So I have a utility trailer that at some point was a popup camper. I bought it about 10 years with a new untreated floor and sideboards. It's just a tad wider than 4 ft and about 9 feet long. I have a hinged drop down loading ramp gate. This has been the best $300 I've ever spent. So after many cords of wood and a lot of abuse later she;s ready for a new floor and sideboards. I'm thinking about either a expanded metal floor or solid sheet metal and thinking about making removable side pannels so I can load and unload rounds easier. My splitters log lift will sit nicely on the edge of the trailer if I can remove my sidebords. I have access to all the tools and talents to do most everything I'd want. Just looking for some thoughts on flooring and accessories. I need to take a pic and post. She's not preaty but she's paid for.
Thoughts regarding utility trailer that needs some love.
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SolarAndWood
Minister of Fire
How heavy is the axle and what are the tires rated for? My 5x8 is solid sheet metal and weighs 1100 pounds. It adds up quick.
Jamess67
Feeling the Heat
+100SolarAndWood said:
I have a 8x10 with a sheet metal floor and it is HEAVY. The same amount of 3/4 treated plywood is 220#s lighter and alot less noisy. If I hadnt got the metal so cheap I wouldnt have used it. Expanded metal is lighter but still will bend and break over time, then you have holes in the floor. I suggest you stay with treated plywood and maybe weather proof it every couple years.
Expanded metal, a good 5200# axle, 225/75/15 LRD trailer tires will get you a good wood hauler with plenty of capacity. At least make sure it's a 3500# axle (5-bolt with 15" tires and electric brakes)
Ok this thing isn't anywhere near a 5 bolt, electric brake, hd machine. Looks like it'll get a new 3/4 plywood floor. Thanks for the input.
jhoff310
Member
maybe before you put a new floor into an older trailer that has paid you back time and time again what about an upgrade? I see trailers on craigslist for cheap. I picked up my 22' built on 2 mobile home axles (6,000lbs each) for $550.
Just something to think about
Jeff
Just something to think about
Jeff
firefighterjake
Minister of Fire
Me . . . I'm cheap . . . but I like things to last and dislike doing the same project often . . . I would go with pressure treated plywood/boards . . . more expensive than regular plywood, but cheaper than metal . . . and you should get many, many years out of the PT wood.
Friday I'm getting a sheet of 3/4 treated plywood and some deck boards for the sides. She's still got a lot of life left in her. Jeff I do need a bigger trailer for serious wood hauling. It's on my 2011 capital plan.
Danno77
Minister of Fire
I see a lot of recommissioned pop-up camper trailers. It always surprises me, because they can't be using very heavy duty axles in those things, it'd be overkill. I can't see a pop-up camper having an axle rated over 2000lbs, but I guess I could be wrong.
Mine is old. Probably 60s or 70s. I don't know the axle rating. I have about 3 miles down slow roads from where I cut to home. I know I overload it.
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