Trailer maintenance. Tips/advice pls!

[horsemad32]

We have a Rice Continental trailer with a double wood floor. It has marine ply planks underneath, and what I can best describe as cut in half fence posts on top in planks running across the trailer. I have never seen a floor like this but am used to ifors and can see that it is very strong. I know the people before us did not replace or treat the floor, and it is due. Most of the top planks are a little soft on top and the last one by the ramp is rotting at the edges. So do we try to replace exactly what is there now, or go for a more conventional floor? OH was talking about having an aluminium floor put in but can you get that done in such an old trailer? Is it much much cheaper for us to buy the necessary tools and for OH to book a week off work to do it (would like to also replace a couple of side panels)? Would it take forever at a trailer place and can anyone recommend somewhere in Herts, Bucks or Berks? Thanks!

 

[horsemad32]

No one? If no one knows, where could I post where there would be people who would? Any trailer forums out there?

 

[holeymoley]

I have an old bahill trailer (80s/90s) with wooden floor. The guy that services it says the floor was in good condition as was not long replaced, but he said when it does need replacing , they put aluminium in now adays so It certainly is possible in any trailer.

My sides are metal but have a wooden part over the metal to attach padded parts etc. I ripped the bottom half off and replaced myself with wood from home base which was £25.

 

[zoon]

I have an old rice and the double layer floor of perpendicular planks is part of the structural integrity. The metal supports underneath are too far spaced to support a floor made of boards that they tend to do now.

So you have 2 options
1 - buy some long tongue and groove or overlap hardwood planks and fit end to end. I tend to leave it at this and have thick matting on top. This way I can lift rubber matting when not in use and floor stays dry and I can keep a close eye on its condition. You can fit a second layer if you like (can be boards or planks) but 2 layer floors just trap moisture between and therefore rot quicker. A well fitted single layer of hardwood if more than strong enough
2 - weld in more supports or weld mesh between existing supports and then fit a board floor such as suitabale types of ply. I am not a fan of this tbh, but it is the most commonly used material.

Either floor could have aluminium chequerboard on top it you like. It is important to make sure it in no way contacts the metal of the trailer though as that will cause the aluminium to corrode. Again, I am not a fan of this as moisture just gets trapped in between layers and it is difficult to inspect the floor.

Whatever you do, dont get a board floor put in your trailer as it is.

 

[TommisMum]

Recommendations near you are
C&R Day at Toddington, PepperHarrow Horseboxes in Godalming in Surrey or William Vincent at Newbury.
Will pm you details of a Rice specialist - not in your area but he'll talk you through what is needed....