How to Convert a Livestock Trailer to a Cargo Trailer

Livestock trailers transport horses and cattle. Because of this, the trailer has air gaps and may have dividers to separate horses. Some livestock trailers have a gooseneck body. For the most part, this won't interfere with the trailer's new use. To convert a livestock trailer into a cargo trailer, remove dividers and cover air gaps.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Air gap covers
  • Hose
  • Broom
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any dividers. Depending on brand of the trailer, you may only need to remove the hinge pins to accomplish this. Remove hinge pins by leveraging a flat-head screwdriver under the head of the pin and applying gentle pressure downward until the pin pops up. Grasp with hand and pull. Some livestock trailers don't have pins and may also require more extreme measures such as cutting the divider off with a blowtorch. As an alternative, you can lay the divider flat against the trailer wall by unlatching the divider latch and pushing it up against the side of the wall. Then, secure with a short bungee cord looped through an air gap.

    • 2

      Cover the air gaps. Most trailer manufacturers produce covers for the air gaps made of plexiglass. Purchase and install them. As an alternative, you can make your own out of heavy weather-proof cloth connected with hook-and-loop fasteners or with sheets of metal connected with screws.

    • 3

      Thoroughly clean the floor of the trailer with a broom and a hose to remove any traces of the trailer's former occupation. You can use what ever cleaning tools you have on hand such as a pressure washer, dish soap, or bleach.