Trailer deck treatment

[jigs_n_fixtures]

My equipment trailer, (7 X18-ft deck area) is decked with pressure treated 2x6s. Anybody have recommendations on what to treat the deck with to make it a bit more waterproof, and weather resistant? It gets stored outside and not under cover, and spends several months covered in snow.

 

[dodge man]

I use the Thompsons Water Seal or similar product.

 

[not2old]

I covered mine with plywood to be able to load topsoil. I've applied used motor oil with a roller, three or four times in 15 years and all is good. It might be slippery or sticky for a week or so each application but hasn't been a problem.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I used a mix of hydraulic oil and motor oil, I just drizzled it on out of a watering can when it was parked in the sun ...

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I use used hydraulic fluid mixed in with diesel fuel and roll it on with a paint roller, it work best to let it set out in the sun on a good warm day and the boards will really soak up the mixture.

 

[John0829]

50/50 used oil and diesel, put it on with a paint roller and leave it in the hot sun for a day or two. Not had any problems with it being slick or slippery.

 

[Paystar]

I use the Thompsons Water Seal or similar product.

I was but find Thompsons doesn't last long at all any more? Even on my covered decks on the house.
My trailer I've been using Linseed oil. Maybe there is better, but so far that is only other thing I tried and seems to last a couple seasons.

 

[gengine]

I have used Thompson's on my trailers as well as the rental trailers where I used to work. It's garbage as far as I am concerned. Now I mix my used oil with diesel, spray it on with a weed sprayer, and let it soak in. My decks are in great shape after many years. My flat beds have lasted, as well as the decks inside my livestock trailers. The urine and manure haven't affected them at all.

 

[Paystar]

That's awesome that so many people say used oil. I was scared to try it. And I always have lots of fairly clean used oil I am bringing to the waste depot.

 

[Alan W.]

Another one for the used oil and diesel.
Let it sit in the sun after applying. I always use gas engine oil never diesel. Just a bit too sooty for me.

 

[Jrasband]

Used oil is awesome, I use a paint roller. Apply as many coats as you want, it does get slick if you keep putting it on but the first few soak in like a sponge.

 

[spruce Deere]

'Nuther vote for used oil here.

 

[gsganzer]

I have 2 trailers I need to do. For the diesel and oil mix, what's the ratio?

Edit: Sorry, just re-read and saw folks use 50/50. There's my project for tomorrow.

 

[stephenh]

Linseed oil thinned down with paint thinner. Warm dry day or two. Will smell like llinseed oil for a little while. I thin it way down: too rich a mixture and it can leave a stickiness. Been using it for such things 40 years or more. I recoat every few years, if I remember to.

 

[bmaverick]

The oil and diesel is the cost effective way to treat the boards.

Even on old boards, the mixture gets sucked in faster.
When the boards are new, linseed oil, though expensive gets the job done. When the boards are 5 years old then the diesel and oil works way better.

If you have a lift or pallet forks, raise the trailer upwards, then coat the boards beneath too. Down south wood bees will destroy these boards from the underside.

The expensive way is to use the garage floor epoxy paint. No need to add the glitter. Gray works well for color. Adding a little black, shaken at the paint store will darken it.

 

[404nouser]

I just used ATF and diesel

 

[caver]

Cheap/free latex paint someone was throwing out yet it wasn't old enough to get separated and funky. I say cheap as walmart can have a gallon of mismatched paint the customer didn't want so it's sold cheap. It may be some color you don't like but makes your trailer stand out if stolen.

 

[nyone]

If your mixing motor oil and diesel 50/50 you can spray it with a HVLP gun. Its prety thin at that point. I have a shed sprayed like this.

I prefer to use a brush on my trailer as I can work the oil into and cracks real well.

 

[dodge man]

I just did mine a few days ago and used a wood sealer made by Olympic. I may switch to the diesel/used oil next time. I was afraid it would be kind of nasty but I know someone who uses it and it’s not to bad.

 

[JCoastie]

I did the 50/50 used motor oil & diesel mixture. It worked well, but stank for a full month, and that's outside in the AL heat.