Fixing something to fix something.

[RCW]

I would be concerned with putting aluminum over plywood for a trailer that's exposed to the weather. I would think that the aluminum would trap moisture in the plywood and cause it to rot even faster. Not saying that my concerns are well founded, just intuitively. I'm still in the 3/16" 6061 camp, but finding a 4ftx12ft sheet might be a challenge. That would be the most cost effective approach, but I might not have that option.

Yeah, I'd be concerned with aluminum over plywood also, but I may be unfounded as well.

I'm over-simplifying, but metal roofs are put on top of wood sheathing all the time (metal roofing isn't flat like a sheet and there's provision for ventilation).

Hindsight, but maybe on a 5x10 trailer the 3/16 is okay. You're not going to put a 7,000 pound tractor with tire chains on it......

Is it reasonable to consider a decent plywood replacement floor, and just figure it's a wear item needing periodic replacement?

 

[McMXi]

Yeah, I'd be concerned with aluminum over plywood also, but I may be unfounded as well.

I'm over-simplifying, but metal roofs are put on top of wood sheathing all the time (metal roofing isn't flat like a sheet and there's provision for ventilation).

Hindsight, but maybe on a 5x10 trailer the 3/16 is okay. You're not going to put a 7,000 pound tractor with tire chains on it......

Is it reasonable to consider a decent plywood replacement floor, and just figure it's a wear item needing periodic replacement?

I try to avoid using wood wherever possible, unless I'm stuffing it into the wood-burning stove during the winter months. A plywood deck is kind of urghhh .... and I'd rather use aluminum and be done with it. You're right though about the capacity of the trailer, and 3/16" aluminum would be fine. I would be ok with laying a sheet of 1/4" plywood over the aluminum to prevent the aluminum from being dented. I would consider that sheet to a consumable. Here are the specs.

CargoPro Open Utility SSR Trailers w/20" Fixed Sides, All Aluminum

CargoPro's open SSR utility trailers have 20" fixed sides, all-aluminum construction, and an integrated rear ramp for secure, convenient hauling.

www.cargoprotrailers.com

2,200 lb axle, trailer weighs 415lb, payload capacity is 1,785lb but that's not accounting for 10% tongue weight.

 

[Russell King]

Maybe use some “aluminum bleacher planks” or decking that interlocks?

Dock/Decking/Bleacher

Discover high-quality aluminum deck planks, dock planks, and bleacher planks at Eagle Aluminum for durable and versatile outdoor solutions. Browse here.

eagle-aluminum.com