How to Dismantle a Horse Trailer

With a few hours, a few good tools and a strong friend to help, you can dismantle a horse trailer without too many problems. You'll need a sturdy ladder, torch, screwdrivers or an electric screw gun, hammers and a small pry bar. Don't forget eye protection and gloves when working with sharp metal. Here are a few tips to help you dismantle a horse trailer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Prepare the site where you will dismantle the horse trailer. Lay a tarp on the ground where you can place the smaller parts of the dismantled horse trailer. If you plan to reassemble the horse trailer, it's a good idea to take a few good photos of it and number the parts as you remove them. Assemble your tools and protection.
2. Begin to dismantle the horse trailer by removing the accessories first. The accessories include floor mats, padded bars, chain or rope tie ups, hay racks and dividers inside the horse trailer. Any accessory that was installed last should be the first to be removed.
3. Remove the covers from lights on the interior and exterior of the horse trailer, then remove any bulbs. Continue removing the smaller parts of the horse trailer, both inside and out, including air vents or fans.
4. Use a screw gun to remove the screws holding the windows. Remove the whole window, including the frame and glass together. If you are going to reassemble the horse trailer, note which side it has been removed from. Remove the hinges for any doors, gates or escape doors then remove the doors. Next, remove the hinges for the ramp and the ramp itself.
5. Remove the trailer hitch and ball. You may need a torch to remove the hitch. Remember to wear eye protection.
6. Place the ladder against the trailer, making sure it is firmly seated. Climb to the roof of the horse trailer to remove the "cap" on top of the roof. Don't remove any wall studs or support members until after the roof is removed or your weight on the roof won't be supported.
7. Remove the exterior walls next. Make sure you wear gloves while removing the exterior walls as they are made of thin, sharp metal. After the exterior walls are down, remove any remaining interior supports.
8. Dismantle the floor, which is probably wood. If you are going to reassemble the horse trailer, make sure the wood is numbered before you remove it. Lastly, separate the frame from the axles. Your horse trailer is now dismantled!