Trailer decking

[EMS503]

I have an opportunity to buy a trailer to move my GC2300 with.
The frame is in very good shape needs tires and the decking boards need to be replaced. I don't have all the particulars yet as I spoke with his wife and she didn't know much about the trailer. He only wants $500.00 for it I know this is a good price. My question is the decking boards are they a specailty board or can I use pressure treated wood?

 

[LD1]

most trailers I have seen are just pressure treated 2x6's or 2x8's

 

[Willl]

Mine came with standard 2 X 6 for decking.

 

[radman1]

Pressure treated wood will be just fine. Let the wood dry out for a few weeks if it is wet before you install it. 2x6" or 2x8" will be fine. I just lay the wood on flat surface with some cross boards between them to let them dry. Set some heavy weights on top to keep them from warping while they dry. You will have a tighter and nicer looking floor if you dry them first.

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. I agree with the others.. I redecked my 16' trailer with PT 2x6 and 2x8's.

soundguy

 

[Ford850]

If you don't use PT boards, then use yellow pine or similar in your area. Most PT lumber is yellow pine. The less expensive SPF has little strength. Rough sawn hardwood would be another good choice.

 

[Nissan197]

Same as most of the others. I used PT. It seems wood just is not as good as it once was. First set of boards only lasted about a year and a half.

 

[Gravdigr]

If you don't use PT boards, then use yellow pine or similar in your area. Most PT lumber is yellow pine. The less expensive SPF has little strength. Rough sawn hardwood would be another good choice.

This is what we did. Used rough cut white oak planks for the decking. It added some weight but gives me peace of mind my deck boards are not gonna bend under the weight of my backhoe.

 

[Soundguy]

Same as most of the others. I used PT. It seems wood just is not as good as it once was. First set of boards only lasted about a year and a half.

Mine were the same way.. new lumber that came with the traielr rotted fast.. the new deck i put on I also painted with black asphalt paint.. real heavy / 2-coats.. worked great.. wood is still good 6ys later..

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Most new trailers use PT yellow pine. OK, but not outstanding.

Best, longest lasting, strongest I've seen is rough sawn white oak. Slightly heavier, but much stronger.

Even the best PT lumber doesn't last forever when left outside. It needs further protection. Old farmers trick, "paint" it with a mixture of 2/3rds used motor oil, 1/3rd diesel fuel. (reducing w/ diesel helps with better penetration.) In a matter of a few hours, it'll absorb into the wood. You DON'T have an oily mess as some might think. At first application, you might need a couple coats. Then simply a maintenance coat every year or so, and your wood trailer deck will last MUCH longer. I've got hay racks that have been around for 25 years and still look like new where I've kept them oiled. Worried about oil spilling onto the ground while applying? Don't. You CAN put down a sheet of plastic if you think some will drip, but applied slowly, the oil mix absorbs almost instantly and nothing drips.