Time to re-deck my trailer

[TheTrailerGuy]

I do know they are regional items but that's strange just the same.

Actually, welding in the board caps came from the southern builders of trailers. it was always faster to weld something than bolt it in. They would just lay the lumber on the deck, take a big pry bar and squeeze it to one side or the other to eliminate any big gaps and drop some cut chunks of steel in to hold it snug from side to side. Then, c-clamp the angles on both ends and weld them down. zing-pop-pow.. floor done.

The bolted in floor thing started a little further north and bolting down the board end caps meant that if a plank needed replaced, you just unbolted the end caps and that plank, put a new one in, drilled, bolted and you were done.

The notched end cap was mostly an eastern us thing i think. Regardless, after about four or five years, the bolts were rusted and it was time to get the grinder out for any type of plank replacement. If anyone wants to know the REAL trick for getting a super tight floor AND using only 10" boards (which are always stronger) pop a reply here.

Thanks
Thetrailerguy

 

[Gizmo2]

If anyone wants to know the REAL trick for getting a super tight floor AND using only 10" boards (which are always stronger) pop a reply here.
Thanks
Thetrailerguy

Well yeah! May as well learn something first thing this morning.

 

[TheTrailerGuy]

Well yeah! May as well learn something first thing this morning. View attachment 217700

Better than that, i will take you into the shop today and will shoot some photos of a floor getting put in a new trailer. Sit tight.

 

[Iowachild]

If anyone wants to know the REAL trick for getting a super tight floor AND using only 10" boards (which are always stronger) pop a reply here.

Better than that, i will take you into the shop today and will shoot some photos of a floor getting put in a new trailer. Sit tight.

Yep, I'll be waiting and watching too as I am about to start the process.:thumbsup:

BTW Trailerguy I found your web site and was quite impressed.

 

[TheTrailerGuy]

Yep, I'll be waiting and watching too as I am about to start the process.:thumbsup:

BTW Trailerguy I found your web site and was quite impressed.

Dang it! I got busy selling trailers and missed a really nice little 18 foot tilt getting a brand new floor put in. Give a few hours and i will do my best to catch the next one as they do the entire process.

Four out the door so far today.... gotta pay for the internet access somehow!

Thetrailerguy

 

[Soundguy]

the board caps on my GN are tack welded in.. would have rathered bolted.. but oh well.. tack welds are easy to cut out.

soundguy

 

[TheTrailerGuy]

the board caps on my GN are tack welded in.. would have rathered bolted.. but oh well.. tack welds are easy to cut out.

soundguy

Just drill and bolt them down next time you replace any boards. simple.

 

[Diamondpilot]

the board caps on my GN are tack welded in.. would have rathered bolted.. but oh well.. tack welds are easy to cut out.

soundguy

What are board caps? If you are talking about the end cups there is no reason to cut anything. Just bow the boards as I described.

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

I might be able to bend them. I know the ones on my 16' were too stiff to bend easilly. the 20' boards may be easier..


soundguy

 

[Diamondpilot]

I might be able to bend them. I know the ones on my 16' were too stiff to bend easilly. the 20' boards may be easier..


soundguy

We bend 16's all the way down to 10'. It will not be a problem. Like I said, if they are tough use the FEL on you tractor to supply the down pressure. Works each and every time and I have done dozens of them.

Chris