expanded steel question

admin

I am building one of those raised storage cages for the front of my trailer,I have the frame and lid already built(2X2 angle) I dont know what type of mesh to put on it,The kind on my trailer gate is 3/4 #9,I dont think I need something that heavy for this project,I also wanted tighter openings,I was thinking 1/2" #13, it is pretty strong and not as heavy,also should be easy to weld with flux-core wire.Any suggestions would be appreciated.---Mike
Reply:Is this a trailer that you tow on a regular basis? In wet weather it's generally quite a fog of swirling wind, muck and moisture in between a trailer and the tow vehicle. I guess expanded would cut down on the wind friction but everything is going to get soaked with the road slime. If you've had the opportunity to notice there are a couple of different styles of the expnded, raised and flat. Some might call it grip and smooth. The raised has all the sharp edges. Go with the flat/smooth. It's better for tacking down and easier on what will be flopping around in your storage bin.
Reply:I had one on my other trailer,and yes everything did get wet when rained on,but no problems with road slime.I did think about using treated wood to semi-enclose it to keep stuff somewhat out of the weather,But the wind resistance would lower my MPG even lower than my 9 currently!