Stock trailer to Horse trailer

[CowChick97]

So we have an older stock/cattle trailer (not exactly sure on its age) that has rust. It's still a very solid trailer. All the rust is on the surface. My first question is how can I get rid of the rust? I'd also like to repaint it as there are spots where the paint has chipped off and has faded to reveal a different color. I 'researched' and most people sand the rust then prime then paint the trailer. Is that the best way to do it? I'd rather this be a D-I-Y kind of project so it doesn't get too expensive. After I fix the rust issue how can I make it more designed to haul horses? There is a middle divider, the floor is wooden, and there is wire panel to help with animal stability(we've never had an cow with sore feet after hauling). What could I do to put over the top as a roof? Here's a picture of Ol' Rusty:

(By the way, not everything is rusted. It actually is like a reddish/orangeish rust kind of color for some odd reason.)

 

[wbvs58]

I'd hire a compressor and sand blaster if you didn't have something suitable already. That would give you a good preparation to start spraying rust inhibiting primers and paint.
For a roof I would just get a fitted canvas cover for the top made. I think I would get rid of the wire on the floor, no doubt you will want to carry shod horses and I think that poses a risk with them getting caught up. Maybe some sprayed on rubber floor.

 

[chippie]

you can also pull out the middle divider and haul the horses all tied to one side so that they stand slanted. If they are not kickers, they don't need a divider.

I would also pull the floor or get someone to put it on a lift to make sure that all of the supports are sound. They will rust out and you don't want it giving way and having a horse fall through the floor while traveling. It can look solid and be bad underneath.

How tall is it? Good luck with your project.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Might want to consider this product.


viewtopic.php?f=10&t=88620

 

[cross_7]

For the money its going to take to have a covered top and etc you could go buy a good trailer and be better off
From the picture it doesn't appear to be tall enough for horses