solid plate or expanded metal for bottom of tongue storage on equipment trailer?

[disney]

I recently acquired an old, used deckover that has locking storage built into A-frame, but currently the bottom (1/8 or 3/16) plate is more rust than metal.

What do all you prefer: solid floor/bottom, or expanded metal? Why?

I would likely go with Aluminum if I go solid, but would use steel for expanded metal as I already have some laying around, and could just weld it in place (it's harder to use bolts with expanded metal than plate...)

I promised myself I would not buy an equipment trailer that was gonna be a project, but apparently I only lie to myself!

I hope everyone is doing well, and as always, I thank everyone who takes the time to reply.

I guess I should add, top/lid will not be water tight, but would keep majority of water out, and I would make a few drain holes, If I went solid.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd want solid just for keeping dirt, mud, water, salt spray, etc... out.

 

[4570Man]

I’d want solid to help keep my straps dry. That and I hate expanded metal.

 

[Morning Wood]

I have a trailer with expanded metal and my chains get beat up from road grime. I’d look into installing an aluminum box that locks and is weather tight.

 

[jaxs]

If it were mine I'd want solid but if I were you I'd want expanded. Why not get side mounted boxes so you can have one of each?

 

[mrmikey]

I'd go solid with a drain hole in each corner. Trying to get chains out of a box with an expanded metal bottom is a lesson in frustration.............Mike

 

[nyone]

No matter how well sealed you think a trailer box is all it takes is one heavy rain while your driving down the road and you now have a humidor.

 

[nikerret]

Solid, for me. Expanded is for traction and large items, such as shovels.

 

[AWSubie]

I like expanded metal floors. I lay a piece of rigid foam insulation over the expanded metal to quiet things down and serve as a barrier to road debris. The foam is easy to replace and cheap.

 

[disney]

I'd go solid with a drain hole in each corner. Trying to get chains out of a box with an expanded metal bottom is a lesson in frustration.............Mike

I hate to ask (but have to) how does the expanded metal make it more difficult to remove chains? Unless the chain is so small (or the holes so large) that it can fall through. The expanded metal I have/might use has openings only large enough to just put the tip of your finger in, so I can not see 5/16-3/8 chain having an issue??

Thank you for all replies and whichever I choose, I like the idea of some rigid foam to both silence and help protect the chain.