If you’re in the pressure washing business, you know that the chemicals we use are brutally effective on dirt and grime. Unfortunately, they’re just as brutal on our equipment, especially our trailers. The constant exposure to Sodium Hypochlorite (SH) and other corrosive agents can turn a sturdy trailer into a rusted, unsafe liability in just a few years.
I’ve been building pressure washing trailers for over a decade, and for a long time, I struggled with this exact problem. I watched my trailer floors and frames take a beating, costing me time and money. But on my latest build, I found a solution that has completely solved the problem.
This guide is about how to protect the wood floor of your pressure washing trailer to save you thousands in the long run.
The Problem: Chemicals vs. Wood and Steel
The heart of the problem is chemical runoff. Every small spill, drip from a fitting, or bit of overspray from mixing tanks soaks into the wood deck of a standard utility trailer.
On my first few builds, I learned this the hard way.
Attempt #1: No Protection. My first approach was to do nothing. The SH slowly ate away at the wood, especially near my chemical tanks. The wood became soft, spongy, and structurally compromised.
Attempt #2: Bedliner Paint. My next idea was to coat the wood floor with a heavy-duty bedliner paint. This was a step up and definitely helped protect the wood itself. However, it wasn’t a perfect, watertight seal. Chemical runoff would inevitably find its way to the edges, seeping through the gaps and dripping down onto the steel frame and axles below.
The result? I was averaging only 3-5 years before the steel trailer frame would start to show major corrosion. It wasn’t just ugly; it was becoming a safety hazard, and I knew I had to find a better way.
The Solution: An Aluminum Trailer and a Solid Polyvinyl Mat
In 2021, I made two major changes for my latest build. First, I switched from steel to an aluminum trailer to combat frame rust. Second, I found the ultimate way to protect the wood floor: a 70 mil Solid Polyvinyl (PVC) mat.
I installed the PVC mat across the entire wood floor, creating a seamless, watertight barrier. This simple addition completely protects the wood floor, the trailer frame, and the axles from any chemical spills. The runoff now sits on top of the mat until it’s rinsed off, instead of seeping into the trailer’s structure.
I found the matting sold in solid 10-foot wide rolls, which was perfect. My aluminum trailer deck was 10′ long by 5.5′ wide, so I just ordered a 6-foot length of the 10-foot wide roll. After nearly four years, the underside of the trailer, the wood, and the frame still look brand new. There is zero corrosion or chemical damage. For an investment of under $200, this mat is the best protection I’ve ever used, and I’ll be putting it on every trailer I build from now on.
A Sharp Razor Utility Knife: This is all you need for a clean, precise cut.
Stainless Steel Bolts/Screws and Washers: Don’t use standard steel here, or they will corrode. Stainless is key.
100% Silicone Caulk Sealant: For creating a permanent, waterproof seal.
Installation Steps:
Start with a Clean, New Floor. My trailer’s wood deck was brand new, so no prep work was needed. If you’re retrofitting an old trailer, make sure the floor is clean, dry, and free of debris.
Roll Out and Cut to Size. Roll the mat out over your trailer deck. Since my roll was the perfect 10-foot length, I just had to trim the width. A sharp razor utility knife cut through the 70 mil mat easily. Take your time to get a perfect fit.
Secure the Equipment. Position your pressure washer, tanks, and other equipment on top of the mat.
Bolt and Seal. Secure your equipment by bolting it down through the mat and the wood floor using your stainless steel bolts. To make this watertight, apply a generous amount of silicone caulk sealant around the base of each bolt before tightening it down. This prevents any liquid from ever reaching the wood through the bolt holes.
That’s it. Once the equipment is snugly mounted and the sealant is cured, you have a durable, chemical-proof, and easy-to-clean floor for your rig.
The Long-Term Value
While the upfront cost and benefits of choosing an aluminum trailer over a steel one are significant, that’s a topic for another day. But when it comes to protecting the floor, the value is undeniable. For less than $200 and an hour of work, you can eliminate the primary cause of premature corrosion and wood rot, extending the life of your trailer by years and protecting its resale value. It’s one of the highest-return investments you can make in your pressure washing build.
Nick LoomisOwner-operator
Since 2012, Nick Loomis of Hot Water Pressure Washing has been a trusted expert in Tallahassee's exterior cleaning industry. With over a decade of experience, he's passionate about two things: delivering incredible results for his customers and finding innovative solutions to do the job right.
