Trailer stakes - wood choice

newbury · Oct 17, 2013

My Hudson has weird shaped stake pockets. 3.5" inside x 1.4" deep x 3.25" outside. I called Hudson they said, as I figured, just trim down a 2x4.
I was wanting to find some oak but apparently that is not stocked in Northern Virginia, and I'm only needing about 24' (6 stakes 4' high).

Has anyone used sweetgum for stakes? I've a bunch of that milled up. SYP, even PT SYP seems weak.

/edit
I'll probably make some oak but it will take 6 months or so to dry.

RedNeckRacin · Oct 17, 2013

I would check around at the amish sawmills. They generally specialize in hard or soft woods.

schmism · Oct 18, 2013

the center runner in pallets is slightly smaller than a standard 2x4. they are often made out of oak. pick a few up and take them apart.

newbury · Oct 18, 2013

schmism said:
the center runner in pallets is slightly smaller than a standard 2x4. they are often made out of oak. pick a few up and take them apart.

Thanks! I've about a dozen pallets, need to check them out!

groundcover · Oct 18, 2013

I cut down some PT 2x6,only broke one so far !

QRTRHRS · Oct 18, 2013

Look at it this way, if a standard 2x4 slipped through a pocket, you would have to either put a screw or bolt into it to keep it from dropping or cut something larger and more expensive down to fit. Trimming standard stock down is the most economical way for most folks who don't have ready access to a mill.

Oak is best in my opionion but look at your needs. Oak would hold back say a bundle of fence posts that suddenly became unbanded or was intentionally unbanded to facilitate loading for some reason over pine stakes. The reality is, most small trailer stake pockets are no where near as heavy duty as they might be on a big truck trailer. The pockets are better for holding stake supported sideboards. I have seen some that I would not trust to chain down a tractor.

If you are doing something that depends on stakes, try this if possible. Use a longer stake with a lighter grade of chain or strap from one side to the other over the top of your load. This in addition to the standard fastening devices. This will negate perhaps entirely and unwanted spread to the sides of your load.