Trailer flooring

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

I have a custom trailer that we use to haul my larger pontoon boat and camping gear, and when the boat stands are removed I can use as a standard utility trailer. The flooring is 7" wide slats with gaps which allow road spray during the wet season. I'm thinking of screwing in a couple of sheets of plywood for a solid floor. Is this a sound idea? If yes what thickness? Should I treat it? I can also lay a tarp on the floor but it's one more thing to mess with on trips. Also, this trailer is garaged, so not exposed to the elements when not in use

Wayne Kohan · Feb 4, 2023

You could always cover what you got with some cheap indoor/outdoor carpeting. Probably wouldn’t last forever but have had that on some of my trailers in the past and it worked fine.

Billy · Feb 4, 2023

Wayne Kohan said:
You could always cover what you got with some cheap indoor/outdoor carpeting. Probably wouldn’t last forever but have had that on some of my trailers in the past and it worked fine.

Or maybe a glue down rubber mat?

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

Wayne Kohan said:
You could always cover what you got with some cheap indoor/outdoor carpeting. Probably wouldn’t last forever but have had that on some of my trailers in the past and it worked fine.

Never thought of carpet, doesn't that get really dirty and hard to dry out?

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

Billy said:
Or maybe a glue down rubber mat?

Home depot?

Wayne Kohan · Feb 4, 2023

Sagebrush said:
Never thought of carpet, doesn't that get really dirty and hard to dry out?

It vacuums up well and I live in TriCities so I don’t worry about things not drying out, not a problem here.

Billy · Feb 4, 2023

Sagebrush said:
Home depot?

I'm sure they have it but I would look online and see if you can order the exact size you need from some agriculture store or similar

_WW_ · Feb 4, 2023

Home Depot has these pieces of carpet in gray or beige that I think are 6 x 8.

Foss Unbound Smoke Gray Ribbed 6 ft. x 8 ft. Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug CP45N41PJ1VH - The Home Depot

Bring inviting comfort to any space and every season with Indoor/Outdoor Area Rugs from Foss. With attractive colors and incredibly resilient construction, these eco-friendly, high-performance rugs are

www.homedepot.com

I used this as flooring in a tent and discovered it is waterproof. I now line the floor of my truck bed with it.

If you just want some wood you can use and abuse get some treated 1/2" plywood.

Robert Engleheart · Feb 4, 2023

_WW_ said:
Home Depot has these pieces of carpet in gray or beige that I think are 6 x 8.

Foss Unbound Smoke Gray Ribbed 6 ft. x 8 ft. Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug CP45N41PJ1VH - The Home Depot

Bring inviting comfort to any space and every season with Indoor/Outdoor Area Rugs from Foss. With attractive colors and incredibly resilient construction, these eco-friendly, high-performance rugs are

www.homedepot.com

I used this as flooring in a tent and discovered it is waterproof. I now line the floor of my truck bed with it.

If you just want some wood you can use and abuse get some treated 1/2" plywood.

I use a couple of these outside of my RV, under the awning. I like to cook outside when weather is not too bad and set up a plastic top folding table with a propane grill and electric frying pan. Keeps dirt and leaves from being tracked into trailer. The carpet dries quickly and vacuums up nicely. Appears to hold up very well so far after years. Good product.

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

I'll take a look at the carpeting. I could likely use some light screws with washers to keep it from sliding around.
Really interesting, I was not expecting these solutions instead of plywood. if I decide on plywood what do you recommend to treat it?

_WW_ · Feb 4, 2023

Sagebrush said:
I'll take a look at the carpeting. I could likely use some light screws with washers to keep it from sliding around.
Really interesting, I was not expecting these solutions instead of plywood. if I decide on plywood what do you recommend to treat it?

Just buy it treated from the lumber yard. Use those finish washers and screws for the carpet.
So...you could wrap the plywood in the carpet and fasten it to the underside and just let the ply and carpet lay in there. Makes for easy removal to let the boards underneath dry out if needed.

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

_WW_ said:
Just buy it treated from the lumber yard. Use those finish washers and screws for the carpet.
So...you could wrap the plywood in the carpet and fasten it to the underside and just let the ply and carpet lay in there. Makes for easy removal to let the boards underneath dry out if needed.

That is a great idea!

_WW_ · Feb 4, 2023

Sagebrush said:
That is a great idea!

Yup! Then when you want to haul gravel or bark it doesn't get all dirty. I hang my carpet over the fence and just hose it off to clean it.

_WW_ · Feb 4, 2023

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

The carpet and ply is sounding like a good idea, thanks!

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

_WW_ said:
View attachment 52817

Ha, that's my other winter project. Drawers for the back of my 4runner. So I can store items for trips of to keep them out of sight .

Sagebrush · Feb 4, 2023

_WW_ said:
View attachment 52817

Ha, that's my other winter project. Drawers for the back of my 4runner. So I can store items for trips of to keep them out of sight

CRO · Feb 4, 2023

a thin sheet of aluminum on plate(.064) thick or more screwed down on top of those planks is another choice. It can be purchased in 4' X 8' ft sheets. Cost per sheet? You dont need certified aircraft grade material. It doesnt take any special care and will last a life time. Just a thought.