Underbelly project: coroplast on the bottom or metal?
I am finally getting close to getting started on my underbelly enclosure project -- many family medical issues (mostly resolved) have gotten in the way.
My trailer does have some fiberglass insulation, covered by a thick black plastic tarp-like material, but I am going to add extra insulation below that barrier. (Since my trailer is raised up several inches, I have plenty of room to add more insulation without affecting clearance very much.)
I have all of the framing materials I need -- aluminum C channel to support things, and bars and strapping for additional cross support. I am planning to use thick solid extruded polystyrene (XPS) for the insulation. From what I have read, it has the best R value per inch, and it is not affected by moisture.
I don't think I can leave the foam exposed to road hazards, since it is so brittle. Most folks use coroplast (corrugated plastic) as the bottom layer.
So here is my question: how does coroplast hold up over time? It is not very strong -- doesn't it get damaged by gravel thrown up by the tires? (We do a lot of gravel road towing, at slow speeds.)
Is thicker coroplast sturdier? It comes in a variety of thicknesses.
Instead of plastic, does anyone use either aluminum or galvanized steel sheeting on the bottom? That would be much sturdier but also much harder to work with.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
My trailer does have some fiberglass insulation, covered by a thick black plastic tarp-like material, but I am going to add extra insulation below that barrier. (Since my trailer is raised up several inches, I have plenty of room to add more insulation without affecting clearance very much.)
I have all of the framing materials I need -- aluminum C channel to support things, and bars and strapping for additional cross support. I am planning to use thick solid extruded polystyrene (XPS) for the insulation. From what I have read, it has the best R value per inch, and it is not affected by moisture.
I don't think I can leave the foam exposed to road hazards, since it is so brittle. Most folks use coroplast (corrugated plastic) as the bottom layer.
So here is my question: how does coroplast hold up over time? It is not very strong -- doesn't it get damaged by gravel thrown up by the tires? (We do a lot of gravel road towing, at slow speeds.)
Is thicker coroplast sturdier? It comes in a variety of thicknesses.
Instead of plastic, does anyone use either aluminum or galvanized steel sheeting on the bottom? That would be much sturdier but also much harder to work with.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
