How to Change a Slant Horse Trailer to a Standard Trailer

Changing a slant-load trailer to a standard, or stock-type, trailer can be done to make the trailer roomier and more inviting for a horse that is a problem loader. Doing so also makes the trailer more open, so that cargo other than horses can be hauled in it without the dividers getting in the way or taking up room. Different trailer manufacturers may have various methods of attaching dividers and rear tack rooms, so you will need to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions if the trailer dividers are not constructed with a standard drop-in pin.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic sheeting
  • Aluminum channels
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all of the dividers in the slant load trailer. There may be between one and six dividers depending on the size of the trailer. Release the tension on the spring before removing the upper and lower pivoting pins at the head-side of the divider if they are spring-loaded. For simple swinging dividers, remove the cotter pins, pull out the pivoting pins and lift the dividers out of the trailer.

    • 2

      Collapse the trailer's rear tack compartment by removing the pins that secure it to the center of the trailer. Fold it against the driver's side wall. Lift and pull out this tack compartment fully if the trailer is set up to do so. Remove the bar in the center of the rear opening of the trailer, if it is equipped with one, so that the entire back of the trailer is open for loading and unloading wide loads that will not otherwise fit.

    • 3

      Enclose the trailer's open slats with plastic sheeting so that it is weather tight for hauling cargo. Screw aluminum channels alongside the length of both the top and bottom slats with the open part of the slat facing into the slat. Cut plastic sheeting by scoring it with a knife and bending it until it breaks. Size it to fit the width and length of the opening and slide it into the channels. Secure the end of the plastic by cutting another length of channel the same height as the plastic. Slide the channel onto the plastic and secure by screwing it into the trailer frame.