I am in the market for some portable corral  panels. I have found models that are PVC and wonder if they 'hold up' over time. They are way cheaper than the metal versions that cost upwards of $600! So, anyone use the PVC version and if so, which ones? Also would like your thoughts on the metal ones as well.

THanks!

Azgrulla

The metal ones will absolutely last longer.

If your horses respect the panels and don't lean against them, they work.  It's basically the same material as a vinyl fence.  The 3 rail vinyl fence I put up around my horse corral 15 years ago, still looks good.  I've had a couple of broken rails/post from the horses kicking or rubing on them. But for the most part it has held up well.

I made my own PVC panels out of three inch pvc pipe and fittings.  Easy to do.  I used heavy duty zip ties to tie the corners and tent stakes to anchor the corner posts to the ground.  They still work well after 12 years or so.  They are light weight and never rust or need paint, although if you want them to match your rig, you can paint them with the new paint for plastics.

Marla

Marla, when you have time can you post some pics? We been contemplating portable panels for quite awhile, but the cost for the Carri-lite so high and we can't mount metal ones to our LQ since we have drops on head and tail and mangers too. So I need something that can fit in the bed of the truck. And I'm not a fan of hot wire tape.

Hey Marla, can you tell us how you made them so, we could make our own. I mean, I can make my own, no man involved. My sweet husband is a cow man and he doesn't have much to do with my horse hobby.

You first measure to determine what size panels you need or want.  Your local hardware or home improvement store will have the pipe and the fittings.  When you draw out your plan, figure two elbow fittings for the top rail, two tee  fittings for the bottom rail, and two tee fittings for the middle rail.  I found that with the three inch pipe and seven foot rails I didn't need a center brace.  Use the PVC cleaner on each joint and glue the pipe and the fittings together, starting one one side and leaving the end upright for last.  This will give you wiggle room when fitting the pieces.  Not a bad idea to cut and dry-fit the pieces before glueing.  I left the bottom rail 14 inches from the ground, the top rail at 48 inches, and split the difference for the middle rail.  I drilled a 1 inch hole at two inches from the bottom of the leg, which catches the pin on a tarp stake.  I drive the stake into the ground next to the post, catching the hole in the post with the pin.  I then use heavy duty zip ties to tie the panels to each other.  When I am ready to take down the corral, I just  use wire cutters to cut the ties and a crow bar the lift the tent stakes.  The zip ties are very inexpensive.  I buy them in lots of 1000 for 7 dollars.  It helps if you can lay the pipe out on a flat surface, like a patio or a garage floor to make sure that the panels go together straight.

Marla

( i erased my earlier comment because when I reread your post, my comment/question was uneccessary)

I would like to see some pics too when you get the chance... I've been wanting panels also, but did not want to fork out the $$$ for either the collapsible kind  or the metal kind.. plus finding a place to carry them on my little trailer is a problem.. If the Pvc ones are light enough to be easily lifted by one person, maybe I can figure something out.

They are very light and easily managed by one person.  They ride quite comfortably on top of the trailer, which is where mine wind up.  My panels are currently about 100 miles from here.  A friend is using them for the time being, but if she can figure out how to send me the pics, maybe I can figure out how to send them on to you.

Marla