Opening: The Mobile Loafing Shed Freedom for Your Flock! Thinking about expanding your pasture space or needing a more flexible shelter solution for your animals? A DIY loafing shed on a trailer is the perfect answer! This project provides portable protection from the elements, allowing you to easily move your livestock wherever they need it. Let's build one!
Step 1: Planning and Preparation Before you even touch a tool, careful planning is crucial. Trailer Selection: Choose a trailer that's appropriately sized for your animals and the shed you envision. Consider the weight capacity of the trailer and the overall dimensions. A utility trailer or flatbed trailer are good starting points. Design and Dimensions: Sketch out your desired loafing shed. Consider the number of animals you'll house, the height needed, and the overall footprint to ensure adequate space and ventilation. Material List: Based on your design, create a detailed list of all the materials you'll need. This includes lumber (treated for outdoor use), roofing material (metal, shingles, etc.), hardware (screws, nails, bolts), and any additional features like gates or feed troughs. Tools: Gather all the necessary tools: measuring tape, saw (circular saw or miter saw), drill, impact driver, level, square, hammer, safety glasses, and work gloves.
Step 2: Building the Frame The frame is the backbone of your loafing shed. Accuracy and sturdy construction are essential. Base Frame: Construct the base frame using treated lumber. Attach it securely to the trailer bed. This can involve welding (if you have welding skills) or bolting the frame to the trailer. Make sure the base frame is level and square. Wall Framing: Build the wall frames, again using treated lumber. Ensure that the wall frames are plumb (perfectly vertical). Consider adding bracing for extra strength. Predetermine the location and size of any doors or windows you plan to include. Raising the Walls: Attach the wall frames to the base frame, making sure they are square and plumb. Use temporary bracing to hold them in place until they are fully secured. Top Plate: Install a top plate along the top of the wall frames to tie them together and provide a surface for attaching the roof.
Step 3: Roofing The roof provides protection from rain, sun, and snow. Rafters/Trusses: Install rafters or trusses to create the roof structure. The pitch of the roof will depend on your design and the roofing material you choose. Ensure the rafters/trusses are securely fastened to the top plate. Sheathing: Cover the rafters/trusses with sheathing (plywood or OSB). This provides a solid surface for attaching the roofing material. Roofing Material: Install your chosen roofing material (metal, shingles, etc.). Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure a watertight seal. Overlap the materials appropriately to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Safety Now it's time to add the finishing touches and ensure the shed is safe for your animals. Siding (Optional): Add siding to the walls for extra protection from the elements and to improve the appearance of the loafing shed. Doors/Gates: Install doors or gates to control access to the shed. Ensure they are strong and secure. Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and ensure fresh air circulation. You can achieve this with vents in the walls or roof. Animal Safety: Inspect the entire shed for any sharp edges, protruding nails, or other hazards that could injure your animals. Anchoring: When parked for extended periods, consider anchoring the trailer to the ground, especially in windy areas.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mobile Loafing Shed! Congratulations! You've successfully built a mobile loafing shed. Now you can provide your animals with portable shelter wherever they go. Remember to regularly inspect the shed for any damage and perform necessary maintenance to ensure it lasts for years to come. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of your new mobile shelter!
The Loafing Shed
Loafing Shed

Loafing Shed
