Cargo Trailer Flooring Types and Benefits

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Cargo trailer flooring is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing or maintaining a cargo trailer.

There are several types of flooring available, each with its own set of benefits.

For example, aluminum flooring is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for trailers that will be exposed to the elements.

It's also easy to clean and maintain, which is a big plus for anyone who plans to use their cargo trailer frequently.

On the other hand, rubber flooring is a popular choice for its durability and traction, making it perfect for trailers that will be carrying heavy loads.

Choosing the Right Flooring

A durable floor is crucial for hauling heavy cargo, so look for a beefy, brawny floor that can withstand heavy wear and tear.

You'll want a floor that's easy to clean and maintain, so check out how easy it is to clean and if it requires any special cleaners.

If you're looking for a quieter floor, consider a softer flooring material like vinyl rolls or soft PVC tiles.

Man Driving Vehicle with Trailers at Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Man Driving Vehicle with Trailers at Airport

Water resistance is also a must, especially with all the spills likely to happen in a trailer. Look for water- and weather-resistant features to keep your floors strong and resilient.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing the right flooring for your cargo trailer:

Insulated floors are a must for cargo trailers carrying perishable items, as they help keep the cargo at a consistent temperature.

Slip-resistant flooring is also essential, especially for cargo trailers carrying heavy or bulky items that may shift during transport.

Vinyl Flooring Options

Vinyl flooring is a top pick for cargo trailer flooring due to its flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. It's made from 100% premium grade polyvinyl, also known as PVC, which ensures a quiet floor.

The soft PVC material used in vinyl rolls makes them perfect for a trailer floor, similar to what you might use in a garage. Vinyl sheets are also an option, offering more styles and patterns, but with a softer backing.

Vinyl rolls are available in various wood-look, stone-look, and other patterns, allowing you to elevate your trailer's style with a rustic or classy look. They're easy to install, a bit heavy, but a short DIY project.

Vinyl Roll Benefits

Three White Enclosed Trailers
Credit: pexels.com, Three White Enclosed Trailers

Vinyl rolls are a top pick for trailer flooring due to their flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance.

They're made of 100% premium grade polyvinyl, a.k.a. PVC, which makes them perfect for a trailer floor. This proprietary blend ensures that the floor is flexible, durable, and chemical resistant.

One of the best things about vinyl rolls is that they're quiet underfoot, making them ideal for trailers where noise is a concern.

Vinyl rolls are also easy to install, with a simple snap-lock system that makes it a DIY-friendly project.

The cost of vinyl rolls is a major plus, as they're a true bargain for trailer flooring.

With a variety of wood-look, stone-look, and other patterns, you can customize your trailer's flooring to suit your style.

Here are some key benefits of vinyl rolls:

  • Quiet underfoot
  • Easy installation
  • Cost-effective
  • Customizable styles
  • Durable and chemical-resistant

Overall, vinyl rolls are an excellent choice for trailer flooring due to their versatility, ease of use, and affordability.

Hard Plastic Benefits

Hard plastic tiles are a great option for trailer flooring due to their durability and easy installation. They're made from high-quality, impact-resistant polypropylene construction that ensures their chemical resistance.

Red trailer truck at a warehouse loading dock, ready for delivery.
Credit: pexels.com, Red trailer truck at a warehouse loading dock, ready for delivery.

These tiles are also perfect for creating a customized look in your trailer, with a variety of colors to choose from and create unique patterns.

One of the biggest advantages of hard plastic tiles is their ease of maintenance. A simple sweep and damp mop with gentle cleaning solution after each trip keeps them in good shape.

Hard plastic tiles are also resistant to staining from oil, gas, and other chemicals, making them a great choice for trailers that store automobiles.

Here are some benefits of hard plastic tiles at a glance:

  • Easy installation
  • Professional look
  • Chemical resistant
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Soft PVC Flooring

Soft PVC Flooring offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for cargo trailer flooring. It's durable and can withstand heavy use, as well as being resistant to most chemicals.

One of the standout features of Soft PVC Flooring is its ease of maintenance. All you need to do is sweep or hose off the flooring as needed, making it a low-maintenance option.

A yellow toy dump truck backlit by sunlight, casting shadows on a wooden floor indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, A yellow toy dump truck backlit by sunlight, casting shadows on a wooden floor indoors.

Soft PVC Flooring is also quieter and warmer than hard plastic tiles, making it a more comfortable choice for trailer owners. It's available in a variety of colors and surface textures, allowing you to customize your trailer to your liking.

Here are some key benefits of Soft PVC Flooring:

  • Durable: Vinyl holds up well to stains, dirt, and heavy use.
  • Sound and warmth: Soft PVC tiles are quieter and warmer than hard plastic tiles.
  • Look: Tiles come in a variety of colors and surface textures such as coin or diamond.
  • Easy maintenance: Maintaining vinyl flooring is super simple.
  • Resistant to most chemicals: The main chain of the polymer is made by single bonds of carbon atoms.
  • Easy to install: Snap the locks together and go.
  • Cost: These tiles are middle-of-the-road price-wise.

While Soft PVC Flooring has its advantages, it's not without its drawbacks. Street tar can cause staining to light-colored tiles, and interlocking tiles may see more movement than flooring rolls.

Hard Plastic Flooring

Hard plastic flooring is a great option for cargo trailers due to its durability and ease of installation. Hard plastic tiles are made of high-quality, impact-resistant polypropylene construction, which ensures their chemical resistance.

Their durability comes from a high-quality, impact-resistant polypropylene construction. This material also ensures their chemical resistance, a nice quality to have in a trailer that stores automobiles.

One of the biggest advantages of hard plastic flooring is that it's easy to install, taking a little more time than a roll but still relatively straightforward. You can get creative with your trailer floor by choosing from a variety of colors and patterns.

For more insights, see: High Value Cargo Transportation

A truck driver in high-visibility gear unloading cargo at an industrial facility.
Credit: pexels.com, A truck driver in high-visibility gear unloading cargo at an industrial facility.

Hard plastic tiles are perfect for creating a customized look in your trailer. If style is what you're after, hard plastic tiles come in a variety of colors to create unique patterns.

If you're concerned about noise, you can add an underlayment, such as the 2mm shockpad, to dampen the sound. Hard plastic tiles are louder than other trailer flooring options, but this solution can help mitigate that.

Here are some top picks for hard plastic tiles:

Rubber Mats Flooring

Rubber mats are a great option for cargo trailer flooring. They provide good traction and footing for animals, making them a safe choice.

Rubber mats are also antimicrobial, meaning they won't harbor weird things like bacteria or mold. This is especially important in a trailer where moisture can accumulate.

Rubber mats are durable and can withstand heavy weights, making them a long-lasting option. They're also eco-friendly, made from recycled materials like tires.

A man in a blue shirt opens the bed of a truck in a brightly lit indoor space.
Credit: pexels.com, A man in a blue shirt opens the bed of a truck in a brightly lit indoor space.

Here are some popular types of rubber mats for cargo trailer flooring:

Overall, rubber mats are a practical and safe choice for cargo trailer flooring.

Pros of Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are a fantastic option for trailer flooring, and for good reason. They provide excellent traction and footing for animals, making it easier for them to move around safely.

Slip-resistant rubber trailer flooring is a game-changer for pet owners. I've seen it make a huge difference in the comfort and safety of animals on the road.

One of the best things about rubber mats is that they're antimicrobial. This means you won't have to worry about weird things growing in your floor, which can be a major health concern.

Rubber is a highly resistant material that can withstand heavy equipment, sports mobiles, or animals, resulting in a long-lasting trailer flooring option.

Rubber mats are also incredibly durable and can withstand the weight of heavy loads. I've seen them last for years with minimal maintenance.

A Fendt tractor with a large trailer working in a lush countryside field under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A Fendt tractor with a large trailer working in a lush countryside field under a clear blue sky.

Here are some of the key benefits of rubber mats:

  • Slip-resistant
  • Comfort and safety
  • Antimicrobial
  • Durable
  • Low maintenance and easy to clean
  • Eco-friendly

While rubber mats may be more expensive upfront, they're a cost-effective option in the long run. They're easy to clean and maintain, which means you won't have to spend a lot of money on repairs or replacements.

Top Picks for Rubber Mats

If you're in the market for rubber mats, you've got several great options to choose from. The 3/4" Extreme Mats are a top pick for protecting flooring from heavy free weights, thanks to their durable and shock-absorbent recycled rubber construction.

These mats are also heavy enough to offer a permanent gym flooring solution, and can be easily moved around as a portable gym mat. They're perfect for heavy-duty use.

The 1/2" Mega Mats are another great option, made from durable and shock-absorbent recycled rubber that can absorb impact from dropped weights and protect the subfloor.

They're safe to use both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile choice. You can use them in a variety of settings.

Man Driving Vehicle with Trailers at Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Man Driving Vehicle with Trailers at Airport

Here are some top picks for rubber mats at a glance:

The 4' x 6' Premium Mats are a great choice if you need a larger mat. They're made from 100% recycled rubber tires and are machine-cut and vulcanized for added durability.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet Flooring is a great option for cargo trailer flooring. It's durable and can withstand high traffic and abuse.

One of the best things about carpet tiles is their ease of installation. It's a DIY project that can be completed with some double-sided carpet tape or adhesive and a spare afternoon.

Carpet tiles are also easy to replace if you get a stain or spill. Just swap out the damaged tile and your floor will look like new.

A carpeted floor is also a cost-effective option. Carpet tiles make it easy to cover your trailer floor without breaking the bank.

You can choose from a variety of carpet tile options, each with its own unique benefits and features.

Flooring Types

Brown Wooden Parquet Floor
Credit: pexels.com, Brown Wooden Parquet Floor

For cargo trailer flooring, you've got several options to consider. DeckTred's high-density plastic tiles are a top choice for their durability and ease of maintenance.

The best material for trailer floors depends on your specific needs and budget. Wood is a traditional option, but it requires protection from moisture damage. Vinyl rolls, on the other hand, are a great choice for their quiet underfoot feel and easy installation.

Here are some key benefits of different flooring types:

Ultimately, the best flooring for your cargo trailer will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like durability, maintenance, and style to make the best decision for you.

Best Options

If you're looking for the best options for your trailer flooring, consider the type of trailer you have. For example, if you have a livestock trailer, you'll want a floor that's durable and easy to clean.

Coin Nitro Rolls and Diamond Nitro Rolls are great options for open trailers, as they're weather-resistant, durable, and won't fade in the sun. They're also easy to install and maintain.

An atmospheric industrial interior featuring vintage machinery, glowing lamps, and German signage.
Credit: pexels.com, An atmospheric industrial interior featuring vintage machinery, glowing lamps, and German signage.

The best material for trailer floors depends on your specific needs, but high-density plastic tiles like DeckTred's flooring system are an excellent choice for durability and ease of maintenance. They're also resistant to moisture damage.

If you're looking for a more traditional option, wood is still a popular choice, but it requires effective protection like rubberized coatings to prevent moisture damage. Epoxy is another option, but it requires meticulous surface preparation.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a trailer floor material:

Regardless of the material you choose, cleaning and maintaining your trailer floor is relatively simple. Just sweep it regularly and use a damp mop with mild detergent and water.

Vinyl Rolls

Vinyl rolls are a top pick for trailer flooring, and for good reason. They're made from 100% premium grade polyvinyl, a.k.a. PVC, which is perfect for a trailer floor.

This proprietary blend ensures that the floor is flexible, durable, and chemical resistant. The soft PVC material also makes for a quiet floor.

Large cargo truck travels on Altai road at night with mountains silhouetted against twilight sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Large cargo truck travels on Altai road at night with mountains silhouetted against twilight sky.

Vinyl rolls are the most affordable floor option for your trailer, which is a big win. They're also easy to install, with a bit of cutting required but no special tools needed.

Here are some key benefits of vinyl rolls as trailer flooring:

  • Quiet underfoot: Soft PVC flooring is the quietest trailer flooring option out there.
  • Easy installation: Vinyl rolls are so easy to install, a child could do it.
  • Cost: Vinyl rolls are a true bargain for trailer flooring.
  • Style: With a variety of wood-look, stone-look, and other patterns, your flooring can elevate your trailer with a rustic or classy style.
  • Durability: The resilient materials offer some serious protection, so your floor can last through heavy-duty use.
  • Easy Maintenance: To keep your vinyl sheet looking its best, all you really need to do is regularly sweep the floor to remove loose dirt, and mop it down to take care of any bigger messes.

Flooring for Livestock

When you're transporting livestock, you want a floor that's safe and comfortable for them, as well as easy to clean for you. A heavy-duty rubber floor is a great option, built for extreme durability and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Livestock trailer flooring needs to be able to withstand heavy animals and provide a warm, comfortable surface. Some great options include 4'x6' Premium Rubber Mats, which can handle heavy traffic and are easy to clean and maintain.

It's also a good idea to consider the type of flooring that's easy to clean, such as 3/8" Heavy Duty Rubber Rolls or 3/4" Extreme Mats made from ultra-durable recycled crumb rubber.

A man inspecting cargo on a red truck under sunny outdoors, exemplifying logistics
Credit: pexels.com, A man inspecting cargo on a red truck under sunny outdoors, exemplifying logistics

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your livestock trailer floor in good condition. Remove manure, wet bedding, and dropped feed after each trip, and hose off the rubber flooring, paying attention to cracks and joints where debris tends to accumulate.

Here are some recommended floor options for livestock trailers:

  • 3/8" Heavy Duty Rubber Rolls
  • 3/4" Extreme Mats
  • 4'x6' Premium Rubber Mats

Flooring Maintenance

Inspect the bottom side of your cargo trailer floor regularly to determine any damage from overloading.

To preserve your cargo trailer floor, keep doors closed on the trailer at all times to prevent rainwater from getting in.

Instead of power washing the floor, sweep or use air pressure to protect the subfloor.

Regularly check your trailer floor for soft spots that can lead to mold, rotting, and damage to walls and other aspects of your trailer.

To clean your cargo trailer floor, keep it swept and use a damp mop with mild detergent and water.

The open-grid design of DeckTred tiles allows for quick drainage, ensuring that water does not accumulate and making cleaning a breeze.

Smooth light brown wooden flooring with natural texture and patterns.
Credit: pexels.com, Smooth light brown wooden flooring with natural texture and patterns.

A simple broom or shop vac is often sufficient to keep the surface in top condition, making maintenance hassle-free.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for flooring maintenance:

  • Inspect the bottom side of your cargo trailer floor for damage from overloading.
  • Keep doors closed on the trailer at all times to prevent rainwater from getting in.
  • Sweep or use air pressure to protect the subfloor instead of power washing.
  • Check regularly for soft spots that can lead to mold, rotting, and damage.
  • Keep your cargo trailer floor swept and clean with a damp mop and mild detergent.

Flooring Essentials

Installing high-quality flooring right away is essential to get the best use out of your new trailer and extend its life.

It's nice to finally have your own trailer to do your hauling, and quality flooring will help you achieve that.

To install high-quality flooring, you should look for products that are specifically designed for your type of trailer.

Ordering a free sample of any trailer floor product today can give you a better idea before you buy.

SHOP TRAILER FLOORING

Flooring Durability

Durability is paramount when it comes to cargo trailer floor coating. A durable floor extends the life of the trailer and ensures the safety of the cargo.

Many customers face challenging environments with rugged terrains and varying weather conditions, where a reliable flooring solution is critical. DeckTred's resilient interlocking flooring system significantly reduces the risk of floor damage during transport.

A pink cargo container suspended mid-air against a clear white sky, minimalist composition.
Credit: pexels.com, A pink cargo container suspended mid-air against a clear white sky, minimalist composition.

Our flooring system also facilitates easy replacement of damaged sections, ensuring a long-term investment in your trailer's integrity. This is a game-changer for customers who need to transport heavy or bulky cargo.

The ability of DeckTred products to endure the toughest scenarios, from industrial to recreational use, speaks volumes to their quality and resilience. Such robustness ensures that your trailer floor stays intact, even as cargo constantly shifts during transit.

Daily wear and tear is also a concern, but DeckTred's flooring system provides ongoing protection against it. It offers a secure and stable surface for light or heavy loads.

Flooring Aesthetics

The flooring in your cargo trailer can make a big difference in its overall look and feel. DeckTred offers an array of color options, including Black, Blue, Dark Grey, and Green tiles.

You can choose the perfect color to match your brand or personal style. This customization also extends to texture choices, with both smooth and textured finishes available.

Interior of modern spacious light room with wooden laminate floor white walls and panoramic windows
Credit: pexels.com, Interior of modern spacious light room with wooden laminate floor white walls and panoramic windows

Having a variety of color options can help you personalize your cargo trailer's flooring. Whether you're transporting livestock, equipment, or personal goods, DeckTred's tiles can be adapted to any trailer setup.

Each tile serves as a building block for a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing solution. This means you can mix and match colors and textures to create a unique look that suits your needs.

Flooring Protection

Protecting the underside of your trailer is crucial, just as important as the flooring itself. Regular inspections are a must to catch any existing damage or weak spots before they become major issues.

Applying a high-quality protective coating such as a rust inhibitor can create a barrier against road salts and moisture that causes corrosion. This type of coating can be a game-changer for trailer owners who frequently travel through areas with harsh road conditions.

Pairing a protective coating with a durable floor solution like DeckTred can maximize protection. DeckTred helps keep the interior dry, which is essential for preventing water damage and corrosion.

Regular maintenance checks will ensure that the underside remains in good condition.

Flooring Materials

A large stack of wooden planks loaded onto an industrial trailer in an outdoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A large stack of wooden planks loaded onto an industrial trailer in an outdoor setting.

When choosing a flooring material for your cargo trailer, there are several options to consider. High-density plastic tiles, like those used in the DeckTred flooring system, are an excellent choice for durability and ease of maintenance.

DeckTred's modular tiles offer a blend of durability, moisture resistance, and aesthetic choices, making them a popular option. Wood remains a traditional choice, but it requires effective protection like rubberized coatings to prevent moisture damage.

For those who prefer a hard, glossy finish, epoxy is a viable option, though it requires meticulous surface preparation. G-Floor Trailer Flooring product features a ribbed and levant pattern, which provides extra traction where needed.

Some key benefits of G-Floor Trailer Flooring include seamless coverage, which improves sanitation in livestock trailers, and it meets all safety regulations per Federal Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302.

Material Considerations for Coating

Wood is a common choice for trailer floors due to its affordability and ease of use, but it needs protection.

Yellow cargo truck in an industrial setting, Essen, Germany.
Credit: pexels.com, Yellow cargo truck in an industrial setting, Essen, Germany.

Rubber coatings, like polyurethane, provide a robust solution that fills the crevices of wooden panels to create a thick protective layer.

Epoxy is another popular choice, offering a hard, glossy finish that provides excellent adhesion and resistance to wear and tear.

Polyurethane is known for its resistance to chemicals and water, making it ideal for protecting wood from moisture damage.

The application process for epoxy requires meticulous preparation, including sanding and cleaning the surface thoroughly to ensure the epoxy adheres properly.

What Is the Best Material?

The best material for a trailer floor is a crucial decision that depends on several factors, including expected usage, environmental conditions, and budget.

High-density plastic tiles, like those used in the DeckTred flooring system, are an excellent choice for durability and ease of maintenance. They can withstand heavy wear and are resistant to moisture damage.

Wood is a popular choice for traditionalists, but it requires effective protection, such as rubberized coatings, to prevent moisture damage. This adds an extra layer of maintenance to consider.

Cargo truck navigating a highway, aerial view on Dolphin Coast, South Africa.
Credit: pexels.com, Cargo truck navigating a highway, aerial view on Dolphin Coast, South Africa.

Alternative options like epoxy offer a hard, glossy finish with excellent wear resistance, but they require meticulous surface preparation. This can be a significant factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of different materials.

DeckTred's modular tiles offer a blend of durability, moisture resistance, and aesthetic choices, making them a versatile option to consider.

Description

G-Floor Trailer Flooring is a product that's perfect for those who need a durable and easy-to-install flooring solution. It's available in stock size rolls, making it easy to find the right size for your needs.

The material meets all safety regulations per Federal Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302, giving you peace of mind when using it in your trailer. It's also made to meet Ford specification BO 116-03 for interior vehicle applications.

G-Floor Trailer Flooring comes in different patterns, including ribbed and levant, as well as coin and diamond, with varying thicknesses of .055″ and .075″. This variety ensures you can find a pattern that suits your specific needs.

Pasta carbonara with bacon and cheese in an aluminum tray on a white background.
Credit: pexels.com, Pasta carbonara with bacon and cheese in an aluminum tray on a white background.

One of the benefits of G-Floor Trailer Flooring is that it doesn't require adhesives for basic installation, making it a hassle-free option. However, for special applications and professional installation, their Marine & Outdoor Adhesive is recommended for adhering G-Floor to wood floors.

If you need a custom size or color, you can contact the manufacturer for a quote. They offer sizes up to 10′ wide, giving you flexibility in your design choices.

Please note that heavy rolls will require assistance getting them off the truck, so be sure to have help available when ordering.

Flooring Finishing

A textured finish is particularly advantageous for trailers used in environments prone to moisture, as it significantly reduces slip risks.

The DeckTred flooring system offers a robust solution with its interlocking tiles, providing both a smooth and textured finish.

A textured surface handles the rigors of heavy equipment or frequent cargo loading exceptionally well.

Our range of colors and finishes, like Black or Dark Grey, can not only protect your floor but also enhance its visual appeal.

A focus on safety, durability, or aesthetics might guide your choice of finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for trailer flooring?

The best material for trailer flooring is 100% premium grade polyvinyl (PVC), which offers flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. This proprietary blend makes it an ideal choice for trailer floors.

How to protect wood floor in cargo trailer?

To protect a wood floor in a cargo trailer, consider using a sealant like RadGuard, which doubles as an undercoat for added protection. This popular choice is considered one of the best sealers for wood trailer floors on the market.

What is the best way to waterproof a cargo trailer floor?

Consider applying epoxy flooring, a long-lasting and water-resistant coating, to protect your cargo trailer floor from moisture damage

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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