Floor thickness for a trailer

[VertexZ]

Hi all

Im rebuilding my dirt bike trailer with a solid floor (its mesh now), in aluminum checker plate over steel frame (it will be pop riveted on).

The frame is 1.5m wide x 2m long. the horizontal beams will be every 500mm, the vertical I am planning to have just one beam down the centre (ie 750mm apart).

Whats the ideal thickness for the floor? Obviously thinner is better to keep the cost and weight down, but I do want it to be durable. Its a three bike trailer, so total weight on the floor would be about 400kg

thanks
Jeremy

 

[steeo]

I'd say you would be ok with a 2-3mm plate.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

it'd be 'point' contact though, wouldn't it?

Most if the weight would be concentrated where the wheels sit...or where there the main stand is if you're using that.

So you could probably get away with single thickness plate over the whole trailer with double or maybe treble where the loads are?

I'd set up a test rig with some lengths of box, or wood, or even bricks...set about 500mm apart. Plonk a section of plate on it and stand on it to see if it bowed.

Maybe have it 'just' deflecting with body weight so you can walk on it safely?

If I had to guess I'd say 2mm MS, or possibly 3mm Aluminium?

Regards
Peter

 

[English Steve]

4mm over pattern alum chequer plate would be ample with those bearer spacings - 3mm over pattern would probably do for the bikes, but if you're going to carry tool boxes etc 4mm would be safer.

 

[VertexZ]

i should have mentioned that where the bikes sit, there will be 2mm thick steel channel for the front and rear wheels, which will be screwed over the checkerplate into the frame. But the channel will only be about 400mm at the front and 500mm at the rear, so the bike will infact roll over sections where there is no channel when they are being loaded.

by the sounds of it 2.5 or 3mm should be good. I'm guessing the 2.5mm isnt going to be all that much cheaper, so might just go for 3mm just to be on the safe side.