Steel vs wood deck for trailer

[Bob Rooks]

I've seen many steel bed equipment trailers with a pair of 2x boards bolted in each tread area.

Bruce

That sounds more like home built. Got any manufacturers names/websites? That might be a great compromise.

 

[bcp]

That sounds more like home built. Got any manufacturers names/websites? That might be a great compromise.

Most were seen 30-50 years ago when I was working on farms. They appeared factory. Most of the Cat movers/owners had them on their tilt trailers.

Bruce

 

[Xfaxman]

Looking at trailers approx 12,000 GVWR dovetail equipment trailers. Pros and cons for both steel and wood decks

I have had many wood deck trailers over the years, now I have two that are steel deck. I will never go back to wood.

Bought this one in September, 2006, 14,000 GVWR. It has LED lights :thumbsup:

 

[Midniteoyl]

Thank you all for the fast replies. It looks like I will be going with wood. It seems more user friendly.

Not my next question. Is a deluxe model worth $300. For this you get "drumroll".: LED lifetime lights in conduit, locking metal toolbox and radial tires.

Radials and toolbox are worth the #300.. LEDs are a plus

 

[KenB2920]

I have had many wood deck trailers over the years, now I have two that are steel deck. I will never go back to wood.

Bought this one in September, 2006, 14,000 GVWR. It has LED lights :thumbsup:


Now just curious, why do you like the steel deck so much?

 

[Bob Rooks]

I have had many wood deck trailers over the years, now I have two that are steel deck. I will never go back to wood.
Bought this one in September, 2006, 14,000 GVWR.

Those must be 2006 pics, not a scratch on it. :laughing:
Curious what you haul on it? Anything with steel tracks?

 

[mark32]

Metal gets very slick. I also don't know that steel withstands misuse any better, and its awesome to be able to substitute only one panel if required. Plus of steel, no reduce forums.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Thank you all for the fast replies. It looks like I will be going with wood. It seems more user friendly.

Not my next question. Is a deluxe model worth $300. For this you get "drumroll".: LED lifetime lights in conduit, locking metal toolbox and radial tires.

FWIW, you can upgrade all the lights on a trailer with LED's for around $65.00. Did that to my dump trailer. IMHO, I would pocket the $300.00.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have had many wood deck trailers over the years, now I have two that are steel deck. I will never go back to wood.

Bought this one in September, 2006, 14,000 GVWR. It has LED lights :thumbsup:

Now just curious, why do you like the steel deck so much?

Because I will never have to replace the deck! I had one 8x16 deckover that I had to replace the wood deck 3 times.

Those must be 2006 pics, not a scratch on it. :laughing:
Curious what you haul on it? Anything with steel tracks?

Yep, taken the day after I pulled it home from Delta, in northwest Arkansas.

Nothing with steel tracks. This was the heaviest load, 12,640 on the deck, 3,440 ball, 14,200 axles.


This is just under 10,000


Mostly it as hauled hay, 8, 5x6 round bales, or 120 square bales.

 

[KenB2920]

Heading out to the trailer dealer manufacturer .. Wish me luck