18 ft car hauler trailer rebuild

[Buty]

Starting my trailer overhaul. I'm having a hard time finding 18 foot long boards. Anyone have a source in north Georgia?

 

[AaronS]

Unless you go with native lumber that may be hard to find. Most long trailers I see have 2 different boards to stretch the length with a seam somewhere in the middle. My 24 footer uses a 16 foot piece and a 6 footer, then 2 feet for the dovetail. There is a metal strip covering the seam.

 

[terryknight]

16ft is the longest anyone stocks around here. if you want longer there are places to get it, but it's all special order

 

[Diamondpilot]

My local hardware keeps 18, 20, & 24's on hand.

Chris

 

[MitchellB]

Starting my trailer overhaul. I'm having a hard time finding 18 foot long boards. Anyone have a source in north Georgia?

You might try a semi-trailer repair dealer like Trailmobile (above Atlanta). They usually stock a wood product called apitong wood board that are used to deck flatbeds that usually are available in up to 48' lengths. Most would usually cut it to any length the customer wanted.

 

[Buty]

Thanks guys. I like the seam idea even though it would be so much easier to slip in some one piece boards. Called Trailmobile, geared towards 18 wheelers (they do sell but start at 6.50 sq ft).

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks guys. I like the seam idea even though it would be so much easier to slip in some one piece boards. Called Trailmobile, geared towards 18 wheelers (they do sell but start at 6.50 sq ft).

Call a local saw mill. I get real 2" white oak for the same price as treated at Lowes.

Chris

 

[timswi]

Private lumber yards often have longer lengths and better quality. I only buy from a couple of the local ones when I need copious amounts of lumber. Since they tend to cater to contactors, their boards are nearly all perfectly straight since their reputations depend on it. They will actually send incoming loads away if the quality is questionable..
I only use the big boxes when I need a couple of boards.

 

[Buty]

Thanks again guys. I really like the sawmill idea. They seem to have a few around here so I will do some calling around.

 

[LD1]

Ditto the sawmill. I got 20' lengths for my 20+5 GN trailer. Cost me $300 to re-deck it. Would have been $350 for treated pine which isnt as strong.

But what is the spacing underneath? IS this a HD equipment type trailer? or a lighter duty landscape type. White oak is heavier, and may not be favorable if its a lighter trailer.

You need to call an actual lumber yard. Box stores dont normally stock anything longer than 16', unless you have a menards.

But whatever you do, I think you will be glad you went with one-piece boards. I have seen alot of trailers need re-decked when the lumber was still good. They brake and split the ends where the joints are and the boars come loose, being un-even at the joint. Then if things start catching at that uneven joint, it goes downhill from there.