Weather proofing the floor

[chgrsteve67]

Plan on getting some plywood tomorrow and starting on the floor of my trailer.

What the best way to weather proof the underside of the trailers plywood floor?

Just pain roofing tar? Will I need some way to heat it up?

Or is there another product that is easy to use and something I can pick up locally?

Thanks
Steve

[TPMcGinty]

I didn't want to use roofing tar because of the sticky mess. I decided to use an asphalt based fence post paint that dries hard from Tractor Supply. I figured if it protects a fence post that is driven into the wet ground, it would work for my trailer. There are some in TS's California.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_43986_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

[WarPony]

Good call, Timbo!! Steve, I used the asphalt emulsion on my Jim Dandy build and it worked good. I think the key to ANY of this stuff is it will only get as messy as you let it. Using rollers, I think, is going to slop more than a brush will. I used a brush and applied two coats so the mess was less than I expected it to be.

It looks like the Tractor Supply stuff is oil-based, too so it will soak into the wood, that's a good thing. Just be sure to pay special attention to the edges of the plywood and apply a bit more so as to fill any voids.

Jeff

[TPMcGinty]

Good call, Timbo!! Steve, I used the asphalt emulsion on my Jim Dandy build and it worked good. I think the key to ANY of this stuff is it will only get as messy as you let it. Using rollers, I think, is going to slop more than a brush will. I used a brush and applied two coats so the mess was less than I expected it to be.

It looks like the Tractor Supply stuff is oil-based, too so it will soak into the wood, that's a good thing. Just be sure to pay special attention to the edges of the plywood and apply a bit more so as to fill any voids.

Jeff

Jeff is right about the asphalt paint and the edges! I put two coats on to be safe and even after that I had to touch up the edges.

[Mary K]

Ah,...the good old days.......





That fence post paint looks good also.

Mk

[cuyeda]

I haven't worked with epoxy yet, but Steve Frederick recommends epoxy, over the choice of tar emulsion. I guess it depends on how you intend to finish the roadside. Is it going to be an exposed insulation, or a sandwiched wood ply construction?

[chgrsteve67]

Thanks for the responses.

My trailer will have an enclosed wall.

The asphalt based fence post paint sounds perfect.
I got the plywood for my floor and walls today but thats as far as I got.

The TS nearest by me is about 50 miles away for me so I will have to plan a trip.

Thanks for the info and help.

Steve

[rtp123]

I just finished building the floor. It is a 'sandwich' composite with 1/2 inch plywood on top, foam board insulation and a sheet of 1/4 inch Luan plywood for the bottom.
I applied three coats of epoxy to seal and waterproof the bottom Luan plywood. The epoxy is a marine variety, called 'Epoxy Plus'. It was pretty easy to mix and apply.

[chgrsteve67]

I don't think i can find a responsible adult anywhere to try the Epoxy method.

I would probably glue my a$$ or forehead to the floor.

[Alphacarina]

I just used 3 coats of oil based primer on mine - Expect the floor will outlive the trailer

Don

[Esteban]

I'm just about finished building an insulated floor. It has 3/8" plywood on top, a wood frame with 3/4" insulation in the middle, then 1/4" luan plywood on the bottom. The bottom is getting sealed with epoxy.

So far I've sealed the luan with two coats of epoxy. Expect to put on the last coat tomorrow. The Raka epoxy I'm using is pretty easy to work with. Kinda fun too. Mixed it per directions, rolled it on, then lightly brushed it with a dry brush to "tip off" air bubbles. I'll let it harden and then sand it a little to knock down protruding wooden nubs and dead critters before putting on the final coat of epoxy. It's looking so nice that I may not paint it black.

One reason I'm using epoxy on the bottom is to practice first on an out of sight area before fiberglassing the sides and roof where looks will count much more.

[planovet]

Excellent idea Steve. I think I will do mine that way also. Nice big area to practice on that won't be seen.

[looped]

I just used 3 coats of oil based primer on mine - Expect the floor will outlive the trailer

Don

thats what i did with mine,, zinzer oil based primer/sealer then followed it with a couple cans of rubberized automotive undercoating.