posted 2012-08-05 11:32 PM (#146120 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Hopkinsville, Ky
Get the drop downs, and a walk through door. Bring a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet with you to lay on the floor of the horse area when you get unloaded. It's like doubling your living space.
Posted 2012-08-06 12:19 PM (#146133 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Veteran
Posts: 147 Location: santa clara, ca
Drop downs are nice: they give you more access to the horse during the trip (water, change hay bags/net). Because of the sliding window they give you more control for air flow.The only thing we do when we tie the horses is close the windows as my draft horse likes to scratch on the trailer and break the hinges.
Posted 2012-08-12 10:09 PM (#146303 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Regular
Posts: 99 Location: Phoenix AZ
One con: If they are not latched securely they can fall down and whack you in the head. I know because it happened to me. Most likely it happened because my trailer is older and needs an extra push to make sure the windows are secured. It's amazing that I wasn't seriously injured because those steel windows weigh a ton! I'm thinking about devising some sort of safety chain to prevent them from falling on their own again.
Posted 2012-08-13 3:25 PM (#146328 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Upstate NY
only real drawback I can see to drop-down windows is it's another hinge to break.
so the big thing is just an inspection point while looking at a new or used trailer to make sure it feels sturdy, when I was looking at used trailers and reading reviews on here I found where some trailers/models it seemed that the drop down window wasn't securly attatched, person would grab it and it would flex the shell a bit
Posted 2012-08-13 3:51 PM (#146329 - in reply to #146087) Subject: RE: drop down windows pro or con?
Member
Posts: 47 Location: New Salem, ND
I have had stock, and drop downs, would not trade my drop downs for anything! Absolutely the best way to go. I too don't have the safety bars and have installed removable screens.On the rer I have bus type windows but have fans on rear that can be turned on if very hot conditions.
drop down windows pro or con?
