Trailer Deck Finish

[alexsbuddy]

Anyone have a recommendation on what I should use to weatherproof the wood deck of my new trailer? I would like to get as much life out of it as I can. Thanks.

 

[3Lfarms]

Used engine oil seems to work pretty well. Old hydraulic oil might be good too since it wouldn't be black and as messy.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I went to Home Depot and had them mix me up a nice gray color of their deckscape stuff that has texture in it. Went on easy after pressure washing and letting it dry for a bit. Holding up great and looks good too.

Brett

 

[George2615]

I use a 50/50 mixture of used motor oil and diesel. I apply heavily with a brush. Does a good job waterproofing the deck.

 

[downs807]

Used motor oil with a mop.

 

[compact]

Oil based deck stain and/or a blue tarp when not in use works well for me.

 

[downs807]

Here's what mine looks like using used motor oil from my last truck oil change. Best part it was free.

 

[Deere Dude]

How may gallons does it take for a 8x25' trailer approx? I would probably consider new oil and diesel mixed just so it wouldn't be so messy when walked on, but it may not matter on most trailers.

 

[George2615]

How may gallons does it take for a 8x25' trailer approx? I would probably consider new oil and diesel mixed just so it wouldn't be so messy when walked on, but it may not matter on most trailers.

My trailer is 82" x 22' and I use almost 2 gallons of the 50/50 mix. I lay it on pretty heavy so it soaks in good.

 

[CCWKen]

Don't forget there's six sides to each board. To get the longest life, you want to treat all sides.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't know what you guys haul on your trailers, but I haul just about anything from vehicles and shop equipment, to furniture and appliances. I sure wouldn't want that engine oil glop mess on my trailer deck. Egads, what a bloody mess that would make.

 

[downs807]

5qt should do it. Just start light you can always add more. The wood will soak it up if it's dried well. I would never use new oil it will not soak up like used oil and would be slick as **** I'd say.

 

[fried1765]

5qt should do it. Just start light you can always add more. The wood will soak it up if it's dried well. I would never use new oil it will not soak up like used oil and would be slick as **** I'd say.

"slick as ****"........snot on a doorknob?

 

[coobie]

I don't know what you guys haul on your trailers, but I haul just about anything from vehicles and shop equipment, to furniture and appliances. I sure wouldn't want that engine oil glop mess on my trailer deck. Egads, what a bloody mess that would make.

Not really.Oil soaks in really good after my trailer sets out in the sun a few days.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I seem to be odd-man-out, but I've been using boiled linseed oil. That seems to last about 3-4 years in the sun. I just recovered mine last year, which was the 2nd time in 8 years. No rot yet.

Like Slow-poke Slim said though, either motor oil or linseed oil is going to dirty up furniture, or anything that needs to be kept fairly clean. On the other hand, something like deckscape paint might be good, but I don't think it'll last very long since it doesn't soak into the wood much.

I seriously doubt that you'll find anything that is a one time for a lifetime fix other than keeping the trailer under cover or inside.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't know what you guys haul on your trailers, but I haul just about anything from vehicles and shop equipment, to furniture and appliances. I sure wouldn't want that engine oil glop mess on my trailer deck. Egads, what a bloody mess that would make.

A week in the sun and its soaked in completely

 

[topbuilder]

I use Thompson's water sealer/deck sealer about every other year. If I see discounted colored deck sealer, I'll use that. I use a pump up sprayer to apply. My 20' floor is going on 20 years old. Still going strong.

 

[fried1765]

I seem to be odd-man-out, but I've been using boiled linseed oil. That seems to last about 3-4 years in the sun. I just recovered mine last year, which was the 2nd time in 8 years. No rot yet.

Like Slow-poke Slim said though, either motor oil or linseed oil is going to dirty up furniture, or anything that needs to be kept fairly clean. On the other hand, something like deckscape paint might be good, but I don't think it'll last very long since it doesn't soak into the wood much.

I seriously doubt that you'll find anything that is a one time for a lifetime fix other than keeping the trailer under cover or inside.

You have hit on my secret!
I keep my 20' equipment trailer inside.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I used Thompsons Water seal for the first 2 years and it is a bit pricy but then found some asphaltic base coating that was on sale for $9 per gallon and put two gallons on. It has been on for 2 years now and looks like it just was put on. The Thompsons had to be re-applied every year to keep water from soaking in.

As for the 6 sides, I soak the tops, ends and sides good but so far haven't bothered doing the bottoms. I do agree that for best aging, a bottom coating would be great but I am just too lazy to get under my trailer and paint the bottoms. I did consider lifting the trailer with my FEL and spraying the bottoms but just never got around to it.

 

[bspeedy]

You have hit on my secret!
I keep my 20' equipment trailer inside.

Same here. Indoor storage protects the tires and the deck. Pay for storage or pay for lowered life expectancy. I just stained the deck of my new trailer with the Behr deck stain from home despot. Protects the wood and looks nice since I'm super OCD.