Don asked 2 years ago
Good morning William,
I’ve recently purchased a 26′ Amera-Lite all sport enclosed trailer, it measures approximately 26′ Lx 8′ W x 7′ H. it has the Georgia Pacific brand DryMax flooring in it and I plan on using it for hauling snowmobiles, a 4 door Polaris Ranger side by side and occasionally a classic car. My questions/concerns are about the potential for the snowmobiles to sit inside the trailer for extended periods of time with the snow melting and standing water on the floor. What are your thoughts on this? Will the DryMax hold up as is? Is there a recommended sealer I can apply to the top and or the bottom? Salt spray underneath when traveling in the winter on a wet road with salt concerns me.
I’d also like to add, I will be using the trailer as a toy hauler in the summer. plans are to back the side by side out at a campground, roll down a carpet, inflate an air mattress and use it as an RV. It’s insulated, RV windows, screen door, vents, etc. I share all of this because if the floor needs to be sealed, I believe a water based product is best so there isn’t such a strong odor or oily finish.
Looking forward to your thoughts on this,
Thank you!
Don
William Stewart Staff answered 2 years ago
Good morning Don, Congratulations on your purchase.
You had me drooling at the list of toys you intend to carry in it. Concerning the DryMax OSB, the key will be getting it sealed and maintaining the integrity of the seal. If it were my trailer, I’d be using a marine-grade spar varnish or polyurethane.
Marine-grade coatings are designed for harsh, salt-laden environments, plus they offer a high level of UV protection. While you might think that shouldn’t matter with the trailer, ordinary polyurethane breaks down when exposed to UV rays or, more importantly, heat. In my opinion, good quality marine-grade products provide more robust protection.
Regarding oil-based versus water-based products, I hear you on the concern re: fumes; however, that is only a matter of time. Water-based products stabilize more quickly than oil-based. Oil-based takes about a month to stop smelling. Just leave the trailer open, in a garage or under cover.
I’d be applying three or more coats of marine-grade oil-based polyurethane such as this product: https://geni.us/byya
If you wish to go water-based, I’d suggest this product: https://geni.us/SYsolk
Make sure you reapply annually or when you see damage to the surface.