I bought a stock/combo trailer from Hart earlier this year (Lariat model). I'm absolutely happy with the trailer except one part... I don't care for the design of the rear gate. I haul stock between Alaska and Montana so I'd like the rear gate to be better closed off to the weather than this one is. There's four inches of space above the door and four inches of space below the door. On the bottom I lose my wood shaving and on the top rain and snow come in. I need the sliding cattle door so I had to get this door. I've seen other brands that close off these doors real well. I contacted Hart and they said they can design a door to fit my needs; I am just waiting now to get a price estimate. Anyone else living in colder climates have this type of problems with stock rear doors? Any other ideas to better protect the animals from the weather?
Posted 2009-08-26 4:19 PM (#110021 - in reply to #110017) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
We had a steel stock /combo that had large open areas above the escape door and rear tailgate /door. A welder added additional material to these areas, greatly reducing the amount of open spaces. I then painted the trailer and everything looked stock.
This can easily be accomplished with an aluminum trailer as well. Instead of replacing the tail gate, I'm sure that any competent welder can effect the changes you want, by fabricating what you need.
Posted 2009-08-26 4:37 PM (#110022 - in reply to #110017) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
Veteran
Posts: 241
I might end up doing that Gard, I'll wait and see what Hart offers then go from there. I was looking at it and it's not going to be as easy as I thought to get the open areas filled, the sliding cattle door needs some empty space to roll on...
Posted 2009-08-26 5:40 PM (#110026 - in reply to #110017) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Most companies have a door that seals better and is often called a Canada door for that reason. I'm with Gard. Don't replace yours, rather have it modified. It should be much cheaper than replacement.
Posted 2009-08-27 8:44 AM (#110042 - in reply to #110017) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
I have a stock combo and I never worried about the back door here in mt. Just because if I have horses in the trailer during the winter I put blankets on them and if I have cattle in it during the winter I put enough of them in the trailer body heat keeps them warm.
Posted 2009-08-27 11:10 AM (#110051 - in reply to #110042) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
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Posts: 241
Originally written by brew26 on 2009-08-27 8:44 AM
I have a stock combo and I never worried about the back door here in mt. Just because if I have horses in the trailer during the winter I put blankets on them and if I have cattle in it during the winter I put enough of them in the trailer body heat keeps them warm.
Does your trailer get used much in Alaska? Gets pretty cold up here, windy too. The door is on the back of the trailer but even then it blows back in and covers the animals in the back with ice and snow. One steer froze solid, we had to lift him out with a fork lift. He stayed frozen until spring before he thawed out and started moving around and eating again. I saved money not having to feed him while he was frozen up like that, but he sure didn't put on any weight, unless you count the three feet of snow that piled up on him while he was still frozen solid.
Posted 2009-08-28 9:35 PM (#110090 - in reply to #110051) Subject: RE: Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
One steer froze solid, we had to lift him out with a fork lift. He stayed frozen until spring before he thawed out and started moving around and eating again. I saved money not having to feed him while he was frozen up like that, but he sure didn't put on any weight, unless you count the three feet of snow that piled up on him while he was still frozen solid.
Stock trailer rear door (Hart)...
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Terri, I was just joking. Just making a point that it can get pretty cold back there. 