Buffalo Board (Phenolic board) for Trailer floor

[Benefice1]

I recently bought an older ifor 505 trailer. The floor was said to be Ali...what it actually was was chequer plate aluminium sheets screwed onto a layer of presumably ply I would say given the state of it....
We lifted the aluminium sheets off and the floor underneath was completely rotten, my other half put his foot through!
So we removed everything there and then, was that bad literally took about 5 minutes! Scary!
Anyway, now looking at replacing it, can't really afford the proper aluminium floor at the minute so have managed to get some recommended buffalo (Phenolic) board. It is the proper stuff not the cheaper Chinese version.

My question is is a single layer of 18mm enough? Will have the rubber matting on top which will be removed when not in use.

Trying to keep the weight down and will only be travelling 1 14.1hh pony (last time weighed was about 430kg).

I have the chequer plate that I could put back on top of the new board which would then be more than adequate but always been told that it is worse to fix anything on top of the wood as that can cause more issues and better for it to be left bare so can dry out quickly and properly and can be thoroughly checked frequently....just wondering what to do for the best.

Sorry for the long post!

 

[Equi]

Yes the Ali on top will make it rot faster as it holds the wet in. I got a 505 floor for £500 so if I was you I would aim to put this down for a few months then get the aluminium floor in and you can be sure it’s not going to rot any time soon. The wood will be fine for a good while if looked after but having also went through my box With my fist (buffalo board) After a month of not being used I will never again have wood.

 

[Red-1]

My big HGV wagon had the buffalo board with chequer plate on top, the solid rubber mats onto of that, in just 2 sheets for the 4-hrse back, so only one, sealed , seam. TBH, it never really got wet. I use a bit of bedding in the back, which is completely swept clean every time. I would wash it out once a year, on a very hot day.

I removed the mats etc after 5 years, all was still immaculate. Properly dry and absolutely like new.

I guess it would depend on if the trailer is watertight when it is standing?

Nothing wrong with doing that then taking it apart again after 3 years to inspect? Then every 2 years after that?

But, I am not a professional or really knowledgable in any way, just saying my experience.