Replacement boards for my trailer.....

[BigKahuna]

Summer project.......going to start replacing the boards on my 11 yr. old trailer. Found that a couple of them were rotting and soft. I replaced the bunks on our double jet ski trailer years ago but can't remember what I used.

Here's the question..........what kind of lumber should be used?!? I've read several articles on the pros and cons of using pressure treated wood in a marine application. I've read that regular lumber Is adequate. Of course I value your experience and opinions....

 

[Wild and Free]

I ditched the wood all together, couldn't get it to last more than 3-4 years and then pull lag bolt out.

Went with the spendy 1 time product last will last a lifetime, got boards from this company. Awesome product to say the least and the toon loads and unloads 10X easier than with carpeted bunks.

http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/index.html

 

[BigKahuna]

Looks like a great product but pretty pricey eh?!? It would be around $900+ to do my trailer. Wow!

Happy Birthday Wild and Free!

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

What size are they? Depending on the size you may look into composites/pvc's made by Trex, Azek/Timbertech,etc....

If treated, verify the chemicals. Some types of treated can come in contact with aluminum, some can't. Also, if going treated, look for "submersion" treated. There's different levels of treatment, and that denotes: above, in ground, and water submersion (like pier posts).

 

[Crowbar]

There is a product called poly bunks, that go over regular 2x4's. Venture trailers has them on their trailers. I just got my trailer & they work real nice! They are open on the bottom so no rot because the lumber can dry! Not sure where you can buy them but I bet you can find them on the net, or call Venture trailers.

 

[kaydano]

I've been wondering about using PVC boards you get at the box stores... Around $1.50 per foot.

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/siding/trim-boards/jain-americas-4-4-x-4-x-16-white-pvc-trim-boards/p-1730098-c-13411.htm

 

[BulldogsCadillac]

I've been wondering about using PVC boards you get at the box stores... Around $1.50 per foot.

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/siding/trim-boards/jain-americas-4-4-x-4-x-16-white-pvc-trim-boards/p-1730098-c-13411.htm

I'm assuming you mean to attach on top of your regular wood? I say that because these types of boards have zero structural rigidity, so they need the support of something underneath. Support spots on trailers I don't believe would be adequate. That being said, what do I know!! Haha

As for pressure treated, I remember a topic on here a long time ago and as Dave said, some treatments can ruin the aluminum. Personally, I wouldn't want to chance it, just use plain old lumber, it's cheaper to replace than toons if your research says it's a compatible chemical, only to find out it 3 years time that they weren't. Just my opinion. 

 

[TomS]

I agree, standard SYP is what my trailer manufacturer uses. Mine have this plastic wrap on them that has channels in it so rocks, sand, and such drain out. I don't trailer but for the little use I've had they seem to work just fine.

 

[Wild and Free]

Looks like a great product but pretty pricey eh?!? It would be around $900+ to do my trailer. Wow!

Happy Birthday Wild and Free!

Thanks BK 44 today.

I think for my trailer which is actually a longer one than I need 24-28' boat trailer I just did the outer 2x4 bunks and not the center 2x6 bunks which I have ez slides on which have a different mount system and don't tear off like the outer ones did bunks and it was around 500 bucks IIRC, but knowing I will never ever have to worry about it again.........priceless.

Issue I have with the bunk wraps it that they still do not let the wood breathe any better than the carpet probably even worse. If one has the bunks boards that sit in a U shaped saddle would be better than the bunk boards that have one screw or small algbolt holding it from the bottom which is what mine has, the wood stays moist and softens and the boards easily pull the screws or lag bols out of the wood. Had this happen a few times and was left sitting unable to load my boat one time. When I mounted the new bunk boards I counter sunk the holes and used stainless bolts instead of screws and lag bolts, never have to worry about getting torn off again.

 

[kaydano]

Thanks BK 44 today.

I think for my trailer which is actually a longer one than I need 24-28' boat trailer I just did the outer 2x4 bunks and not the center 2x6 bunks which I have ez slides on which have a different mount system and don't tear off like the outer ones did bunks and it was around 500 bucks IIRC, but knowing I will never ever have to worry about it again.........priceless.

Issue I have with the bunk wraps it that they still do not let the wood breathe any better than the carpet probably even worse. If one has the bunks boards that sit in a U shaped saddle would be better than the bunk boards that have one screw or small algbolt holding it from the bottom which is what mine has, the wood stays moist and softens and the boards easily pull the screws or lag bols out of the wood. Had this happen a few times and was left sitting unable to load my boat one time. When I mounted the new bunk boards I counter sunk the holes and used stainless bolts instead of screws and lag bolts, never have to worry about getting torn off again.

How far are the bolts from each other? I'm thinking about ripping all th carpet off, then bolt the PVC to the boards.

 

[BigKahuna]

Thank you gentlemen.......going to go w/the regular SYP, re wrap them w/ carpet and reattach them with 3/8 galvanized 1 1/2 inch lag screws........