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open trailer question

Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 7:42 pm
by Rich_1028
my trailer is in need of new wood flooring.
what kind of wood is used for open car trailors?
would treated wood be ok?
or someone had mentioned to me something about some sort of hard wood.
I'm also thinking of getting some sheets of aluminum diamond plate,but what thickness would I get?
.125?
or thicker?

Re: open trailer question

Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:44 am
by nastynova
Rich, most of the time everyone uses treated, mainly because open trailers tend to sit out in the elements alot more.
I know I've put new decks on 3 trailers for friends and they've all chosen treated boards. I know when I had my open trailer it came with just regular pine boards, as soon as I had a chance I ripped them out and put in 2" x 10"' treated lumber. As far as the aluminum the .125 or 1/8" would be fine for runners if that's what your thinking. Good luck!

Re: open trailer question

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 7:52 am
by supernova
Over time 1/8 aluminum diamond plate will sag at the point where the car sits, in other where thr tires are on the trailer. The weight of the car bouncing down the road on the trailer is why it happens.
If you do in diamond plate do it in 1/8 steel, it's stronger and cheaper. You might even want to brace under the floor where the car sits on the trailer.

Just my 2 cents

Re: open trailer question

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:04 am
by bracketracer
Do you have a lumber mill close to you??? If so you can get some rough cut lumber but get a hard wood like Maple or oak and treat it your self.
Treated lumber only keeps the bugs from eating it it does nothing from keeping it from rotting like ever body thinks :shock:

Re: open trailer question

Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:50 pm
by Trailerpro
If you get non-treated, just get some linseed oil and "mop" it on the floor - usually 2 or 3 coats. It has worked for the decks of ships for years and years, and has been great on trailers too! Cheapest treatment you can get.

Re: open trailer question

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:43 pm
by BILTIT
I just redecked my open trailer and used pressure treated 2x10's. Worked great.

I had asked around and alot of people suggested Douglas Fir with a few oil coatings.

Treated is much easier and cleaner.