How to Renew the Old Trim and Install Hardware and Diamond Tread

[@lodollar23]

Oh that sure looks good man!

[@carriagehousetrailers]

Shiny stuff always makes these trailers pop.

[@kylemalcolm5099]

I have a similar style horse trailer i am trying to refurbish. The door handle you were replacing in this video, i have the same exact door however the handle is missing, as well as the trim with the two screws. Inside the hole is just a square rod, any idea how to open the door? I bought a replacement handle using the website you have suggested so thank you!

[@carriagehousetrailers]

Ok, so if the square rod that’s in the square hole is recessed in it enough, you can use a large flat end screwdriver. Put the screwdriver in the hole diagonally, like corner to corner of the square hole, and then twist it with either your hands or pliers if it’s too rusty to turn by hand. If there’s enough of the square rod sticking out, you could grab it with some vice grips and turn it. If it’s broken off flush, then you could try using a punch and hammer to push the square rod into the hole further or possibly even push it through and out the backside. Once you have enough room, use the screwdriver method I mentioned above. Of course, as a last resort, if you plan on cutting an opening for accessing the tack room from inside the trailer(like I usually do.) then you can cut that hole and open the door from the inside. I hope those options help! If not, let me know.

[@kylemalcolm5099]

@@carriagehousetrailersi appreciate the response! the screwdriver trick worked great! it was snapped off too far in the hole to use vicegrips so i was stuck. I was able to open it so thank you again. The old latch, how did you manage to get that off?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

@@kylemalcolm5099 Most of them are tack welded to the inside of the door. I use an angle grinder with a metal blade to cut the welds and take it off. When I replace the latch, I rivet it instead of welding it. You can weld it if you want, but I think rivets hold it just fine and are easier to drill out if you need to replace a broken latch in the future.

[@kylemalcolm5099]

​@@carriagehousetrailers awesome help! thats kinda what i figured, just wanted another opinion. using the rivets to secure it is brilliant! Thanks a bunch!

[@carriagehousetrailers]

@@kylemalcolm5099 Happy to help!

[@stonehouseacres]

I have to install a window into my horse trailer as I am converting it to a sauna. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

Are you needing it to open?

[@stonehouseacres]

@@carriagehousetrailers no.

[@carriagehousetrailers]

@@stonehouseacres I would make one out of acrylic and trim like I do on the front window and I’ve done on side windows on other trailers.

[@savannahhaynes1612]

Where did you purchase the trim for the windows ?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

I refurbished the old trim using a cup brush attachment on my angle grinder. If you want new trim, I use a site called www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/ In the aluminum trim, the name of the trims around the windows is J trim.

[@RWds24]

Where did you get the door handles and locks

[@carriagehousetrailers]

I get then from www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com

[@cajarrad]

Is there a specific website you go to buy your trim if the trailer you're using needs it replaced ? specifically the front V part and the window trim? Thanks

[@carriagehousetrailers]

I get my trim from www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com They carry the trim to make the v trim on the nose, but I’ve always been able to reuse it on my trailers. I do use new lipped trim around windows and along the roof if necessary though.

[@healthwise136]

I was wondering if you have any tips on replacing the piano hinge on the Tach door. Does it always have to be welded or can it be a bolt on.?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

You can grind the tack welds holding it on and either tack on a new one or you could bolt one on. A welded one will make for a cleaner exterior look, but it’s whatever you prefer.

[@healthwise136]

@@carriagehousetrailers okay, thanks fortheinfo. Unfortunately the existing hinge is damaged and has to be replaced.

[@tonez7815]

How thick is that aluminum deck plating?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

I use 1/8" diamond tread aluminum. You could get the decorative stuff that is thinner and the tread is stamped in, but the 1/8" stuff adds a noticeable sturdiness to the appearance and feel. I get mine at metal supermarkets. If you have one near you, I'd recommend them. With them, you don't have to buy an entire sheet of diamond tread and don't have to pay the crazy prices of getting small pieces at the big box stores.

[@michellegerlick5653]

Where do you get your locks from ?

[@carriagehousetrailers]

The replacement door handles and locks I get from www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com