Posted 2013-12-21 2:38 PM (#156326) Subject: Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
Member
Posts: 30
I've got a dilemma- I bought a used trailer at a great deal (think about $8,000 savings) because it needed minor fixing up and was a trade in. One of the flaws includes missing a stall divider. Thankfully I have two cooperative horses who ride well together but some of my others can get mare syndrome I call it. It is a 2000 Kiefer Genesis 4 horse. 8' short wall with mangers. We are talking about a maxed out trailer I never could have afforded otherwise. So I had to facebook on kiefers webpage after my husband has been getting the runaround for 3 months. That gets their attention! Turns out they don't make those dividers any more nor have any left over. They could have told me that 3 months ago. But they are willing to make me one if I provide the dimensions of everything. My question is- does anyone know of a horse trailer salvage that may have dividers? 2nd Questions- I'm thinking I would come out MUCH cheaper having a local metal shop make one. What do ya'll think.3rd option/question- My husband has two welders. If I recall correctly one will do aluminum. He took some welding classes this past year just to learn how to do it. Been doing some at his current workplace too- just not aluminum. Where would you buy aluminum tubing and sheet aluminum? I'm also wanting to get some sheet aluminum to put in the ceiling of my trailer over the foil backed insulation already installed (and previously covered with chipboard that water ruined and was near falling out due to hay rack bolts needing re-sealed- just did that last night). Sorry for the book. I just know the experts are here.
Posted 2013-12-21 10:44 PM (#156328 - in reply to #156326) Subject: RE: Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Local sheet metal/fabrication shops may have or can order what materials you need. Try your local phone book for sheet metal dealers. Many on line suppliers of marine, automotive and aircraft goods, can furnish the products, albeit at expensive shipping charges. It might be worth a drive to pick them up from a supplier. You can find out exactly what materials are needed, by copying the construction of the other divider. There are many series of aluminum alloys, and not all are apropos for your needs. Their relative strengths also vary by the materials' heat treating. Their relative strengths also change in the areas being welded. This makes the best choice of a product for your needs, most important.
Aluminum welding takes a great deal of practise to do well. For the safety of you and your horses, make sure the fabrication is done correctly.
Posted 2013-12-22 11:17 AM (#156344 - in reply to #156326) Subject: RE: Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Watertown, TN
Gard is absolutely correct and why, unless your husband is really confident in his abilities, I would recommend taking it to a local fab shop and get them to build it for you. If you get a set price for the job from a reputable fab shop you know what it will cost you. If you opt to do it yourselves, one "Oh Crap" can set you back to square one and be expensive to overcome.
Posted 2013-12-22 6:20 PM (#156350 - in reply to #156326) Subject: RE: Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
Member
Posts: 30
On the ceiling part I decided to go the cheap route. Basic ribbed tin. Good ol tin snips and air compressor will come in handy. Stall divider- I know a machinest who can probably recommend a good shop. Sadly I have to redo my horse area floor. I followed instructions to the letter on this site and 1.5 gallons of bed armor. Tops of the aluminum ridges rubbed off on my mats and one rear hoof area is worn under the mat. Just bought some herculiner to go over with.
Posted 2013-12-23 8:52 AM (#156357 - in reply to #156350) Subject: RE: Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If you have an aluminum trailer, installing a tin ceiling will result in galvanic corrosion, unless every contact point of the two metals is treated with a barrier product.
Posted 2013-12-26 10:31 PM (#156415 - in reply to #156357) Subject: RE: Let me pick your brain!
Member
Posts: 30
I'm hoping original paint plus the tape we put over the insulation joints and over beams will work. Fingers crossed. It looks nice at least- I've got to come up with something to make the roof vents a bit more attractive. Maybe the pic will post.
Posted 2013-12-26 10:47 PM (#156416 - in reply to #156326) Subject: RE: Let me pick your brain!
Member
Posts: 30
On the left of photo is my redneck door knob (for the inside). It was chilly out so we had the buddy heater going on the inside while we installed the last few pieces one evening. So far we have removed and re-sealed all the upper hay rack bolts. Sealed generator power cord inlet and the upper water tank pipe that goes from up top and down inside of trailer to an outside spigot. Replaced interior horse area lights and the 4 exterior RV type outdoor lights. Added two 12v backup lights (or at least I will get out and flip my exterior lights on to help with backing up). I'm limited on space getting to my barn and have to back into the driveway in the dark the majority of the time so this should be a big help. Next step would be getting a backup camera. Replaced broken tie outs on side of trailer. Originally one of the windows panes for a horse window was broken out so I bought a piece of plexi-glass and had it cut to approximate size. Then I tinted and installed myself- looks better than the glass now. The pic below is when I picked it up in Texas. Now all I need is my new (3 month old) equalizer hydraulic jack to stay working- we keep having to bleed it? Plenty of battery power but the darn thing keeps not wanting to go down every 5th or so time I unhook. Get a wire brush to put on an air tool to redo the spots in the floor that decided not to cooperate. Previously used Bed Armour the first time. Going to use Herculiner this next go round. I hand wire brushed every groove and inch of that floor the first time. Not too pleased it didn't last 4 months under mats even. Used the acid for two days and multiple etchings, wire brush, once more with acid, dried, applied coating. Maybe my mistakes can help someone else in the future though.
Finding a stall divider & and Aluminum sheeting
