Trailer flooring, what to use.

[mpb]

I need to replace the floor of my 8 x 4 ifor trailer. Currently it's got a phenolic plywood floor that got a couple of holes in. The trailer lives out in the weather all year round, so I didn't really want to go gown the wood root.

 

What would be the best material to replace the floor with?

 

Is there a plastic/grp material that is strong enough to carry the weight of a mini digger? I know some of the new horse boxes are using plastic floors.

 

Is checker plate an option. What is this like to shovel off?

 

Many thanks

 

Martin

[PeteB]

TBH, the best thing is phenolic flooring really. Replacing with checker would be dear and slippery when wet, glassonite (GRP laminate) would not be strong enough. If the floor has lasted couple of years, then hey ho, you've done okay. Try parking it on a slope were water can run out the back and keeping the bed free of stones etc when your loading the digger on it.

[marcusm427]

Hi Martin

 

Had the same trouble a couple of years ago with a 16" by 6"6' ifor trailer.

 

I was lucky as we have a very goog agent locally he supplyed a brand new coated ply floor from replacement parts list. Cant rember what it cost tho sorry but it made it a new trailer.

 

It was pre drilled with holes for tie downs etc

 

Hope this helps

 

Marcus

[tommer9]

Stick with the phenolic mate, it is the best thing for the job. You should run a bead of silicone where it meets the frame of the trailer, and another along the top edge when you are done.

[david wood]

i have marine ply which is then sealed with bitumen type paint underneath. endless coats of cresote on top then chequer plate with edges sealed.

[Michael C]

If the existing floor isnt too bad, I would buy an 8x4 sheet of chequer plate aluminium and put it straight down on it. It doesnt have to be very heavy guage because the existing floor will continue to support it.

[mpb]

Thanks for the advice.

 

Looks like phenolic ply is the winner. Ill drill a few drain holes in the bed to let any water out.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

[mixedangased]

Thanks for the advice.

 

Looks like phenolic ply is the winner. Ill drill a few drain holes in the bed to let any water out.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

 

got a few sheets of that phenolic ply kicking about 8x4i think took them off a transit 4m bed that had just been renewed if your interested,pm me for my phone number

[renewablejohn]

All my trailers are fitted with steel floor grating including my plant trailer for 3 tonne Hitachi digger. Oldest trailer fitted 6 yrs ago with only surface rust on the steel good for at least another 6 years.

 

http://www.fhbrundle.com/flor-sf1.htm

Edited March 19, 2010 by renewablejohn

[porky]

I did use some old, but sound 6x1 tanilised timber on a tipper trailer bed and then covered it with sheet of steel from an old oil tank. Works well, but if you buy fresh timber it will shrink and leave gaps as it dries.