I will be putting rubber matting on both the head and butt sides of my trailer - currently there is nothing.  The trailer is dark (charcoal gray) and noisy.  Would you recommend putting foamboard type insulation (same as in the LQ section) behind the mats?  I was also considering painting the roof white - it is also charcoal gray.

Yes to sidewall insulation, and yes to white roof!!!!  Good for you!

I repainted a trailer that originally had a brown interior, walls and ceiling, with white paint. The difference was easily noticeable with the increased reflectivity. It was a positive change.

I don't know if the foam board will endure the crushing it will be subjected to, especially on the butt side. Even if it were, is shouldn't effect anything behind the mats. It will insulate the wall and deaden some of the road noise, so it can't hurt to try.

Gard

She could install plywood sheathing to the walls, and screw the mats to the plywood.

Gard

And "FOOLS SELDOME DIFFER"  LOL

I just had to add that for a laugh...the idea is great though...

Good idea!!  

I called the trailer manufacturer when I first got the trailer and was told that they install the rubber matting directly to the steel channels in a fashion similar to installing vinyl siding - i.e. - elongated holes to allow for expansion and contraction.  The channels are 12' to 16" in spacing.  As I am looking to minimize the weight, I felt that the insulation would be adequate behind the mats to prevent a 'saggy' look - esp. in the summer when the mats would be expanded the most, while providing temperature/noise control for the horses.  I am struggling with the weight vs. aesthetic vs. functionality issues.  With gas as high as it was in the summer, combined with the poor gas mileage the truck gets, I would like to minimize the dead weight I am dragging behind me, while keeping the horses safety as the most important criteria for everything I do.  I hope this makes sense!!  LOL

Did you use a non-toxic paint?

 I used an automotive, single part white urethane paint with catalyst on the sidewalls above the windows, the ceiling, stall dividers, the forward bulkhead and the tack room. On the side walls below the windows, I coated the walls with Duplicolor. The exterior of the trailer was also shot with urethane paint in three colours to match my truck.

On the butt side, I installed 3/4" pressure treated plywood, fastened to the interior studs. The horses had been kicking this wall and damaging the steel. I did not cover the plywood with matting.

The foam insulation could be installed behind the plywood in the spacing between the studs. I would not think that a rubber mat hung between studs like a laundry day, would be very secure. The top edge especially, should be rigidly fastened, if a horse were to step onto it.

 My newer two trailers have rubber wall mats that are factory installed. They are both screwed and glued at the top and the seams are caulked to prevent materials from slipping between the surfaces. I have not detected any unusual expansion and contraction between the dissimilar rubber and the aluminum walls. The screw heads have not torn out, the glue joints have not failed. Based on my observation of this construction of two different builders, I would have to say that the expansion and contraction of the rubber mats in my area of the North East, is a non issue.

Gard

Ok - I hope I am not getting too detailed.  When you installed the plywood, did you put the wood all the way down to the frame with the floor next to the side, or did you have the plywood on top of the floor?  If the former, how much of a space did you leave between the wall/floor (if any) for drainage?  Did you use any type of sealant/caulking?  Did you countersink the screws?  Did you paint the plywood?  Thanks for all your help  :-)

The ceiling needs insulation also,protects the horses heads and makes the trailer much cooler,my old silver star has ceiling and wall insulation standard

Thanks :-)

Does the insulation cover the entire ceiling - i.e. on top of the channels?  Or is it just between the channels? Is the insulation covered - if so, what is it covered with?  What type of insulation is it?

Is there a spray-on insulation that can be used by a 'non'professional'?