material for trailer floor?

[oliver1850]

I need to replace a floor in a cargo trailer. It's mainly in tension from the screws around the roughly 2' x 2' perimeter but does have one tube bisecting it underneath for support. The old floor broke under impact. It will be used in the cold. What would be best, LDPE, HDPE, PVC, or something else?

thanks

[AngryScientist]

i must be confused?

i'm thinking 3/4" plywood...

is this the kind of trailer we're talking about here?

http://2j2e0t1q2q5h348nps3hd39w15fg.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1090-utility-trailer2.jpg

[malcolm]

I agree with angry some sort of marine plywood or treated wood of another sort. Fairly inexpensive and easily replaceable.

[pbarry]

Bike cargo trailer presumably..

[sokyroadie]

If it is 2' x 2' as you state is it a bike trailer? UHMW would be fine. and comes in many thicknesses if you want non wood.

JB

[oliver1850]

Yes, bike trailer. I don't want wood as it will inevitably get left outside.

UHMW looks to be fairly expensive, about 2X HDPE. Any significant advantage?

thanks

[thirdgenbird]

UHMW is sorta heavy but durable. A thin sheet of it would probably work nicely.

A sheet of aluminum would also work nicely. Put some 3m grip tape on it and you would have a high class rig.

[Cicli]

UHMW is sorta heavy but durable. A thin sheet of it would probably work nicely.

A sheet of aluminum would also work nicely. Put some 3m grip tape on it and you would have a high class rig.

Agreed. A piece of aluminum. Maybe diamond plate?

[oliver1850]

I thought of AL, but assumed some sort of plastic would be cheaper.

[gomango]

Agreed. A piece of aluminum. Maybe diamond plate?

1/8 th inch diamond plate decking.

That's what I use for my trailer up at the cabin.

Works for my Polaris four wheeler.

Will likely outlast me.

They should have it at Northern Hydraulics if they have one by you.

[PacNW2Ford]

It's a BIKE trailer, for cryin' out loud. Only unidirectional carbon fiber will do, see Rock West Composites. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Louis]

It's a BIKE trailer, for cryin' out loud. Only unidirectional carbon fiber will do, see Rock West Composites. Happy Thanksgiving.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-carbon-fiber-sheets/=us4af0

More seriously, this is why I like McMaster Carr - they have all sorts of helpful info about their products:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-plastic-sheets/=us4cbs

[unterhausen]

I seem to remember a plastic board with honeycomb inside for stiffness. I feel like diamond plate is going to be heavy.

[thunderworks]

Most plastics are susceptible to degradation from UV light. I would think metal would be more durable.

[gomango]

I seem to remember a plastic board with honeycomb inside for stiffness. I feel like diamond plate is going to be heavy.

Naw, it'll be fine.

I've used my Northern Hydraulics trailer at our cabin for almost twenty years.

I drag it around with with my Landcruiser.

I've hauled four wheelers, mtbs, tree stumps, kayaks, canoes, children, a dog sled, a moose and logs for the deck without incident.

Hose it off after you are finished. That's my only rule. :)