Big Tex---Beware!

[Builder]

Ipe' is a great choice for trailer decking. It's vitually clear, indestructable and probably one of the strongest woods in the world.

You don't need a full 2" thickness. 1&1/2" thick Ipe is stronger than 2" pine any day.

It is a heavy wood and will take a little payload away from your trailer

 

[jcmseven]

I am by no means a wiring expert, but have found the Gator-made trailers I have owned to have pretty nicely done wiring. They also still prime and powercoat the frame rails, which is not often seen these days. I, for one, am not an experienced enough trailer buyer to find these things out without help. It is ashame to me that these things have gotten so expensive and the quality has gone down so far. I bought a little lawn and garden 6x12 trailer the other day. It was inexpensive, but by no means cheap. I use it to pull behind my Gator and haul the Gator on occasion. It had rough edges, the latches did not work well and the wiring for the lights was suspect. With its given use it was fine for me, but one wonders where the quality has gone. I looked at some that size that were several hundred dollars more, but they shared the exact same issues.

John M

 

[Propjob]

Well; I sent Big Tex an Email, with my constructive criticism the day I first posted this. I have not received any repl. comments whatsoever. I have not tried the trailer/tractor combo yet. Been to busy to get any seat time. JIM

 

[jimmysisson]

...Thought about planking another layer over top of them in the other direction but that would add a fair bit of weight. If I have to replace the wood some day I would likely use pressure teated 2X6 which is spruce or pine around here.

Billyvan - the cross planking would be easy to do but would quickly result in both layers rotting. Unless the trailer never gets wet, moisture trapped between the layers will eat up the weaker layer. Other poster is correct about steel exposed to new treated wood. Stainless is now recommended for fasteners for the new stuff, so a steel frame might suffer. Oak boards are a real good bet, tough and durable outdoors with just an occasional seal job.
Jim

 

[unreconstructed]

I don't feel so bad about the wiring job on my Big Tex since I read these posts. I routinely take mine over rough roads and have had lots of electrical problems. I just never have taken the time to rework the wiring.

 

[Soundguy]

Billyvan - the cross planking would be easy to do but would quickly result in both layers rotting. Unless the trailer never gets wet, moisture trapped between the layers will eat up the weaker layer. Other poster is correct about steel exposed to new treated wood. Stainless is now recommended for fasteners for the new stuff, so a steel frame might suffer. Oak boards are a real good bet, tough and durable outdoors with just an occasional seal job.
Jim

Double dip galv works fine too... or get the old style CCA boards.. many places still sell them, but not for home construction.. etc..

soundguy