How To Install Plexiglass In Horse Trailer

My tastes for trailers may vary from others, this I understand. But let me tell ya - when I first decided I wanted to haul my horse effectually, I really wanted to do so in something similar this:

These euro-style vans only seem so simple - only as well kinda luxurious (that affair was HUGE). And there's really a place nearby that converts erstwhile ambulances into equus caballus vans... merely information technology was not in my budget. In fact, pretty much zero was in my budget, without financing. And if I was going the financing road, might too buy new (but yet affordable!).

And thus, I plant my Calico stock trailer. I've officially had this getup since April. The liberty to travel (fifty-fifty if only for lessons and niggling schooling shows on my own) has been revolutionary for me, and it makes me and so happy. Even more so considering the enabling funds were a minor inheritance from someone who would have been tickled to see me tooling around town in a large ol' truck and trailer.

i luv you!

Merely stock trailers have their drawbacks. Namely: the wind sheer factor in cooler temps. So enclosing the trailer has been a priority - specially after ii of my last three drives have been cooolllldd!! (one 24-hour interval was rainy, i was windy, and the tertiary was really fine, merely dawned icy).

Everything I read on the google (which would never ever lie to me) said that stock trailers typically have these little grooves so that you can only cut plexiglass to size and slide the panels in. Easy in easy out. Sounds great, right? Except, my trailer had no such grooves.

My next all-time idea was to drill holes in the plexiglass and use zip ties to hold them in place.

And this is where I give a huge shout-out to Larry D from Lowes - dude THANKS! I took my trailer to Lowes hoping that a rep would be willing to requite it a looksie, and Larry was game (turns out he used to have horses too - awesome!).

He took measurements and optimized my order (needed 6 panels) based on the diverse dimensions of the plexiglass in stock, and the max length that their cutting tool could handle (as demonstrated higher up).

Once the pieces were cutting, a very capable friend drilled the holes. Plexi is a funny matter to drill into, and the escape door panel ended up cracking. It's fine for now, but will likely have to be replaced sooner than the others. Fortunately, I have a chip piece that tin can be cutting to size.

And the zip tie idea definitely worked. Plus it'll be super easy to take 'em off again come spring!

I removed the protective picture on the interior side of the plexiglass (so ponies can't chew or ingest information technology), just left it on the outside. This will supposedly aid the plexiglass last longer. And it diffuses the light a bit for a bang-up effect. Nonetheless I reserve the correct to change my mind virtually this at whatever time lol.

Interior:

find that the seam between panels is hidden behind the upright bar

still a lot of open space around the rear door, but that'due south less of a concern than the sides

escape door has extra packing tape on it to reinforce the croaky surface area

Outside:

shut upwardly of the null ties. they actually worked really well and got a close, tight fit. the closure is on the exterior to avoid any precipitous edges or chew-able pieces inside.

So the total price for this project was just materials (most $175) and some good credit from a friend who's handy with ability tools. Not too shabby - hopefully it holds upward!