Utility Trailer Flooring

[dh]

I'm currently building a 5x9 utility trailer. I have built everythnig for a 2000 lb capacity and want to go with either a wood floor or expanded metal.

What thickness expanded metal would be apropriate?

Would 3/4" PT Ply be better than 1"x6" PT boards?

How well does the PT wood take paint?

If it helps, the side rails are 56.5" OC, and the cross members vary from 23"-27" spacing.

Thanks Guys

BTW,

When I get this project finished, I'm starting on the tear!!!

[sjacobso76]

Is this trailer for a tear? If so, don't put a deck on the thing at all.

If it's a multi-use trailer (both for your tear and for utility use), you might read around on here. Seems that most people that do that wish they had just made their tear trailer permanent.

If we're just talking a utility trailer, I vote for the 3/4 ply. Pressure treated lumber has a real tendency to warp if not held down sufficiently. With ply you also get a smooth surface for carrying and unloading dirt and such. I guess it depends on what you will be using it for, but that's my too sense.

[clarkbre]

I'll cast my vote for plywood. I have a 4x8 utility trailer with a 3/4" CDX floor and 2' side walls. It's a great trailer and the plywood has held up great in the outdoor conditions here in seattle.

[Larwyn]

My 6x10 utility trailer has pressure treated 2x6's for decking. That seems to be the nomal for utility trailers around these parts. They have cupped a bit but are still solid. When I replace the floor it will probably be with the same.

[dh]

Looks like the ply is the way to go. I think 2x6 planking is a tad too heavy for a 2000 lb trailer.

Thanks for the help

[Lgboro]

I went with a steel floor back in 1977 and the only maintenance required is a coat of primer and paint every 10 years or so - I keep a spray can of paint and just dot the major scratches as needed.

[dh]

How thick did you go on the steel floor?

[TomW]

I currently have a 5 x 10 trailer with the expanded metal grating. This is a commercial trailer. I had 11ga or 1/8th expanded metal. The floor has some flex in it when you try putting a heavy object "Piano leg" in one place. For lawn mowers or objects with distributed weight it is OK.

Have you though about using the five quarters treated decking? It is lighter than the 2 x 6 and will be treated wood. The strength of the wood should be adequate for the 2000# weight rating.

Good luck.

[vrodjason]

I like the boards better. If you break one just replace that one. If you break the ply you have to replace the whole thing. just my 2 cents.

[SpringerNC]

recycled decking boards work great, very low friction and they last for ever(or a really long time) stuff just slides off of them, great for dirt/gravel/etc...

kinda pricey, but I had a bunch of spare pieces from a deck..

[madjack]

I wouldn't use ply unless you keep it protected from the elements...ply just doesn't stand up to the elements(without a fair bit of maintenance) like real lumber will...if you are worried about weight, use the 5/4 boards...paint/epoxy/urethane do not stick to pressure treated lumber/ply very well...at least not until it has weathered somewhat, drying out the surface of the lumber...1/8th expanded metal is even lighter but has it own problems(an open mesh...duh)...........
madjack

[dh]

I decided to go with 5/4" PT decking.

I priced it yesterday, its actually $.62 cheaper per 10' board than 1"

[frank_a]

I use 3/4 PT ply on all my utility trailers. After they age at least a year, I give them two good coats of barn red paint. Gawd, I love that stuff! Maybe the tear drop I'm planning should be painted barn red....

Frank