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dan1965's avatar
dan1965
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018

replace coroplast with steel/aluminum

Hi,

I posted this in another forum, but was wondering if anybody here has done this?

Has anybody replaced the coroplast lining the subfloor on the bottom of their trailer with steel or aluminum?

I want to do this for rodent control.

I was thinking of using 4x8 sheets cut to size. I would put cross braces on seams and possibly every 2 feet if there is significant sag. Depending on the bracing, the sheets might be overlapped at seams. I would also add metal to the frame around things like spring mounts so there is no location where the sheets don't directly overlay the frame.
I would cut larger holes for the waste and drains so the sheets are more easily removable. Then I would cut metal to fill those areas with tight tolerances to the drains and screw those pieces into the sheets that span the frame. This should completely seal the subfloor area.

thx

18 Replies

  • Go for it.
    One the pattern is done perhaps the hardest part, use aluminum sheet. I'm not sure how thick it needs to be. The more point it is fastened at the less. I would coat the aluminum with polyurethane paint after test fit. Aluminum will corrode if salt lime, or in salt air.
    Maybe insulate the bottom of the RV with foam board glue and fasteners first.
    If you can get the RV up on sturdy supports, making it much easier to work underneath it will cut your effort in half.
    Make sure the bottom is water tight or go the other route with drains drilled somewhere. Fix it so water won't spray on any insulation.
    This kind of thing is simple but tedious to us less industrious.
    I would add wheel cans to. No more worries about blow outs destroying the floor and insulation and skirts, wiring etc. Use sturdier or thicker aluminum or steel for that.
  • If they are actually gnawing on it, something as simple as a coat of paint might solve it. Apparently some makes of cars attract their attention because of the smell of the wiring insulation. Other brands are immune. It would be trial and error. The "Black Beauty" fence paint seems like it would be an unpleasant chew.
  • Why not use 1/4 inch galvanized hardware cloth, no mouse/rat or chipmunk will or can chew through that. Comes in various widths and lengths. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-x-2-ft-x-5-ft-23-Gauge-Galvanized-Steel-Hardware-Cloth-308231EB/205960850
  • downtheroad wrote:
    Welcome to the Forum....
    Just thinking about your idea...seems like adding a lot of extra weight (and expense).

    Also, I have never had rodents chew through any of the coroplast linings of any of our trailers........the only place they ever got in was through openings in the coroplast that were not completely sealed.

    \
    I don't think I've ever seen a report of that either.
  • 20Ga aluminum would work. Personally I would want it bead rolled to add strength. Of course that could add considerably to the overall price. Bottom line I think it would be cost prohitive to gain very little. You would be better off buying SS screen, cover all holes and then fill with rhodent proof spray foam. Yes, it is available and seems to work quite well when backed by screening or steel wool.
  • Welcome to the Forum....
    Just thinking about your idea...seems like adding a lot of extra weight (and expense).

    Also, I have never had rodents chew through any of the coroplast linings of any of our trailers........the only place they ever got in was through openings in the coroplast that were not completely sealed.

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