A probably silly question about trailers ???

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swampdonkey

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Hi All,

I have just bought an older version of the Ifor Williams 505 with the wooden floor.
The floor is in excellent condition and I would like it to stay that way.

Question is I have the choice of two places to keep it at the yard.
The 1st being really easy to reverse into, perfect for loading mare from where it is, but its on mud.
The 2nd being quite tricky to park, would need to move it before loading up but it is on hardstanding.

Would it being on mud mean that the damp would rise up to the floor quicker than if it was on hardstanding, and would it rot the tyres more if on mud.

Apologies for what is probably a daft question but this trailer ownership is all new to me.
Other trailer owners at the yard all have a different opinion and not sure what to do for the best. Obviously I am hoping to get better at reversing (my dad is a trailer trainer< which is a bonus :) )
 
Hardstanding, be aware that often the handbrake on the older 505's can lock on so we always chock the wheels instead of using the handbrake when its unhitched.
 
I have the old Hunter with a wooden floor and keep it on grass. The floor is still fine but the tyres suffer if it is on a damp place, so use the hardsanding if you can for the sake of the tyres.
For the floor, when you aren't using it best remove the rubber matting to allow the floor to dry and not remain damp and sweaty under the matting. I roll mine up and keep them in the front while it isn't used, easy anough to unroll and put them in place for use.
 
Vehicles of all kinds rot much more quickly (metal and rubber) if kept on grass/mud as the damp rises and they remain damp underneath all the time.

Put some paving slabs down on top of the mud/grass and then park the trailer on top. Much healthier for the trailer and the slabs can easily be taken up should you decide to keep the trailer elsewhere.
 
Very important for your floor is to address any leaks in the roof ASAP. Always keep the rear doors closed when its not in use.
 
I bought an old hunter with a wooden floor - even though the floor wasn't bad, I had it replaced with an ally one, just for peace of mind. It made it quite a bit lighter too. Just a thought...
 
Yup hardstanding is so much better as everyone has said.

Landcruiser said:
I bought an old hunter with a wooden floor - even though the floor wasn't bad, I had it replaced with an ally one, just for peace of mind. It made it quite a bit lighter too. Just a thought...
Click to expand...

Doesn't cost as ,much as you may think too! I had an old Ifor with a wooden floor and left it for about a year and then had it replaced with an ali floor.

When I wasn't using it I would lift the matting and pop bricks under it so that the floor could dry out periodically.

ETA the handbrake sticks on mine too so I'm another who uses bricks. I guess chocks would be better but I've never gotten around to getting any!
 
My daughter saved money by taking up the old floor herself, ordering the new floor direct from IW, fitting it (with husbands help) and the getting trailer specilaist mechanic to ensure it was OK. They come in a kit.
 
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