Monday, May 4, 2015

warm weather trailer mod

The weather this weekend was gorgeous! Almost too gorgeous actually with temperatures climbing to the mid-80s maybe a little sooner than we were ready for, lol. 

This weekend also heralded Isabel's first ride in her chariot since the quarantine (details later), and I realized that it was feeling pretty stuffy in there while I freshened up the bedding and packed the tack etc. 


You may remember last November when I enclosed my stock trailer with plexi-glass as a birthday present to my self. The project worked out better than I expected - thanks in no little part to a super helpful Lowes rep who actually took measurements of my trailer himself to optimize the panels we'd need. 

And whether on purpose or not, the furthest rear panels on both sides of the trailer are exactly identical in size, with the seams hidden behind one of the trailer's upright bars.


So I snipped off the zip ties for just those two side rear panels (the rear and escape doors still have their plexi-glass) with the idea that it would significantly increase ventilation, but we wouldn't need to worry about any debris or rain flying into the horses' faces. 

It's highly unlikely I would have used this same configuration left to my own devices... but I'm pretty pleased with how it looks with the half on / half off look. And the removed panels are now safely stowed in my truck bed until next season.


Tho Isabel honestly would probably prefer to not ever have to get in the trailer... I think she appreciated the extra air flow haha. 

We actually had a fairly action-packed weekend, so much so that I'm kinda too tired (and sunburnt boo) to write much about it now. But it involved a LOT of time spent watching the pros do their thang. Little sneak peek below - and virtual cookies to whoever can name that rider :)


Hope you had a good weekend too! 

33 comments:

  1. That is a fabulous idea with the trailer! I will have to take note of that for future reference.

    Ahhhh excited to see more photos!!

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    1. the whole idea worked out so much better than i expected - the plexi didn't end up looking too janky at all (thanks to the help i had measuring etc), and the zip ties make it easy to move stuff around if needed, tho i haven't needed to until now

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  2. Not sure who the rider is but yay adventures!

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  3. Good idea on the trailer! I'm slowly saving up for some horse wheels of my own right now :)

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    1. yea it was definitely a big purchase, but i was fortunate with the timing financially, and the trailer is quite the 'economical' option (read: cheapest thing on the market) but i really do love it!

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  4. Is the rider Phillip Dutton?

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    1. ding ding ding, we have a winner!!

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    2. Yay! I recognized him by his bright blue helmet cover :)

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    3. yep - he keeps a pretty consistent look, which i guess helps his team find him and get him quickly from one horse to another since he rides approx one MILLION at each event lol

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    4. Aww man!! That's what I was going to say too! Love that guy.

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    5. haha seriously - he's majorly impressive. been riding at this level for ages, and is somehow better now than ever before. pretty inspiring!

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  5. Totall genius with the plexiglass :) It does look good that way!

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  6. Totall genius with the plexiglass :) It does look good that way!

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  7. Can't wait for pictures, it's so inspiring to see riders up close and personal competing at the top of their game!

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    1. omg SO MANY pictures!!! we weren't able to really move around much since we were jump judging, but it's kinda cool seeing how different horse/rider pairs tackle the same obstacles. full post tomorrow :)

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  8. Can't wait for the photos! Love the DIY trailer remodel. Totally works!

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    1. thanks - i'm pretty pumped about it haha. before the plexi isabel always had to wear a fly mask to protect against debris, so it'll be nice to keep the plexi up front still

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  9. Really good idea with the trailer! It looks professional!

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    1. thanks! the whole thing turned out so much better than expected, and was super affordable (relatively lol)

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  10. =) Great idea for the trailer, and looking forward to more about the fun weekend! Hope your burns heal quickly!!

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    1. thanks - the sunburn was definitely worth all the spectating and fangirling lol, with plenty of pics coming tomorrow :)

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  11. Iz looks like she gives you the seal of approval for the trailer modification! Good job!

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    1. haha that's really all that matters anyway :)

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  12. Ooh, did you go see P Dutty compete Icabad?!

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    1. yessss!!!!! tho that's not Icabad in the picture bc i'm an idiot and somehow managed to get pics/video of almost all of his horses EXCEPT that one... ugh

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  13. I LOVE American trailers, they look so inviting!
    Nice DIY work too!!

    Sunburn is totally worth it for some good spectator fun ;)

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    1. i actually love euro-style vans - they look so simple yet luxurious!! my american trail is sorta cheap-o, but who cares when i can go wherever i want whenever!!!

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  14. I am always surprised at how stuffy trailers get inside -- so it's nice that Isabel get's a breeze now! Do you have any vents in the front you can open up? It's always nice to add a little air flow up front to make some actual wind through the trailer.

    I was going to guess that was Buck, but cleaaaaaaaaarly my bignamerider recognition skyllz are off!!

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    1. lol sadly we had no Buck sightings at the event... tho that would have bee pretty cool too :)

      there aren't any vents in the front of the trailer, but hopefully having the sides half open in addition to all the open space in back will create enough circulation!

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