JMO
when i build my trailer i plan on using 2x4 for the simple reason is some dogs (gyps and young) can gat thier head triugh it and its not pretty when 2 gyps get to fighting and one get her head hung on the otherside and one gets really messed up
on the frond i am going to come 16 in up or solid to keep tire splash and gravel from hammering the dogs
lastly i will put a rail around it about a foot to tie things down and to keep me from rolling off the top if i passout .. i mean take a nap

Dexter