Posted 2014-12-07 6:25 PM (#161955) Subject: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not)
Member
Posts: 34 Location: Spokane Wa
I went to look at the horse trailer I have been waiting to buy (private party) and the last thing I checked before committing was the floor. I pulled the mats and found at least 50 holes ranging from tiny holes to nickle size. The owner truly did not know this as he bought it brand new(1999) and only pulled the mats a couple of times. So now my question...what is the best solution for fixing. I have read some of the past posts but would like to know how much it would cost to do it right? Cutting out old floor and replacing with new or some other way? Again best possible way. Can it be replaced with wood and if so won't the thickness of wood throw everything else off? Or should I just walk away and keep looking?
Posted 2014-12-07 8:37 PM (#161958 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
Expert
Posts: 1877 Location: NY
what I have read is that you clean the areas up and weld the holes and check under the area to see if the (rust ) has gone all the way thought to me that is the best way to fix the floor
Posted 2014-12-08 8:40 AM (#161964 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The nickle sized holes can be repaired by welding and then grinding the areas smooth. The smaller holes can be cleaned out and filled with JB Weld or similar epoxies. The entire floor should be acid washed before any repairs are attempted. The repair costs will vary by how much labour is invested, and the hourly rate at which it is charged. I would try to repair the existing flooring before undertaking any type of replacement. It's a shame that a good trailer like this one, was so badly neglected by its owner. Every trailer, regardless of construction materials, needs routine maintence.
Posted 2014-12-08 9:58 AM (#161966 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
It sounds like the previous owner never pulled the mats and washed the trailer out. Get in touch withthe service department at Don Johnson Trailer Sales in Walla Walla. They are the largest and most experienced Featherlite dealer in the NW.http://www.thetrailerplace.com/contact-us/Doug BryantFeatherlite TrailersTerritory Manager
Posted 2014-12-08 1:20 PM (#161968 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
Member
Posts: 34 Location: Spokane Wa
I called Featherlite they suggest doing the whole floor as just doing a sheeting over the top...there is a pretty good chance you will get moisture between the two pieces and again corrosion. Yikes! What is one to do?
Posted 2014-12-08 1:28 PM (#161970 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
Posted 2014-12-08 5:51 PM (#161973 - in reply to #161955) Subject: RE: Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not
Regular
Posts: 54 Location: Croswell MI
I had this problem once.I took it to a good fabrication shop that only works on aluminum.They put a marine grade appoxie between the two layers.No corrosion.It worked like a charm.Later I sold that trailer for more then I paid for it.The people still have it ,use it offten and love it.
Help! I am looking to buy an aluminum horse trailer (Featherlite with corroded floor, buy or not)
