Hello all. Hoping to get some ideas on replacement flooring for a project I'm working on.
I was given an early 80's Aluminum 5x8' Fruehauf Cargo trailer which needs a new floor and some TLC but is otherwise in good shape, pulls well. The original floor is 5/8" by 5x8' 1 piece sheet which rotted in the corners and edges. I have it removed, and had planned to use cca treated 3/4" plywood for the new flooring. Since the plywood is 4x8', planned to router a tongue & groove joint on one side and glue in a 1x8' extension to get to the 5x8' size needed.
That was the plan, until I realized the treated lumber (cooper) would eventually corrode the aluminum frame structure. Couple ideas such as using spray on bed liner or flex seal type coating on the aluminum support frame and inner box walls came to mind as a barrier but wouldn't work for the floor bolts (maybe silicone in the holes would be sufficient there).
Figured I'd ask for some suggestions here first before moving forward. Definitely want a flooring that is strong enough to hold a toolbox and some equipment without bowing between supports, and that won't rot out in a few years.
Keeping cost in mind, should I move to a different type of plywood (fir, oak?), or water-resistant sub-flooring (dryply is one brand name), marine grade plywood (spendy and also treated with cooper), or a manufactured material sheet or tounge/groove boards, or stick with original idea and put in a rubber coating barrier?
Also looking for replacement door seals, or door kits as the original rear 2-door's made by Met-L-Wood Corp are warped from the years of use, and showing some sings of rot on the inside - although still functional. Not finding a good source for replacements doors...
Suggestions appreciated! Thanks
I was given an early 80's Aluminum 5x8' Fruehauf Cargo trailer which needs a new floor and some TLC but is otherwise in good shape, pulls well. The original floor is 5/8" by 5x8' 1 piece sheet which rotted in the corners and edges. I have it removed, and had planned to use cca treated 3/4" plywood for the new flooring. Since the plywood is 4x8', planned to router a tongue & groove joint on one side and glue in a 1x8' extension to get to the 5x8' size needed.
That was the plan, until I realized the treated lumber (cooper) would eventually corrode the aluminum frame structure. Couple ideas such as using spray on bed liner or flex seal type coating on the aluminum support frame and inner box walls came to mind as a barrier but wouldn't work for the floor bolts (maybe silicone in the holes would be sufficient there).
Figured I'd ask for some suggestions here first before moving forward. Definitely want a flooring that is strong enough to hold a toolbox and some equipment without bowing between supports, and that won't rot out in a few years.
Keeping cost in mind, should I move to a different type of plywood (fir, oak?), or water-resistant sub-flooring (dryply is one brand name), marine grade plywood (spendy and also treated with cooper), or a manufactured material sheet or tounge/groove boards, or stick with original idea and put in a rubber coating barrier?
Also looking for replacement door seals, or door kits as the original rear 2-door's made by Met-L-Wood Corp are warped from the years of use, and showing some sings of rot on the inside - although still functional. Not finding a good source for replacements doors...
Suggestions appreciated! Thanks
