glue tread sheet to tray

[jackowacko]

Gday guys I’ve got a dodgy tray on Ute from when I brought it the tray bed is wood as is part of the headboard and where the rear lights are and due to the rain and stuff like that the wood has rotted and lifted on the tray bed I’ve seen and searched that I can glue tread sheet to the tray bed where the timber used to be I’m just unsure how to go about it 

 

  

[EricL]

Hello @jackowacko 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about installing tread sheet tray.

One of the drawbacks of having a timber bed is that if the surface is compromised water will enter the substrate of the timber and it starts to swell and get damaged. I propose replacing the timber bed with new timber and placing the tread sheet above the timber bed. I recommend using new mounting points for the timber bed so that fixings are new and solidly in place.

This will technically make it easier to mount the tread plate as you can screw directly into the timber bed. The tread plate can also be glued onto the timber bed preventing it from vibrating. The reason for the double cover is to prevent moisture from being trapped under the tread sheet. Should condensation form it will go directly to the timber cover and not the metal bed of your ute. My best advice is to seal the screw heads and plate edges with silicone to protect the timber at the bottom. Plus, you can also cover the edge with angled aluminium to prevent side damage.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @AlanM52, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.         

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[jackowacko]

I’ve seen videos of people glue the tread sheet metal to the tray mounting underneath the wood but clean the base and using an adhesive structure metal on metal glue 

[Nailbag]

Hi @jackowacko 

Would it not be easier to replace the tray completely with marine ply? It would eliminate any possible future delamination. 

This is of course unless aluminium checker-plate isn’t also an option. Though costly, it will last the life of the truck. 

Nailbag. 

[EricL]

Hello @jackowacko 

The store only carries the Metal Mate 2400 x 600 x 2mm Tread Plate. I suggest visiting your local store and speaking to the special orders desk in regards to possibly special ordering a larger sheet.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @jackowacko,

That is typical of Caravans and Motor Homes and from my experience helping others it's likely you will be be attempting the same repair work in other areas. With similar thoughts as per @Nailbag I recommend you replace the tray with Formply covered with a 'Tradie' rubber mat.

Cheers