Trailer body/flooring material

[computeruser]

With the weather warming up,I am hoping to finally complete my camping/canoe carrier trailer project from last year. But I need some input on what material to use for the decking and sides.

I was thinking about plywood at first (either standard stuff that would be painted heavily or marine grade), but I've been entertaining the idea of sheet aluminum instead, since it would weigh less and require less upkeep. The trailer will be stored outdoors at least part of the year.

Assuming I go with aluminum, how thick of a sheet of aluminum would I need for a solid decking surface? I'm assuming that .063 would be fine for the sides, but would it be rigid enough for the floor?

Below is the bare chassis. The main rails are 30" apart, and the cross beams are about 18" apart. So the spans aren't very large at all, which might make the thinner stuff work OK. What do y'all think?

This is the partially completed body that would need to be skinned.

 

[sseaman]

Looks like a great start. I chose to use pressure treated plywood for the floor on mine, so it was easily replaced if damaged, a few drain holes drilled around the edges, as mine also is parked outside, but usually has a tarp over it.

I used thinner plywood for the sides, only based on cost at the time of finishing, I plan to go back and go with metal in the future.

 

[jesusgatos]

I would just use something like 16g steel and then put another layer of material over any 'heavy-use' areas. I just built-out the whole bed of my Tacoma like that and it's pretty stout, without being too heavy.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I used 14Ga steel on the floor of mine. A 4x8 sheet weighs 80lbs. What's 1/2 plywood weigh? 40-50 lbs? So realistically, you're talking 30-40 pounds to floor your trailer with something damn near indestructible. I also put mine on the BOTTOM of the frame member, so it will be smooth for dragging over rocks.

Aluminum would be another option. I'd suggest 1/8 at a minimum.

 

[Box Rocket]

My skins/floor are all 16 guage steel. It would probably dent a little on the floor if I was chucking big rocks into it. But will hold up well otherwise I think.

 

[jesusgatos]

My skins/floor are all 16 guage steel. It would probably dent a little on the floor if I was chucking big rocks into it. But will hold up well otherwise I think.

That's why I suggested using another layer of some type of suitable material to reinforce any areas that will see heavy use. I whipped up a removable piece of plywood for one section (disposable) and will probably use some aluminum or plastic sheet for another.

 

[computeruser]

Thanks for the input. I'm not thrilled about prepping/painting steel, but it would be nice to be able to weld it on instead of drilling dozens of holes in 1/4" steel to bolt down wood or bolt/rivet down aluminum. Guess I'll get back to thinking about metal...

Note to others: that "expensive" surplus military trailer that somebody wants $1,000 for...it ain't really expensive at all!