Repainting Trailer and Replacing Trailer Deck

[BoylermanCT]

Thank you all for the info and advice. The trailer was originally built with self tapping trailer screws, and I plan to do the same with the new deck. Will be interesting to see what condition the metal underframe is in once the existing deck is removed.

Fried1765, where do you get marine grade PT pine? I am guessing the big box stores won't have it. Not sure local lumber yards will unless I call some down by the coast. I know the typical pressure treated boards are not very impressive. I had a pile of PT landscape timbers rot out in a few year as they were stacked in a pile resting on 2 cross 2x4's so they weren't touching the ground!

 

[two_bit_score]

I would use treated lumber the same size as the original wood. Then place the old board on the new one and use it as a pattern for the bolt holes. Also use new carriage bolts.

I would add to be sure to use the proper coated faster, galvanized or stainless as the case may be depending on the type of preservatives used on the boards. Recommend POR as a rust treatment then paint with any good topcoat.


Enjoy your project!

 

[sandman2234]

I am going a different route with my Big Tex 20 plus 5 trailer. The wooden deck has soft and rotten spots from being stored outside, and will need replacing very soon, if not before I use it again. I did some inquiring at places that I go to for tractor trailer repair and have found enough (combined with what I had already) to deck out my trailer in aluminum deck. Since I am still working 6 days a week, taking the time to strip it and replace it hasn't happened, and may not for a while but I have most of what I need. Hopefully this will be the last time I have to replace the deck! I may add a strip of wood between the aluminum for traction and occasional nailing of dunnage.
David from jax

 

[3Ts]

You don't need marine grade pressure treatment. And you're not likely to get it unless you are near the coast. You do need more preservative than typically found at a big box store - get the ground contact rated treatment level. As for fastners, just be sure they are ACQ rated and you'll be fine, these are typically hot dipped galvanized (not regular galvanizing), stainless steel, and many ceramic or proprietary coatings. The new chemicals in pressure treated wood are quite corrosive so do use a separator between the wood and frame. I would use something like the new window flashings that are self adhesive, have a type of rubberized material. They are self healing and provide better protection than tar paper.

 

[Hay Dude]

You don't need marine grade pressure treatment. And you're not likely to get it unless you are near the coast. You do need more preservative than typically found at a big box store - get the ground contact rated treatment level. As for fastners, just be sure they are ACQ rated and you'll be fine, these are typically hot dipped galvanized (not regular galvanizing), stainless steel, and many ceramic or proprietary coatings. The new chemicals in pressure treated wood are quite corrosive so do use a separator between the wood and frame. I would use something like the new window flashings that are self adhesive, have a type of rubberized material. They are self healing and provide better protection than tar paper.

Agree.
#1 PT is a real nice affordable option
Marine grade is for water submerged application

 

[Peter 315]

Any PT will work I just spray the deck down with boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits 50/50 mix once a year before winter I leave the trailers outside spray with ff and try to shovel the snow off ..... All the trailers I have seen don't have anything between the wood and steel .........

 

[fried1765]

Agree.
#1 PT is a real nice affordable option
Marine grade is for water submerged application

Depends on the definition of Marine grade.
Marine "splash" is .6 %
Marine "submersion" is 2.5%

Here are the ratings:

(#1 PT refers to the grade of the lumber, and has nothing to do with the level of preservative.)

Above ground .25%
Ground contact .4%
Salt water splash .6%
Wood foundation .6%
Salt water immersion/submersion 2.5%

In CT the OP should be able to find .6% at a dock install contractor (they would be using it for decking).
At the very least, "ground contact" material should be used for trailer decking.

 

[chim]

Speaking of pressure treated lumber, here are a couple pics from Saturday. I completed a new shed for the l4240 late in 2019. The wood deck pictured is from the oldest shed that we bought new in 1989. It sat there on a crushed stone pad till I pulled it out of the way to set a new shed around 2002. It's been sitting on dirt ever since. At that time I planned to burn the old shed, but came upon enough used steel to re-roof it and give it a few more years for overflow from the new shed. Last year we pulled it out of the way again. This time it was to build the newest shed that the L4240 would fit into:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/420084-found-piece-lawn-mower-shed.html

The unplanned vacation caused by CV-19 is giving me a great opportunity to catch up with work here. Last Friday I had all the stuff removed from the old shed and either tossed it or got it into storage. By Saturday all that remained of the oldest shed was the floor and its framing. By the end of the day even that was gone. Remarkably, the 4x4 sleepers that were under the shed looked as good as new. The closeup is the underside of one of them after a quick scrape with a flat shovel to get some mud off of it.

 

[herm0016]

I did my 16 ft. car hauler last year. 2x6 ground contact, and made it all tight. it has very nice 1/8 or less gaps now. used the coated self tapping screws and chalk lined across each of the frames. installed wood, used a ratchet strap at the frame to straighten up, drilled the 2 holes and then ran the self tapping screw in with a brace. most of the old screws were rusted in and broke off. so i drilled all new holes. the frames were cleaned up with a flap wheel and primed and painted. i had to rip an inch or so off of the 2 center boards.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

. I had a pile of PT landscape timbers rot out in a few year as they were stacked in a pile resting on 2 cross 2x4's so they weren't touching the ground!

Landscaping timbers are "dipped" , not pressure treated and that's why they rot fairly fast.

Check the tag on PT lumber, you want .60 treat, .40 won't last near as long, as it's not rated for ground contact.

You can spl. order .80 or 1.0 but have a FAT wallet to pay for them! (marine rating)

SR