Posted 2008-11-19 12:18 AM (#95097) Subject: Trailer floor question
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Brockport, NY.
I need information to settle a "difference of opinion" with my husband, the engineer. I have an older 2 horse trailer that I have been re-doing. I removed 2 floor boards and found that the angle iron supporting the boards at the back of the trailer near the ramp was rotted. There is another angle iron running parallel to the rotted one about 12" away that is in good condition. My husband feels that the floor will be safe if I replace the boards and bolt some angle iron underneath the boards to connect them together. This support wouldn't be fastened to the sides of the trailer frame, just connected underneath the ends of the boards.
I'm concerned that this is not enough support, especially for 2 horses. Any opinions? I'm not putting my horse in this trailer until I am satisfied that it is very safe.
Posted 2008-11-19 8:36 AM (#95102 - in reply to #95097) Subject: RE: Trailer floor question
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
The angle needs to be connected to the frame on both sides. Remember the shaking that occurs on less than perfect roads and crossing railroad tracks etc. The angle being welded to the frame also creates a more rigid box throughout the trailer. You are correct.
Posted 2008-11-19 8:49 AM (#95103 - in reply to #95097) Subject: RE: Trailer floor question
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Your skepticism of your husband's idea is well founded. This area of your flooring needs to be quite strong. It is where the horse first enters the trailer, and where it constantly stands when being transported. A new angle iron member should be installed and welded on each end to the side frame rails. It wouldn't hurt if the new frame were larger than the one it replaces. After it is installed, it's an excellent time to prime and paint all the exposed framing, preventing any future rust issues.
The flooring should be adequately supported, and not depend on the strength of the boards to ensure your horse's safety. We've all heard about the horror stories of what happens, when a horse falls through the flooring of a moving trailer. A little extra time spent now, will pay off with a reliable trailer in the future.
Posted 2008-11-19 9:03 AM (#95105 - in reply to #95097) Subject: RE: Trailer floor question
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
IF I understand your situation correctly (without pics there is room for error), your husband is wrong. You can not bolt the ends of a wood floor together and expect that to be solid. I would suggest getting a professional to take a look, although you seem to have a good understanding of what is/is not safe. The wood floor HAS to be supported by the frame. Flooring is no place to half-ass anything.
Trailer floor question
