Dump Trailer

[patrick_g]

If the ID of the bolt holes where end grain is exposed is not sealed then rot is a worry. While covering the bed will help (sometimes), moist air and dew may still get to the ID area. Unfortunately, if the aluminum or other water proof sheet goods layered on the floor is not bedded and sealed properly it will hold moisture between itself and the wood and promote rot.

We sure have whipped this poor pony to within an inch of its life. The situation is simple. If you do nothing the floor will eventually rot out. If you protect the floor except the ID of the holes the holes will rot out. If you toss a sheet of plastic or aluminum on the floor it will hold moisture and promote rot. If you properly install and seal a sheet over the wood it will protect the floor but depending on what you haul may be overkill. A tarp that breathes is fine but a vapor proof cover will entrap moisture and promote rot.

Of all the various protective measures available I think a good penetrating sealer/preservative would have been a good choice and less work and cost that most of the other choices. If you put tape over the bottom of the bolt hole you can fill the hole with your penetrating sealer (the floor stuff used on the surface of the boards may be just fine) and let it soak into the ID of the bolt holes. If the floor coating or other protectant soaks in then just fill the hole again till it takes all it will. You don't have to wait for it to dry before assembly and inserting the bolts.

Fast simple and uses what you already have.

Pat

 

[Iplayfarmer]

...Fast simple and uses what you already have.

Pat

Now you're talking something I can do. Back when people were floating ideas about fiberglass sealers and such I was thinking "overkill".

I've varnished three sides of the boards now. I got kicked out of the basement before I could varnish the last wide side, but that may work to my advantage now.

My plan is to put the varnished side down and assemble everything with the raw wood facing the inside of the bed. Then I'll pull out the bolts a few rows at a time and put the first coat of varnish on. I'll follow your advice, Pat, and try to slosh as much into the bolt holes as practical. I've actually got some wool daubers that I use with my leather work that would work great dipped in varnish to coat the insides of the holes. I'll put the subsequent coats on over the tops of the bolts.

I think this will be a great balance between cost, effort, and need.

I've also attached a picture of why I didn't get anything done on the dump trailer over this weekend. That's my dad and brothers you see. I'm holding the camera. We're over 7,000 feet and a few miles West of Yellowstone National Park. Yes, that is snow falling. It takes a lot to keep us from a ride.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

More Progress. I set up the deck and got the holes drilled. It's too cold to varnish right now, but I may sneak home for lunch and put a coat on.

When I was counter sinking the bolts, I tore up a few of the boards. The combination of the wood, the bit and the drill that I was using to counter sink would grab at the wood, and I lifted the top grain up to a few inches away from some of the holes. I'm sure a few weeks of use will even everything out, though.

 

[jsborn]

We sure have whipped this poor pony to within an inch of its life. The situation is simple uses what you already have.

Pat

I have enjoyed the thread and gleaned a lot of useful information from it BUT you could have replaced the floor twice it the time it has taken to type and read all the advice .

Before I get flamed I am just kiddin..

Great looking trailer now lets see it dump something dirty.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I came home for lunch to varnish the deck. The temperature outside is registering at 45 degrees. I don't have many other options, and the weather is likely not going to get much warmer for a while, so I'm hanging a heat lamp over the deck and hoping for the best.

 

[sandman2234]

45 degrees???
You guys order in a little winter ahead of schedule? I have been out playing in the rain, watching the flow of water so I know how to address my watershed problems when the guy next door runs out of money trying to fix his. I was doing it with sandals on my feet. I just heard the A/C unit kick on.
David from jax

 

[Iplayfarmer]

45 degrees???
You guys order in a little winter ahead of schedule? I have been out playing in the rain, watching the flow of water so I know how to address my watershed problems when the guy next door runs out of money trying to fix his. I was doing it with sandals on my feet. I just heard the A/C unit kick on.
David from jax

I just saw the local weather forecast. We're expecting some pretty significant snow tonight and tomorrow. Looks like I won't be varnishing for a few days at least.

We're looking for days in the 70's next week, though.

I would much rather deal with the cold and not the heat. I can always put more clothes on...

 

[patrick_g]

IPLAYFARMER, Bondo or other catalyzed filler is perfectly good for use on wood and is sold at the big box stores for that purpose. You can fill your tearouts with that and it will slow/stop rot as it will prevent moisture or wet material from accumulating in the tearouts.

Pat.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Our pretty significant snow came as forecast...

The snow was wet and heavy. With leaves still on the trees, the branches couldn't handle the weight. We had branches down all over the place. The power was out for about 7 hours.

I did get a little more done on the trailer, though. I installed all the bolts in the deck.

 

[patrick_g]

I did get a little more done on the trailer, though. I installed all the bolts in the deck.

Nice Kodak moment, a post card picture. What is your elevation?

We are still in the 80's most days and only once in a while get below the 70's overnight. We will get winter, eventually, just not right now.

All this dump trailer talk finally whipped me up into a frenzy which NOT FINDING a good deal on a used one in the last few months didn't help so I bought a new one yesterday. It will be such a versatile tool I know I will love it and if anything goes wrong I will blame getting it on you!!!

Pat