Sheepherder Wagons For Sale

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The History of the Sheepwagon

The Sheepwagon is a spectacle of practicality and compactness. The interior arrangement has proven efficient for over one hundred and twenty years. The Sheepwagon as we distinguish it today originated in Wyoming along with the developed sheep industry during the 1870’s. The basic floor plan of the “camp” has seen little change since the original design. A “Sheepherder” followed bands of sheep to watch over them. The herder needed protection on the open range from the harsh Wyoming winter weather. The nomadic sheepherder followed the sheep into remote locations and needed a “home on wheels”. By 1910, Wyoming boasted more than 5 million sheep. With one herder able to care for as many as 3,000 sheep it is feasible to say that by the height of the sheep industry there could have been as many as 3,000 sheepwagons in Wyoming alone. It has been reported by “old-timers” that one could see a sheepwagon on every hill top on the winter range. Time and modern convenience has changed many things including the way of the traditional sheepherder. A rancher could fence large tracts of land and more easily check his flock with a modern four-wheel drive vehicle. The pick-up truck had an enormous impact as it replaced the team of horses that pulled the wagon. The truck however did not eliminate the need for someone to watch over the flock, but it did make it more convenient to pull a wagon from one spot to another. Rubber tires replaced wooden wheels and sheet metal replaced the original canvas covered top. Whether by design or accident, the sheepwagon retained its original interior configuration because the space worked so efficiently. Even though a lot less today, sheepwagons are still being used by herders in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. But you are more likely to spot one of these historic marvels restored and used as a guest room, an office or a distinctive yard ornament. Like an old west gun fighter represents an earlier time and culture, not to mention an imperative part of history; the sheepwagon represents a symbol of a significant cultural artifact of the historic sheep industry.

HP Sheepwagons

The HP Sheepwagons are built to accommodate not only the herder but also to attract today’s modern individual. Trying to retain the original design, look and configuration the HP Sheepwagons are built with today’s modern technique, up to date fasteners and materials. HP Sheepwagons are built strong and made to last! Something to think about- is a traditional double bed right for you or maybe a bunk bed? Will you be using your camp to herd sheep or is this maybe a hunting cabin on wheels? How about a guest room or “yard office”? Built on a trailer that can be pulled on the highway at high speeds, your camp can easily be used as a weekend camper. Built from the ground up these camps can be ordered and built to your specific needs. Although sometimes we have a camp or two on hand, usually they are built upon request. Traditionally camps are about 11’ long and 6 ½’ feet wide but custom variations are welcome. Please give Hoss Port a call and order your “bit” of western heritage, with a modern touch, today.

Standard HP Sheepwagon as pictured is built as:

Color-green box, white ends, galvanized roof 11 + foot long 48” wide box / 78” wide 6000lb single axle w/ 8 lug truck tires and wheels 2” bulldog hitch Insulated roof Walls and floor Storage box on each side w/ access from inside on bench Double bed (mattress included) Storage drawers and pull out table under the bed Wood stove with water jacket Kitchen countertop (24”) with storage Miscellaneous lantern hooks etc. T&G pine wood flooring on the inside Dutch door Window above the bed Price for a standard camp is $9,500.00

Contact Hoss Port

Office phone.303-800-3640

Cell phone….303-503-3876

Fax number…303-838-9449

Hoss@LRMproperties.com