replacing ramp on trailer question

[MyBoyChe]

Not really CR but thought you lot would have the knowledge. Would 3mm thick rubber matting be tough enough on the newly replaced marine ply for my trailer ramp? Planning on putting horizontal slats across to hold it in place, think the reason the previous ramp rotted was because the rubber was held on with batons around the outside and the water/wee ran down between rubber and wood If 3mm not enough can anyone recommend something to use please. Ta

 

[wench]

What model of trailer do you have? I did mine last year and should be able to help if I know what sort of trailer

 

[MyBoyChe]

Thank you, its a bateson derby

 

[wench]

Ok just had a look on net for a picture. Have you done out the ply in something strong like creosote substitute? That will help with waterproofing. I would also think there are two ways of putting a new ramp on.

Firstly get a cheap bit of ramp mat, and stick it down to the ply with super strong glue, then run some silicone or mastic sealant all the way round the edges to stop water ingress.

Or you may be able to buy a performed ramp mat, which have the batons in built, and give you proper fixing instructions.

If you have the money... Go for the latter. I was on a budget so bodged mine up from a lightweight EVA stable mat

 

[MyBoyChe]

Thank you, OH is doing it later this week for me, we have the old one off, the frame of the back door is fine so he is starting from scratch with the actual ramp. Good point about the mastic round the edges to seal it, Im sure that the fact the old rubber had huge gaps at the edge where it joins the trailer caused all the problems so will def make sure this bit in particular is watertight.

 

[wench]

In your situation, I would be tempted to absolutley cover the ramp mat (or what ever you are using), in some no more nails, or something similar, ie literally paint it on.

It will be possble to put, say wooden batons across the ramp, but they wont hold down very well, as there isn't much on a sheet of ply to screw them into.

I didnt glue mine down, but I used batons to screw it down. However, my ramp is of different construction, and has planks of wood underneath the matter, so thicker, and able to screw to.

 

[MyBoyChe]

How thick are your planks, we are planning on using 18mm thick marine ply, as that is what was there originally.and then to screw battens over the top of the matting to hold it down.

 

[rockysmum]

You can actually screw most matting direct to the wood. Just use large washers with the screws.

 

[perfect11s]

Dont use marine or any other uncoated ply it will rot quickly if it gets damp !! best to use a phenol flooring like wisa deck its not that much more and is much stronger and longer lasting, you can glue the mat and screw the treads to it .... please!! please!! people stay away from marine ply for floors or ramps its not nice when a horse puts there foot though it...

 

[kiagirl]

I got a proper ramp mat from ebay? OH stuck it down with spray adhesive and we sealed the edges with mastik. Think the mat was about £50

 

[gabanna]

Best to use 18mm phenolic ply, marine ply will not last! it's around £45 for an 8x4 sheet

 

[perfect11s]

Dont use marine or any other uncoated ply it will rot quickly if it gets damp !! best to use a phenol flooring like wisa deck its not that much more and is much stronger and longer lasting, you can glue the mat and screw the treads to it .... please!! please!! people stay away from marine ply for floors or ramps its not nice when a horse puts there foot though it...

Try www.servicemetals.co.uk transport products they call it anti slip mesh timber flooring and comes in various thicknesses ...

 

[Fourlegsgood]

I used the rubber mat type that has integral rubber slats. Its as tough as old boots and hasn't a mark on it despite 3 years of weekly use including horses with studs.

 

[YasandCrystal]

We replaced the ramp on a horsebox and I bought a ramp carpet set which came with aluminium anti slip struts - it was the best thing ever the ramp was so lovely and light - I hadn't appreciated just how much even 3 mm rubber matting had weighed.
So a big no no for me would be one of those preformed rubber ramp mats - I bet they weigh around 100kg - I cringe everytime I see them advertised.