Trailer rebuild- a summer I will never get back.

[bubbacuse77]

bubbacuse77, quick follow up question. Looks like you used self tapping screws to secure you decking. Where did you get them? Did you have to go to a trailer store or are these ST screws available at a general hardware store or home center? Thinking I may need to put more bolts on for my decking, but a ST screw would eliminate the need to go underneath to secure the nut. These screws must be pretty tough to go through some reasonably thick steel channel. Thanks in advance.

Chris- Made by Tek, found at Home Depot. They are self tapping and for treated lumber. Very important you buy the ones coated for treated lumber or the chemicals in the lumber over time will eat the screws away.

Also, even though these are self tapping screws, I pre drilled all the holes. Why? Because when you use a self tapping screws in this application all the metal shavings end up sandwiched between the metal cross member and the wood deck. Those shavings are going to start a "cancer" of rust if left there. So I clamped each board in place, then pre drilled, then removed the board, then brushed off the shavings, then slathered on a bunch of anti seize in and around the holes i drilled, then replaced the board and screwed it down with the self tappers.

I know this because I noticed when I pulled the deck off the trailer the cross members that had the screws fastened to them where badly rusted and eaten away vs the ones without screws.

Hope this helps

 

[dstig1]

VERY nice work. That is an impressive rebuild, fellow cheeseheader :laughing: My trailer could use that kinf of treatment, but it isn't going to get it at this point. Too busy building the house. Then by the time I have time, there won't be a point in keeping the trailer anymore as I probably won't need it much... so it goes...

 

[CHDinCT]

You can get them at Menards and Lowes. Not sure about Home Depot, never checked there.

Chris

Thanks. No Menards around here but plenty of Lowes.

 

[CHDinCT]

Chris- Made by Tek, found at Home Depot. They are self tapping and for treated lumber. Very important you buy the ones coated for treated lumber or the chemicals in the lumber over time will eat the screws away.

Also, even though these are self tapping screws, I pre drilled all the holes. Why? Because when you use a self tapping screws in this application all the metal shavings end up sandwiched between the metal cross member and the wood deck. Those shavings are going to start a "cancer" of rust if left there. So I clamped each board in place, then pre drilled, then removed the board, then brushed off the shavings, then slathered on a bunch of anti seize in and around the holes i drilled, then replaced the board and screwed it down with the self tappers.

I know this because I noticed when I pulled the deck off the trailer the cross members that had the screws fastened to them where badly rusted and eaten away vs the ones without screws.

Hope this helps

OK, Home Depot too. I'll look for the treated lumber versions. I know you need special fasteners for PT lumber. Since my boards are already fastened down I won't be able to remove any of the shavings that get stuck between the boards and cross members. It is what it is. This trailer is probably 20 years old and was full of rust before I refinished it, so I think it will survive a few more years. LOL.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Just to add, the Tek screws are not only self tapping but self drilling. They have a crude drill bit tip on the first 3/8" or so. There's also two different types, one with 'wings' and one without. The wings are between the drill tip and the threads, clearancing the wood from the threads but break off when they hit the steel. You want the wings, it makes a BIG difference otherwise the wood will try to ride up the threads as the tip cuts into the steel.

Up here, the only places I've ever seen them are specialty fastener places.

 

[two_bit_score]

VERY nice work. That is an impressive rebuild, fellow cheeseheader :laughing: My trailer could use that kinf of treatment, but it isn't going to get it at this point. Too busy building the house. Then by the time I have time, there won't be a point in keeping the trailer anymore as I probably won't need it much... so it goes...

And, look on the bright side, somebody will get a good project trailer.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Just to add, the Tek screws are not only self tapping but self drilling. They have a crude drill bit tip on the first 3/8" or so. There's also two different types, one with 'wings' and one without. The wings are between the drill tip and the threads, clearancing the wood from the threads but break off when they hit the steel. You want the wings, it makes a BIG difference otherwise the wood will try to ride up the threads as the tip cuts into the steel.

Up here, the only places I've ever seen them are specialty fastener places.

Here is a picture, they have the wings, right from HD.

 

[CHDinCT]

Thanks guys. Will get the "winged" ST Screws next time I get to HD or Lowes.

 

[Sterff]

Looks good. Do you not need a license plate lamp in your area?

 

[bubbacuse77]

Maybe but everyone seems to mount them on the fender in Wisconsin.