hmmm...could i make this work

so i was offered a semi truck trailer for FREE!!...it would be a lot bigger than my 10x12 snake room....could i make it work??

My husband has been toying with the idea of buying an old insulated truck trailer to make our snake house out of. I think it's definitely doable, but it will depend on how much money you have available to convert it. Also, how much of the work would you be comfortable doing yourself etc. And do you have a location set aside for it.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

My husband has been toying with the idea of buying an old insulated truck trailer to make our snake house out of. I think it's definitely doable, but it will depend on how much money you have available to convert it. Also, how much of the work would you be comfortable doing yourself etc. And do you have a location set aside for it.

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i live on 2 acres and have space....im pretty handy. what about air circulation, etc. thats what im unsure about

I'm completely useless when it comes to this stuff, so this is just me regurging bits that I've heard him mumble-planning (lol) but he was talking about cutting in a window or two for window unit A/C's. Not sure what you use for that kind of cutting (steel, isn't it?) I know there are people who have converted semi trailers / shipping containers into bunkers, and even some who have converted them into fully functional (and surprisingly nice) houses.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but I think it's worth investigating for sure :)

I would say the 2 big challenges would be the electrical work (I highly recommend getting a licensed electrician for this) and temperature regulation. Otherwise I think it could work.

Your biggest problem is going to be heat, semi trailors get extremely hot, so keep that in mind,

It doesn't help I guess that I live in a place where 110 degree days in the summer are not uncommon

Yea thats something you would haft to prep for, insulate the entire thing and install an a/c unit and a circulation fan.

does anyone in construction or who is knowledgeable know how much this could cost

I think there are many factors, I will list them below.

What kind of trailer? ex: refer. or reg. box
Will the whole thing be used or divided?
Exterior construction and condition.
Roof material, these can vary depending on the trailer.
Raising the tires off the ground, as they will dry rot and cause it to be uneven.
Strapping it down if in a high wind area.

It can be done fairly easy, if you have general knowledge and a good plan.
Hope this helps.

Ok picked it up, took off the wheels so its just the box, gonna frame off 3 ft for another qt room 15 ft for rats instead of my old shed, and have 35 feet left for snakes!!! I might to a picture thread of the whole process

What kind of body is it? Refrig? What is the condition of the body? Any rust? Is the paint in good condition in an out?

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Originally Posted by BleedingOrange36

What kind of body is it? Refrig? What is the condition of the body? Any rust? Is the paint in good condition in an out?

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Minimal rust, regular van body. Paint in good cond.

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

Minimal rust, regular van body. Paint in good cond.

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Pick up some rust reformer spray paint.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/24/nupegypy.jpg
I just took that pic, I'm painting at the moment lol.
Scrape and paint over any rust you can fine... Search for it.
Depending on your budget, you should try to insulate it as best as possible. The foam board would be easiest to use adhesive to secure to the inner walls.
Use a roof exhaust fan, this is very important over the rodents. Try to find used window ac units on Craigslist or similar. Put rodents and snakes as far away from each other as possible. Rats need to stay below 90degrees. Snakes can stay around 80. If the two rooms are close you may fight each other. Use low heat lighting (flourescent) run a 100amp electrical service out to trailer underground. That may seem like over kill.... But it's better to have in for the future.
It's a shame your not local to me, I have a surplus of used flourescent lights, and a lot of spare materials to get this built. I'm jealous lol, I have a few box truck containers I use for tool and material storage.
Let me know if you need any ideas, or any questions.

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Originally Posted by BleedingOrange36

Pick up some rust reformer spray paint.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/24/nupegypy.jpg
I just took that pic, I'm painting at the moment lol.
Scrape and paint over any rust you can fine... Search for it.
Depending on your budget, you should try to insulate it as best as possible. The foam board would be easiest to use adhesive to secure to the inner walls.
Use a roof exhaust fan, this is very important over the rodents. Try to find used window ac units on Craigslist or similar. Put rodents and snakes as far away from each other as possible. Rats need to stay below 90degrees. Snakes can stay around 80. If the two rooms are close you may fight each other. Use low heat lighting (flourescent) run a 100amp electrical service out to trailer underground. That may seem like over kill.... But it's better to have in for the future.
It's a shame your not local to me, I have a surplus of used flourescent lights, and a lot of spare materials to get this built. I'm jealous lol, I have a few box truck containers I use for tool and material storage.
Let me know if you need any ideas, or any questions.

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Please on me you seem knowledgable

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