Decking my car trailer- Best wood?

[Wayne M.]

Hey all, my needs are changing and I've decided to deck my car trailer. Here's a link to see it.
http://deandetrailers.com/trailerdetails.asp?ecategory=auto&ID=6

The idea is not to put major weight there, but to haul smaller things like a garden tractor and smaller items. I've figured on using 2X6, and I did math on spacing etc, but aside from basic pressure treated pine, what else can I use that's stout, resist weather, and be not too out of hand in price. I also have the optional stake pockets around the perimeter and plan to build sides. I plan to use it to help with the NYC exodus with a tarp etc.
I'm open to alternative design and ideas.

Thanks as always!

 

[mfurrh55]

What's on it now?, if it's just the center part your gonna deck, i'd go with diamond plate, or if you can afford it, aluminum diamond plate

 

[Wayne M.]

If you follow the link, the top picture is the exact model color and all except I have stake pockets on the outside perimeter. There are 1" angle iron stringers going across. They're placed just right to lay 2X4 or 6 In there. So I was looking to shy away from plate due to weight and $$. I'd think wood is lighter.

 

[mfurrh55]

Then the best thing to use would be 2X6 s treated lumber,Good looking trailer, I built me a 23 ft. low boy with 7 1/2 ft. gooseneck, 2 9,000lb. torsion axles, i floored it with treated 2X6 s, Monte

 

[Wayne M.]

Thanks Monte. I've had this one since '03. I had one before it that I got in '91. Older version of the same model. Good company, uses premium stuff, dexter etc. not as expensive as they are now though! In between I had a 24' wells cargo enclosed. That was nice but it wouldn't fit where I am now.

 

[frank1]

Wayne, did you buy the trailer from D & D in Trenton, NJ? There about 15 minutes south of me.Good company to deal with.Just curious. I did one of my open landscape trailers with treated 2x6 and treated it with a deck sealer about two yeas ago, still looks pretty good after two years.Good luck.
Frank

 

[BigPapa]

I've seen a few that used the synthetic deck boards. Strong, durable, and not as heavy as real wood. May be a bit pricier than real wood but you wouldn't ever have to replace it unless you bust one.

 

[Wayne M.]

Frank- yes D&D. Good outfit. Do you goto the September machine show at Washington crossing SP?

Big Papa- I'll check that. I've only seen synthetic for decking- 5/4. Thanks.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Apitong Trailer Decking, is what's on most flatbed Simi truck trailers lasted a long time for me without any problems. I hauled anything that could be strapped, chained, nailed or any other way of securing it to the deck of the trailer.

BIG

 

[mwilson]

I almost suggested the Apitong flooring last night......

 

[p-Bar]

Ditto Apitong for wood pretty bulletproof. I used 1/8" galvy didn't want to maintain it . Self healing if you scratch it

 

[Wayne M.]

A-HA! Could this be the stuff I've not been able to identify, and thought it was some kind of oak?! OK. I was in lowes yesterday getting honey-do list stuff, and #2 16' was $12. If this stuff isn't too out of hand, I will try to source it. Thanks!

 

[mwilson]

A little pricey maybe......

Just checked pricing on Apitong 1 3/8" X 7" wide. Looks like 5.68 per foot in a 16" length.

You may be able to find it cheaper, try Hale Trailer and similar outfits.

View attachment nl_section_12.pdf

See Page 273....

 

[Wayne M.]

Mike, thanks for looking and the catalog link. Something I'll be giving thought to in the next week or 3.

 

[DClark]

Try 2X6 tongue and grove. No warpage and stays tight.

 

[Bob4x4]

About 15 years ago I was buying used apetong from salvaged trailers.Some of it had gouges etc but was much better than what it was replacing.