Time to re-deck my trailer

[caver]

Old thread response

My 16' was new in 2007 and it went south in the last year. I was hauling some gravel on it after screwing on some makeshift sides. While driving my tractor up on it to get a bucket full, the front wheel of my Kioti LB1914 busted through
So there are some good tips in here I may try. Heading out to tackle this project today.
By the way I don't think mine is screwed down anywhere.

 

[EddieWalker]

It's been two years since I did mine and took off that rear angle iron that was holding all the moisture in the ends of the boards. No sign of rot or any issues so far!!!!

Eddie

 

[caver]

Went out and made short work of removing the deck.

 

[tractorboy5500]

Went out and made short work of removing the deck.

Nice start, hows the underbody look, this would be a good time to paint, just a thought.:thumbsup:

 

[trailbuilder]

Trailer decking is a real safety issue, I have seen and heard of many accidents from falling through the deck of a trailer with a piece of equipment. One of these involved a death of a middle aged husband with kids at home. Please keep the decks in safe condition.

 

[EddieWalker]

Went out and made short work of removing the deck.

Are you going to cut off the angle iron at the end and weld it back on?

Where was the rot?

Eddie

 

[caver]

Between the joints Eddie and really just all over. My deck has no screws and I will keep it that way. So the angle stays. I really didn't see any rot in that area.

 

[moored4]

I think what Eddie is saying is the angle iron at the back of the trailer has to be removed to put the new florring in and then it is welded back in to hold the floor in. At least that is the way my trailers are and it looks like yours is the same way.

 

[davcog]

I think what Eddie is saying is the angle iron at the back of the trailer has to be removed to put the new florring in and then it is welded back in to hold the floor in. At least that is the way my trailers are and it looks like yours is the same way.

Check back in thread for method of installing without cutting of angle iron.

Like idea about putting piece of rubber under wood but would use the stuff builders put between sill plate and foundation. Provides place for water to wick from wood then evaporate.

Used HST fluid that got contaminated with water to coat trailer deck. No issues as yet.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think what Eddie is saying is the angle iron at the back of the trailer has to be removed to put the new florring in and then it is welded back in to hold the floor in. At least that is the way my trailers are and it looks like yours is the same way.

Boy, you guys are making this way too hard. I could re-deck this trailer in 20 minutes.

Step 1. Check under trailer for wires.

Step 2. I use a chain saw but any saw will work. Cut all the boards. I usually do this between the back "CUP" and the rear most cross member. This step takes 2 minutes.

Step 3. Cut new boards to length. Actually 1/4" short for expansion is best. I use my circular saw for this but have also use the chainsaw at a customers place. If you are good it works fine.

****LEAVE ANGLE IRON in place!****

Step 4. Slip in first 4 or so board by placing in at a angle front to back and tap in with a hammer.

Step 5. Last 3 or 4 boards place the front end in the "CUP". Now take a scrap piece of 2x4 about 12-16" long. Place it on the front axle and then have a big buddy, about 200# stand on the back side of the deck board. This will bow it and it will be right at the rear "CUP". Now you take a sledge hammer and tap the 2x4 out and it will spring into place.

I have also done this without a helper. Just hook the trailer up to the truck then use the 2x4 and push the back end down with your FEL on your tractor. Knock the 2x4 out with the sledge and thats it.

Don't make this harder than it needs to be.:thumbsup::confused2:

If your boards are rotten at the ends your trailer is not built right. It should have drain holes. They may be clogged with debris. On my trailer its not holes but more or a grove. The simply held the angle iron up 1/4" before welding it in place.

Trust me, it works. I deal in trailers and have re-decked dozens of them this way.

Chris