trailer deck

barticus73 · May 2, 2005

Hello,

I have an 18' 12000lb. rated flatbed trailer that I use to tow my trailer around. The wood deck needs replaced and I was wondering what you guys recommend as far as type of wood to use, treated, etc....

The current deck is 2 x 12's untreated and painted.

Jerry

creeper · May 2, 2005

treated 2x12's painted with used motor oil works well

kennyd · May 2, 2005

( flatbed trailer that I use to tow my trailer around. )

You tow a trailer to haul your trailer? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

But seriously, I recomend PT 2x6's instead of 2x12's, there will be less cupping and splitting with the 2x6's

Av8r3400 · May 2, 2005

Was it on this site that someone was saying of you put treated lumber down on steel it will cause corosion?

My trailer has survived nearly 10 years with an untreated wood deck. When I rebuild it, I think that's what I'll use.

Indydirtfarmer · May 2, 2005

This trailer had treated 2x10's when I bought it. They were not the best of boards.... I have a friend who runs a small sawmill. He sawed out some 2"X 8" White oak for me. It was dried for about a year before cutting, and a good 6 months after sawing. It gets soaked with 3 parts used motor oil/1 part diesel fuel at 2 month intervals. The rough sawn lumber gives superb traction. White oak is stronger than 40 acres of onions...

rdln · May 2, 2005

or 10 acres of cabbage on a warm november day, how long is the trailer?

Indydirtfarmer · May 2, 2005

( or 10 acres of cabbage on a warm november day, how long is the trailer? )

20' + 5' dovetail. It looks longer than it is for some reason. That's an 8-row cultivator sitting on it. The frame is 20'-6".

tawilson · May 3, 2005

I've heard that hemlock makes for good decks. Anybody know for sure? I've got a manual sawmill and lots of hemlock trees.

450EXC · May 3, 2005

I'm East of Syacuse and it seems that Hemlock gets used for almost everything - framing, siding, hay wagons, etc. I think for heavy equipment trailers though most like stronger hardwood like oak or maple. I sawed up some 16' maple for a guys excavator trailer and he was in heaven.
Saw that Hemlock up though and you will find something for it.
Larry

dholly · May 3, 2005

I suspect rough sawn hemlock would work just fine for trailer decking. I used 1" for new siding on my cabin and, after a couple of years drying, the stuff is pretty darn hard.