Should You Remove Wire Mesh from a Utility Trailer Deck?

[Jwh92020]

I may be picking up a 5x8 utility flat bed with a wire mesh deck. Is removing the mesh a "have to do", ought to do" or a "don't worry about it" thing? My initial thought is to hit it with some good old Rustoleum black and put the sub deck over it. The deck bottom will be primed with 2 coats of exterior oil base primer and 2 coats of exterior oil based paint. (Only because I have a couple of 5 gallon buckets of each that I'll never use for anything else).

 

[Tony Latham]

Me? I'd get rid of it. It's weight.

T

 

[KCStudly]

... and the factory finish paint on UT's is typically of an "industrial" quality (i.e. sprayed on crudely with very little prep), so, IMO, could likely be a starting point for rust. Take a look and use you best judgment.

 

[Pmullen503]

Check how square this used trailer is before you buy it. You may have to remove the mesh just to get it square again.

 

[Jwh92020]

Me? I'd get rid of it. It's weight.

T

 

[Jwh92020]

... and the factory finish paint on UT's is typically of an "industrial" quality (i.e. sprayed on crudely with very little prep), so, IMO, could likely be a starting point for rust. Take a look and use you best judgment.

The plan was to paint the trailer, so I figured painting the mesh would have worked. If i get it, I'm going to remove the mesh. Less potential for problems.

 

[Jwh92020]

Check how square this used trailer is before you buy it. You may have to remove the mesh just to get it square again.

I always check a trailer for square before buying or working on them. There are at least 3 measuring tapes in my truck at all times.

 

[HaveeBear]

Does it have cross bars under the wire mesh? The mesh may be structural....

 

[Jwh92020]

Does it have cross bars under the wire mesh? The mesh may be structural....

Yes. Therecare 6 cross members weled to the side rails.