Posted 2012-01-31 4:09 PM (#140453) Subject: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
New User
Posts: 2
Hi all! I'm new here, so I hope I am doing this at least sort of right! I have a 1991 Merhow Verylite 2 horse bumper pull. It has had low to moderate road miles over its lifetime. Its been under cover for about half its life, the other half out in the elements (Southeastern US). It is currently being evaluated for road-worthiness at a professional trailer shop. It has not been used in about 5 years. I plan on using it lightly but want to make sure it is SAFE before I put my horse in it. I've read several articles about evaluating an older trailer for safety so what to look for is something I'm learning about. Here are my questions: What is considered too old to continue maintaining and how do you arrive at that decision? What kind of experiences has anyone had with this make and year? Are there any advantages to older trailers such as this, or does the age make it less and less desirable? And finally, The paint job on the aluminum is peeling away. What is the best way to improve the outer appearance once we make sure it is structurally sound and ready to go? Thanks!
Posted 2012-01-31 6:03 PM (#140456 - in reply to #140453) Subject: RE: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
there are thousands of ranch trailers that are 10-20 years older than that still being used, keep the under carriage in good shape, make sure the wood floor is not spongy, if it is a new floor is in order and make sure there are no broken welds and some paint and you should be good to go, I would also check the pin in the coupler to make sure it is not worn out I have seen this in trailers that have been used alot.
Posted 2012-01-31 11:28 PM (#140464 - in reply to #140453) Subject: RE: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The determination of finding an older trailer suitable for todays usage, will depend on its condition. A trailer is basically an accumulation of parts. If the frame, skin and flooring are in good shape, most everythings else can be replaced or repaired.
Usually any machinery that sits around for any length of time will deteriorate. Electrical sockets and connections corrode, tires dry rot, bearings rust and fail, mechanical pieces that usually move, may be rusted together.
A good inspection is necessary, first the frame and flooring. The wheel bearings should be replaced along with the tires, the brakes inspected and replaced as necessary, the electrical systems should be checked and updated as necessary, including the brakes and lights. Any moving parts, doors, windows, locks, the hitch and jack should all be lubricated.
A new trailer can fail in a few years. An older trailer may be viable after several decades. There are many circumstances that can cause the variables. There is no age limit, only conditional limits.
It is much less expensive updating an older trailer, than purchasing a new one. If it well suits your needs and is mechanically sound, it's age should be of no concern.
Posted 2012-01-31 11:46 PM (#140465 - in reply to #140453) Subject: RE: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A long lasting and attractive paint application on aluminum, is labour intensive and can be expensive. Turning a repaint into a DIY project, can save a great deal of money. If you were to do all the prep work and have a professional shoot the paint, you can easily save over half of the total cost. It takes hours to properly prepare a trailer for paint. It is not a technically challenging affair, but to pay someone a high hourly rate to sand, strip, clean and mask, is not always cost effective.
With a new paint application, your old trailer can look better than new. You can update it with new graphics, multiple colours or any modern design you favour. The results will afford a great deal of pride in ownership.
Posted 2012-02-01 9:02 AM (#140471 - in reply to #140453) Subject: RE: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
How old is too old...??
This fine old horse trailer was custom built by Clinton Dassel in the 1930's for noted Calif. Rancher Fenton O'Connell. Clinton owned the "Cottage Corners Blacksmith and Manufacturing Shop" in Hollister California., (The original brass plaques are still on each side of trailer). This is a hand forged original, Most of the side wood is original. The horse heads are original, they were sandblasted into the sheet metal. The wood spoke wheels are also original, the tires are new. The original color was "John Deer Green" so that's what we painted her, the name, "Charlene" is pure sentimental inspiration from Martin and O'Brien. The trailer has been restored to a state of "arrested decay", it is not intended to be a showroom restoration, it is restored to it's functional-use condition. In it's present condition this trailer will be around another 100 years. This is a true piece of Americana, built with American hands and know-how. It deserves to be used, or displayed, for all those who appreciate quality workmanship.
Posted 2012-02-02 1:40 PM (#140521 - in reply to #140453) Subject: RE: How old is too old for a horse trailer?
New User
Posts: 2
Thanks everyone. Love the old green horse trailer but I don't think I'd take it out on the interstate - just me! :) We have heard back from the trailer shop and the structural integrity of the trailer is fine. Electrical, brakes, wheels, and coupling are all ready to go. There were two issues that they could not address (apparently they don't do this sort of work). The side padding along the right side stall had come loose and we had asked them to reattach it. When they tried to do that they found that the wood that the padding needed to anchor to would not hold a screw because it was too old and crumbling. The aluminum skin behind the wood is fine. I asked if the wood could be replace and they said that would get us into more expense than the trailer is worth. I asked if new wood could be applied over the old wood and they said yes, but it would need to be screwed all the way through the aluminum. They suggested contacting an auto upholstery shop. Also the rear top doors above the ramp which are made out of wood have begun to deteriorate. Any ideas on repairing these things in a cost-efficient way? Thanks!
How old is too old for a horse trailer?
This fine old horse trailer was custom built by Clinton Dassel in the 1930's for noted Calif. Rancher Fenton O'Connell. Clinton owned the "Cottage Corners Blacksmith and Manufacturing Shop" in Hollister California., (The original brass plaques are still on each side of trailer). This is a hand forged original, Most of the side wood is original. The horse heads are original, they were sandblasted into the sheet metal. The wood spoke wheels are also original, the tires are new. The original color was "John Deer Green" so that's what we painted her, the name, "Charlene" is pure sentimental inspiration from Martin and O'Brien. The trailer has been restored to a state of "arrested decay", it is not intended to be a showroom restoration, it is restored to it's functional-use condition. In it's present condition this trailer will be around another 100 years. This is a true piece of Americana, built with American hands and know-how. It deserves to be used, or displayed, for all those who appreciate quality workmanship.