Steel trailer bed thickness?

[Bruker 2]

I'm planning on rebuilding my 40"x48" utilty trailer and I'm thinking about lining the bed with a piece of sheet steel. Do you think 14 gauge would be thick enough or should I go with 12 or 11 gauge?

[tec2484 1]

It depends on the amount of support under the steel, And what you will be hauling.

[Bruker 2]

The bed is presently 1/2" plywood and it's starting to show the wear from handling dirt and gravel. I'll probably back it up with 1/2" plywood but the steel is to add wear resistance.

[tec2484 1]

With 1/2" plywood under it 16 gauge would be heavy enough. maybee you can find a hood from a JD and flaten it out and use it, It would be one good use JD parts. LOL

[john-holcomb 0]

If you do that be sure and coat the steel with more than just paint. A good coat of plastic roof cement would work. The wood will absorb moisture and rust out 14 gage [.074"] in just a few years. Consider using UHMW [polyethylene] 1/4" thick it will stand up to almost anything, never rust and out live both you and the trailer. A 1/4 x 48 x 48 sheet cost $70 in McMaster Carr and they are about the most expensive place that you can buy it.

[D-17_Dave 12]

Steel would be fairly slick also. Rough cut hard wood secounds from any local saw mill would work great and be fairly cheap. Thats what I use on my trailers and have very good results.

[lboy1971 0]

Could you use a paint on bedliner on the steel?

[D-17_Dave 12]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lboy1971
Could you use a paint on bedliner on the steel?

---

You can, but I've seen less than desirable results from over the counter bed liner kits.

[dhardin 0]

I got tired of replacing the floor in my 5' x 8' utility trailer. It was 3/4 plywood, I replaced it with treated 3/4 ply and a 1/2" thick rubber horse trailer mat. The mat holds back the water and easy to walk on without slipping.