Whether your path takes you through the woods, the slopes, the lake, or the dunes, your trailer goes with you. Each setting brings unique elements for your trailer to handle. Snow, mud, salt, sand, and all the chemicals from your toys will end up in your trailer and on the floor. Over years of use and exposure to the elements, you'll see your subfloor stain, chip, and break down.
It's important to protect the time and effort you've invested into your trailer, regardless of whether you’ve purchased a new trailer or renovated an old one. A lot of flooring options are available on the market, but which one is right for your trailer? Which one can handle all of your adventures? Vinyl flooring should be at the top of your list and here's why.
Why 100% vinyl trailer flooring?
Vinyl can do most of the work to protect and maintain your floor so you don’t have to. Let's take a look at how it checks the boxes on your trailer floor "wish list."
- It acts as a moisture barrier: water, mud, oil and other motor fluids won’t penetrate to your subfloor. You can easily clean them with a cloth or towel since they're contained on the surface. You can even power wash the floor when you finish your travels.
- Its superior durability: G-Floor Trailer Flooring is made with a solid 100% vinyl material as a wear layer. Flooring made with filler material is more likely to tear and degrade over years of use. The durable, reliable polyvinyl used to make G-Floor Trailer Flooring is designed to be stronger and last longer.
- It's chemical-resistant: spills and leaks from your motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles are no match for vinyl. Since these chemicals won't soak into vinyl G-Floor Trailer Flooring or your wood subfloor, they will disappear with a wipe of a cloth.
- It adds crucial slip-resistance: embossed vinyl flooring has better traction. Good traction is a must-have when you’re playing in water and snow.
- It looks good: you can choose between several patterns for your floor. Large Coin, Small Coin, Diamond Tread, and Levant all provide unique looks for your trailer.
- It's low-maintenance: powerwashing with dish soap will remove most if not all dirt and grime. Yes, it’s that easy. All that play shouldn’t lead to all that much work.
When is the Small Coin pattern the best choice for your trailer?
All G-Floor Vinyl Trailer Flooring provides a moisture barrier, chemical resistance, and a long life, regardless of pattern. However, some patterns have additional features that might be better for your particular situation.
Small Coin may be a better option for your trailer for several reasons.
- Staggered coins:
Do you utilize a rolling toolbox, creeper, or anything else on small casters? The small, staggered coin pattern provides a surface that is optimal for rolling small casters across. Other patterns have an uneven surface that make it difficult to roll across. The Small Coin pattern lets you work smarter, not harder. - Graded coin surface:
Any time you have water, snow, or ice in your trailer, slip-resistance should be a concern. While all G-Floor Trailer Flooring patterns are slip-resistant, each "coin" in the Small Coin pattern features a rough surface to help in inclement conditions. It may not seem like a lot, but any extra traction you can get is important. - Wear layer:
The Small Coin pattern has a 65 mil thick base layer and measures 95 mil from the base to the top of each "coin." This provides you with a wear layer that is extremely durable.
What is the trailer flooring installation process like?
Chemical stains and imperfections in your subfloor may affect the long-term performance of the flooring on top, so it's important to start with a solid foundation. Make sure your subfloor is smooth, clean, and dry.
Any seams should be sanded, even, and level. These types of imperfections can show through your flooring even after you’re finished. Prepare well so you won’t have to worry about problems later.
Acclimate your flooring in a temperature controlled area for 12-24 hours prior to installation.
Herea are some basic steps for installing G-Floor Trailer Flooring. Before you install, you should be aware that your trailer may not be basic and may need to follow a more bespoke installation process.
- Unroll the material in the trailer so that it is straight.
- Trim to fit the layout of the trailer. Remove any excess material so the flooring lays completely flat.
- Lift material on one side lengthwise (from side to side, not front to back) and fold it in half. Expose the substrate on one side of the trailer to apply adhesive.
- Apply adhesive to the uncovered half of the trailer floor. Follow all recommendations from adhesive manufacturer when applying.
- Carefully roll the floor back into place atop the adhesive. DO NOT flop the material back into place. This could cause air to be trapped under the flooring, resulting in additional work later in the installation.
- Using a 100 lb. roller, work from the center to the edge on the adhered portion of flooring. This will ensure that you spread the adhesive evenly and remove any air pockets.
- Repeat steps for the other half of floor.
- Once the entire floor is adhered, roll the 100 lb. roller from center to edges again.
- Allow adhesive to dry. Consult the adhesive's packaging or the adhesive manufacturer's website for cure times.
- Seal any exposed seams, including along the edges. This prevents moisture from penetrating under the floor and affecting the adhesive.
- If desired, install edging to create a finished look.
- Take a step back and admire your handiwork.
How do you keep your trailer flooring looking like new?
You can easily clean the surface of your vinyl trailer flooring with dish soap and water. You can also use other vinyl-specific cleaners, but don't use any waxes or cleaners that could create a slippery surface. G-Floor trailer flooring is stain-resistant, but it's still important to clean up spills as quickly as possible.
For stubborn stains, you can use WD-40 or tire & brake cleaner. Since these chemicals are more harsh than dish soap, you should spot-test before applying these solutions over a larger area. Additionally, make sure to wash those off with soap and water to avoid the chemicals negatively affecting the mat. Never use harsh chemicals like tar remover or kerosene.
G-Floor Small Coin Vinyl Trailer FlooringIf you need flooring for a trailer or other vehicle, consider G-Floor Small Coin Trailer flooring. A good option for modular units, restrooms, toy haulers, cargo trailers, concession trailers, or fleets. It provides a great surface for both work and play because cleaning up easy once you are finished.