trailer decking

[jiggersplat]

i just picked up one of those cheap-o folding 4x8 trailers.  i need to put some decking on it, but don't want to use plywood and the aluminum diamond plate costs way too much.  anyone have any suggestions on materials and where to get them?

[JamesG]

Whats wrong with plywood?

[jiggersplat]

it rots and it's unnattractive.

[JamesG]

Stain it and put Thompsons on it.

You have an ugly, cheap-ass, welded folding trailer. A little plywood isn't going to hurt any.


You don't really want to use metal plate anyway, even the rough dimond plate type can be slick and/or distort when loaded with bikes.  Plywood really is your only option unless you can find some kind of thick plastic material.

[D-Day]

it rots and it's unnattractive.

Use pressure treated plywood like I did.  

Problem solved.

[pantablo]

try planks instead of plywood....but plywood is the best, cheapest alternative...hell, whats a board cost these days, like $20? so what if it rots, replace it once every two years...

[davipu]

get a 6 inch steel channel for each bike. and bolt it down

[pandy]

I wonder if a tri-fold ramp would work for the decking? I have one, and it's quite strong (and attractive! )!  It was about $99.00 at Pepboys, which is what a few years worth of good wood would run ya'.  

[Roadstergal]

which is what a few years worth of good wood would run ya'.  

*mmmphle*

Er, nothing.

[pandy]

which is what a few years worth of good wood would run ya'.  

*mmmphle*Er, nothing.

Dayim...and I'm usually good about catching stuff like this!    :lol:

[pantablo]

ja, tha twas a good one.

[dgyver]

How about using 5/4 deck boards? It will hold up longer than the plywood, especially 1/2" which never stays flat. If you do use ply, use 3/4". You could even use the composite decking like Veranda or Trex, but it is a little heavier than real wood and more expensive.

[FearedGS500]

go to lowe's .. get you some prsessure treated 2x6's thats what most these trailers are lined with now and days . like my grandfathers .. his has had the same 2x6's on it for ever . i'm not sure how dead your little trailer is .. but .. a 2x would probly be good

[RedShift]

it rots and it's unnattractive.

Use pressure treated plywood like I did.  

Problem solved.

+1.  I put 3/4" pressure treated plywood for the deck of my old tent-trailer frame.  Finished it off with a liberal soaking of Thompson's Weather Seal.


It's been three years and no trace of rot.  Cost me all of $32 for a 4'x8' sheet.  Can't beat it for ease of adaptation but a plunge cut is still exciting.  

[D-Day]

go to lowe's .. get you some prsessure treated 2x6's thats what most these trailers are lined with now and days . like my grandfathers .. his has had the same 2x6's on it for ever . i'm not sure how dead your little trailer is .. but .. a 2x would probly be good

One advantage of plywood decking over 2x6 is that water will not come up from the road if you drive in the rain.  My trailer has decking and a deflector on the front, and even in the rain, the bike(s) don't get filthy from road spray.