How to Build Living Quarters in Horse Trailers

Buying a horse trailer with finished living quarters can be expensive. Finishing your own living quarters requires a little know-how and some hard work, but is a great way to save some money.

Things You'll Need

  • Insulation
  • Box blade
  • 2-inch aluminum tape
  • 1 inch-by-3 foot stripping
  • 1-1/2-inch flat head sheet metal screws
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4-inch plywood
  • 2 inch-by-2 foot boards
  • 2-inch #8 decking screws
  • Electrical wiring
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Electrical outlets
  • Breaker box
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 3/8 inch-by-2 inch-by-36 inch pine boards
  • Magnetic latches
  • Self-closing hinges
  • Paneling
  • Trim of your choice
  • Laminate floor tile
  • Construction adhesive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a floor plan of your trailer that includes measurements of the long wall and short wall. Map in windows, doors and where you will need electrical outlets for microwave, refrigerator and other appliances and fixtures.

    • 2

      Cut pieces of insulation to fit into the spaces of your trailer walls using the box blade. Adhere the insulation to the trailer frame using 2-inch aluminum tape.

    • 3

      Attach 1 inch-by-3 foot stripping horizontally across the trailer's support beams using the screws. Space the strips 14 inches apart.

    • 4

      Cut the plywood to fit the size of your trailer floor and attach it to the base of the trailer using screws.

    • 5

      Build your framework for counters, benches and closets using 2 inch-by-2 foot boards using the #8 deck screws.

    • 6

      Install the trailer wiring and plumbing. Unless you have an in-depth knowledge of electrical work and plumbing, it might be best to hire someone to do this part for you. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need to install electrical outlets, run wiring, and hook up a breaker box. For plumbing, your needs will depend on if you want a weekender package or a full living quarters with shower and toilet.

    • 7

      Build your cabinet doors with the pine boards and attach them to your 2 inch-by-2 foot framework. Use magnetic latches and self-closing hinges to make sure your doors stay shut while your trailer is going down the road.

    • 8

      Attach your paneling to your stripping and nail trim to the edges and corners to cover up your seams.

    • 9

      Place your laminate floor tiles using construction adhesive. Finish out the floor by adding trim to the edges.