Treating trailer deck; UNDERNEATH

[Rvrrat14]

How many of you treat the wood of your deck on the underside? I was thinking of doing my new trailer and lifting with forks, blocking, and rolling the underside. Any suggestions or how-to’s to insure a safe work environment is appreciated. I’ve got some old 2 stroke oil, diesel, and used motor oil.
Thanks!

 

[John0829]

I use a mix of diesel and used oil in an old garden sprayer and while I may not get a perfect coating at least it is something.

 

[Rvrrat14]

I was able to lift tongue and place safety saw horses under tongue area, as well as drop tongue jack all the way down. Crawled underneath with roller/long handle/rough nap roller; Old Yamaha 2M 2-stroke oil/Diesel 50:50. Two coats top and bottom. It soaked up well.

 

[WinterDeere]

I'm in the process of replacing my trailer decking, switching from PT YP to white oak. I just picked up a gallon of Thompsons, with which I'll treat both sides and edges before installing.

I'd never use a water sealer on S4S YP, it'd be as slippery and dangerous as an ice rink. But I'm figuring the rough grain of rough-sawn white oak is going to offer enough grip to compensate the water seal.

If I'm wrong, no biggie. The clear stuff I'm applying usually only lasts 2 years or less on upward-facing horizontal surfaces.

 

[nyone]

I think and know it's more important to treat the steel. Something like woolwax will do wonders to save the steel. I do mine every other year.
The wood on mine I dont think about much as I have had normal non PT wood last over a decade before selling the trailer. Since the underside sees no UV and very little water I wouldnt worry about it to much. There are alot more important areas to take care of.

 

[WinterDeere]

I think and know it's more important to treat the steel. Something like woolwax will do wonders to save the steel. I do mine every other year.
The wood on mine I dont think about much as I have had normal non PT wood last over a decade before selling the trailer. Since the underside sees no UV and very little water I wouldnt worry about it to much. There are alot more important areas to take care of.

I think it depends on storage location. The PT yellow pine wood deck rotted out on my trailer after just 8-9 years, but I store in a cove in the woods to keep sun off the tires, paint, and wiring. Steel still looks great, only very minor surface rust on brakes and anywhere it's been scratched, but paint is holding up fine. But the constant shade and leaves means the wood doesn't dry out quickly between storms, and there's also constant moisture evaporating up from the ground beneath.

Out in the sun, the deck might last 50% to 100% longer, but I'd be replacing dry-rotted tires, lights, wiring, etc.

 

[nyone]

I think it depends on storage location. The PT yellow pine wood deck rotted out on my trailer after just 8-9 years, but I store in a cove in the woods to keep sun off the tires, paint, and wiring. Steel still looks great, only very minor surface rust on brakes and anywhere it's been scratched, but paint is holding up fine. But the constant shade and leaves means the wood doesn't dry out quickly between storms, and there's also constant moisture evaporating up from the ground beneath.

Out in the sun, the deck might last 50% to 100% longer, but I'd be replacing dry-rotted tires, lights, wiring, etc.

But then again if its left in the sun you get alot of UV damage and cracking allowing moisture way in the wood.

I currently have a 3yr old PT wood deck. Never coated the bottom and 1x the top with motor oil. I see no major damage and where physical damage has occurred it looks like new wood. I dont see how this deck would go bad in 8-9yrs as I'm 1/4 the way there.

 

[lman]

I've had my 30' gooseneck trailer about 12 years with the original decking and never painted anything on it but it's a fair weather trailer. I only use it in nice weather and it's parked in my barn at all other times.

 

[WinterDeere]

I dont see how this deck would go bad in 8-9yrs as I'm 1/4 the way there.

It'll be interesting to find out! I'd have said exactly the same, right up thru year 7 or 8, as it felt solid one day, and then spongy the next time I pulled it out. A few months after that, my foot went thru a board.

IOW, it went from seeming 100% to shot, real fast. Not much in the way of warning signs.

 

[WinterDeere]

I've had my 30' gooseneck trailer about 12 years with the original decking and never painted anything on it but it's a fair weather trailer. I only use it in nice weather and it's parked in my barn at all other times.

I'd love to have another barn, with room for my trailers. Unfortunately, it's cheaper to replace trailers every 20 years, than build one barn.