Wood vs steel deck? Other tilting deck trailer recommendations?

[Fallon]

I just sold my cargo trailer & will likely be selling my 16' tilting deck soon. It's a great heavy duty steel tilting deck trailer, but at 16' it's to short. The only reason it's worked until now is it has a really long tongue on it I can set the loader on. I got a killer deal on it an auction & will probably get noticeably more for it than I paid for it. I otherwise love the trailer, except for the side lips preventing side loading with pallet forks & the fact it's to short. I'll be replacing it with probably a 22' tilting deck with a fixed 6' or so platform up front. There are very few used trailers of this type here in Colorado after keeping an eye on Craigslist for many months, but there are a few occasionally. Almost all new or used are wood decked, but occasionally I see some steel deck ones.

The back blade is kind of compact, the rotary cutter hangs off the end & fat chance getting an extra implement on there without doing shady loading stuff that will end up in the Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong thread. Not to mention I promptly realized I needed to move the tractor a foot or 2 further forward for better balancing.



Any recommendations between wood & steel? I know wood is bulkier, but for a given deck is wood going to be lighter than an equivalent steel deck? I haven't had traction issues personally, but steel can be a bit worse in snow & ice I hear. You have to re-stain or otherwise protect the wood every few years & replace the wood every decade or 2, where steel lasts a lot longer (at least here in Colorado, we have minimal humidity & rust issues).

Any other tilting deck thoughts or recommendations on stuff I should look at or think about?

 

[RedNeckRacin]

That trailer really doesn't look like its 16' to me? I'd keep my options open as far as trailers are concerned and find one that meets the weight rating and length requirements. Personally, I think the tilt trailer get heavier than necessary to remain rigid for the loads they need to carry. I'd look for a trailer with a pierced beam with the cross members and live with either deck. Unless you have a specific need that dictates one over the other. I've had both and liked them equally. I'd definitely be looking at a deck over if you want to load pallets though.

 

[amigauser]

Wood decks generally make for a lighter trailer and you have the ability to screw or nail cribbing if needed to it. Metal deck trailers are very slippery if wet with rain or dew. My 2 cents worth.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I hate metal deck trailers because of slipping and sliding.

 

[RickB]

I hate metal deck trailers because of slipping and sliding.

That would make two of us. Dealbreaker for me.

 

[jack707]

That would make two of us. Dealbreaker for me.

What about tacking expanded metal on the deck?

 

[Diamondpilot]

What about tacking expanded metal on the deck?

Why? Dirt catcher, extra weight, and would be rough on the knees or anything delicate you are hauling like drywall.

 

[jack707]

Why? Dirt catcher, extra weight, and would be rough on the knees or anything delicate you are hauling like drywall.

Your not putting a whole sheet on just where it's needed. Put the drywall on 2x4s.

 

[ultrarunner]

All the roll back tow trucks use metal... steel or aluminum with most embossed.

 

[George2615]

What about tacking expanded metal on the deck?

Tough to shovel snow off the deck with expanded metal tacked on.
Agree with the others that metal deck too slippery when wet.
I don't have the side lips on my 22' PJ tilt deck and can easily side load pallets.