Enclosed trailer flooring replacement?

[Tim240Z]

I have a used trailer that I just purchased and I want to replace the floor and tailgate ramp floor. The trailer is 7' x 10'. Should I use plywood or OSB?
What are the advantages/disadvantages to each?
I plan to paint/waterproof the bottom and use truckbed coating (Rhino liner or similar) for the top (inside).
Thanks,
Tim

 

[PAToyota]

Considering that it is subjected to weather, I'd look at marine grade plywood. The OSB isn't going to hold up to the weather even with paint or waterproofing. The glues just disolve over time and then you're left with wood chips.

 

[MXtras]

I pulled mine apart when it was brand new - it was a 6X12 Haulmark (run-of-the-mill). I removed the floor and painted the **** out of the underside of the plywood and then sealed the **** out of the top and edges with Thompsons water seal. I painted the frame (the factory didn't do too good of a job) and then layed the floor back in place using caulk and stainless screws. I typically pressure wash the interior of the trailer and it's holding up well after 6 years of constant use.

I would use plywood and not OSB.

Scott

 

[Tim240Z]

Thanks guys...plywood it is. I assume I should use 1/4" plywood?

 

[boiler7904]

Thanks guys...plywood it is. I assume I should use 1/4" plywood?

Marine plywood is part of the right answer. I would think that 1/4" thick is not. I would go for 3/4" unless you are overlaying on top of something else.

Rhino Lining seems like a good choice for a trailer. If I was you, I would consider running it a couple of feet up the sides of the trailer interior to protect against damage.

 

[PAToyota]

Yep, 1/4" is about like using cardboard. I doubt it would support your weight over time, much less vehicles.

 

[MXtras]

My Haulmark and many, many others I have seen use 3/4" for the floor. 1/4" would not be much support.

The Rino lining suggestion is a good one! That is some tough stuff.

Scott

 

[cc_rider]

There is a new type of OSB that has a much higher resin content; it is virtually impervious to rain. The second story floor of my garage is made of this stuff; in this case 1-1/4" thick. Before they were able to get the roof on, it rained off and on for a couple of weeks. Once the roof was on and the floor dried out, it was just fine: no crumbling, bulging, or other defects associated with moisture.

That said, I'd probably still stick with 3/4" plywood. Seal well with KILZ or Zinsser or other shellac-based primer, then paint or Rhino to suit.

c.

 

[BoostAddiction]

Most of the better trailers are using a high grade wood fllor that is nominally better than regular ply or OSB.

One brand that seems popular is http://www.huberwood.com/products/dsp_products.cfm?doc_id=23

In all the cases I've seen, it is in the 3/4" thickness, which seems about right if you are using wood for a floor.

I prefer a metal or rubber floor as it cleans better, won't splinter and looks better. My trailer has aluminum diamond plate and I like it. I'd like extruded alu more, but that was too spendy when I was speccing the trailer. My former teammate had a Haulmark with a wood floor, and it got oil stans that he could never get out. Plus, the wood floor had less reflective properties so he needed more light when thrashing on the car at night.

Why not consider 1/2" Advantech or ply with a diamond plate or other metal or rubber coating?

-Will

 

[Tim240Z]

I was thinking of using diamond plate, but even with a relatively small floor (7' x 10'), the price of aluminum these days would make it a bit prohibitive.
I bet 1/4" Plywood with diamond plate would suffice, but I would still need to coat the plywood. I think 3/4" plywood with truck bed coating would do the trick and would be stainproof. The lighting issue is valid, but the trailer is small enough that it likely wouldn't be an issue.

Thanks,
Tim