How to take care of wood trailer decks??

[BWagnaar]

I just got a hell of a deal on a 16' dove tail car trailer. The wood decking was replaced not too long ago but already show a little fadding from the sun, the underside looks new. I've heard of people mixing transmission fluid and diesel and coating it, but is there a tuff durable stain/protectant/sealer or somthing that works good?



Thanks

 

[Grizzly]

I use Pen-O-Fin or Man of War. They are good outdoor sealer/finishers.

 

[jelag]

Since I was on the farm 40 years ago we've always used boiled linseed oil... . We buy it at Lowe's or Home Depot in 5 gal pails... we pour it on the wood deck and roll it on with an asphalt roller (3ft wide) so it's about 1/16" thick and let it sit in the sun for 2 or 3 days.....

It soaks in well and protects the deck for 2 - 4 years depending on the use...

 

[MChildress]

In the old days we would mop them down with used motor oil. I have three trailers now that I spray oil stain on the boards every few years,makes my pine boards look like redwood.

 

[CDonaldson]

I use the stain/water repellant made for decks, does a great job. My top is treated lumber, so some advantage right off the bat. The sun here in the desert SW wreaks havoc on wood, I do mine once a year, two coats. Trailer boards look like new. Years ago, I used creosote mixed 50/50 with linseed oil on my flatbed farm trailers, did a great job, but you cannot get creosote these days.



CD

 

[TFucili]

Since I was on the farm 40 years ago we've always used boiled linseed oil... . We buy it at Lowe's or Home Depot in 5 gal pails... we pour it on the wood deck and roll it on with an asphalt roller (3ft wide) so it's about 1/16" thick and let it sit in the sun for 2 or 3 days.....

It soaks in well and protects the deck for 2 - 4 years depending on the use...

Linseed oil will penetrate much better and be less likely to stay tacky if you thin it one to two quarts per gallon with mineral spirits. The drawback to straight linseed versus a quality deck product(like Superdeck)that has linseed and/or a blend of oils, is the lack of an effective mildewcide. Linseed is still a tried and true product, though.

 

[Grizzly]

I've used a mixture of 1/3 boiled linseed oil, 1/3 Man of War and 1/3 mineral spirits on many wood decks, fences, siding and trailer decks very effectively for many years. In the last 4 years I have been using Pen-O-Fin (sp?).

 

[Nate]

I used Deck stain/waterproofing on my flat bed. It was $16 for a gallon and I put down 4 coats on my 18' trailer, still have about a quart left in the can.

 

[JFaulkner]

Linseed oil works great. I don't recommend motor oil or trans fluid because with the smooth finish on most floors it won't soak in very well. You'll find yourself tracking it everywhere you walk. If the floor is rough cut or maybe Apitong (used on semi trailers) it may work but Linseed works the best.

 

[BWagnaar]

thanks guys, it looks like there are a few ways of taking care of this trailer. I'll have to see whats available in my area. Thanks for the info!!

 

[TX Gooseneck]

We recommend and use Behr from Home Depot. Avoid thompson's.



You also have your choice of color with Behr.

 

[Highfinance97]

Is there any kind of prepping for the linseed oil??



I have had my trailer for about 3 years now and it has a few spots of my trucks sweat(AKA Oil:-laf)



And will it leave the deck slippery???





Michael

 

[Grizzly]

Is there any kind of prepping for the linseed oil??

I have had my trailer for about 3 years now and it has a few spots of my trucks sweat(AKA Oil:-laf)

And will it leave the deck slippery???

Michael

No prepping needed for linseed oil, but as someone mentioned, you must cut it with about 25% mineral spirits so that it can penetrate and also dry. You can also use a little Japanese dryer to make it dry. Oil stains should not be a problem. Be aware that linseed oil has no UV and Mildew protection qualities. There are much better products on the market now, which Thompson's Water Seal is NOT one of them. I'm having more respect for the Behr products from HomeDepot.

 

[JBrookshire]

I use

I use sherwin williams deck scaps it works real good and u can get in all different colors. I have a 25 ft gn i just re do it every spring to keep it looking good.