Horse trailer living quarters

[Bobby Thompson]

Has anyone ever built a living quarters in a horse trailer? Our retired Chief of Police is purchasing a 32' Cimmaron horse trailer and wants me to build a living quarters in it. I have been friends with him and his wife (retired Chamber of Commerce Director) for a lot of years. They have show horses and make a lot of shows. He teaches horsemanship at a local Cowboy Church. They want to be able to travel in comfort. The living quarters are for them not the horses. I probably could not find a toilet for the horses anyway. We will have to install the fresh water and waste water tanks (all brackets will be factory installed). There will be a bathroom with shower, a kitchenette, TV, and a bed over the goose neck. She wants it done in knotty pine. The wise thing to do is let her take care of the living quarters and let him take care of the horse stalls. This is a one time project for my friends done with no charge. I need to know if there are any things I should be aware of. If you have done one and can give advice please help. If you know of someone and can send me their contact info ( with their permission) I would appreciate any help I can get.   Thanks

[Mr Eddie]

My wife and I were contractors at the All American Quarter Horse show in Columbus for several years.  The most elaborate living quarters I remember were done by Sundowner Trailers.  Every year they would bring their top of the line, one off, trailer to exhibit and to promote sales.  Solid walnut cabinets, gas fireplace, just very nicely done.  Price would buy you a good solid home in my neighborhood.  They said the toughest thing for them was trying to top last year's model.  It was hard to believe you were in a horse trailer.

I would think the 'under the skin' part would have to be well thought out.  Probably not a square corner in it when you start.  Their website has some layouts and you might just give them a call and ask about how the appliances, electric, water, etc., are actually installed.  Act like a potential buyer.  The show is almost the whole month of October and is held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.  If you're close you might want to visit and take a look.

Lonnie

[K. L. McReynolds]

2 or 4 horse? Slant? Makes a difference on where stuff goes. A slant has room for the water heater at the rear of the living area in the wedge area of the front stall.

Helped a friend remodel a school bus into a BBQ camper. The most difficult jobs were getting the curves right for the tops of the walls, building drawer cabinets and drawers strong enough, and fastening wood to the bus body(double walls) The horse trailer will probably have single walls with stiffeners. You have to mount the interior walls to those stiffeners.

And, get a real mattress, do not try those foam things. Gonna need a generator. On the bus, we built a back porch for it. For the horse trailer, it will be better to have it portable. Have seen some mounted in the bed of the truck.

There will be a ton of videos on You Tube and MsNomer is building a camper van---building and installing all kinds of stuff inside. She hangs out in the Basement a lot.

[chips ahoy]

Visit a dealer and take your camera. This should give you a good idea of how things are put together and layed out.

Mel

[MsNomer]

This would be the same as upfitting a van. Check out Sprinter-Source.com, Promasterforum.com, and classbforum.com.

Forget house building rules. Here, nothing is flat, level or square.

Rivnuts are your friend.

Insulation is a new ballgame because you have an impervious outer skin that will hold moisture. An impervious inner layer could trap moisture. Fiberglass is a big no-no. I used Thinsulate which is hydrophobic and breathes. Also be aware of heat conducting through bare metal.

Weight is a constant concern.

Everything will be subjected to "earthquake" vibrations. Like a tree, sometimes flexible is better than stiff. Use stranded wire, watch your connections. 1/2" can be better than 3/4". Marine suppliers are good sources for electrical.

Generators are old school, even on relatively large rigs. Unless you have extraordinary needs, go solar. Prices have come way down and there's a 30% fed tax credit this year this might qualify for. Lots of real estate over the horses for even extraordinary needs and the panels would help keep the heat off the horses.

Likewise, propane fridges are dinosaurs. 12v compressor fridges have come into their own.

Feel free to PM me for email address and/or phone.

[Bobby Thompson]

Thanks guys for your help. I will let you know how it goes.

[stav]

Found this site for the same.  http://todd.redwrench.com/index.html

Looks interesting.

[MsNomer]

Also, many appliances and lights today are native 12V DC with a brick to convert to AC. Cut the brick off and add a DC plug or wire into 12V system. Samsung TV from Walmart plays movies off a USB drive and sips 12V. LED lights only. Don't ask whether to put a DC outlet. Ask why not. WM Rival 700W (1000W used) microwave plays decently off a 1500W modified sine inverter.

[Splinter Puller]

I used to draw floor plans for horse trailer living quarters for years and have toured the factory many times.  It's pretty basic.  They fur out the walls with studs and 2x2's and apply finishes.  The floors they usually raise up on 2-3" of wood sleepers to route plumbing and wiring.  I'd recommend finding a company that builds living quarters in trailers and arranging a tour and steal all the ideas you can.

here is the company I used to work with...

http://signaturequarters.com/

[Bobby Thompson]

Wow that is some beautiful work and some great advice. Thanks, I knew I could count on you guys for help.