Redecking a Trailer

[Greatscott]

My ATV trailer has an expanded metal deck that I am not thrilled with and would like to replace with 2x6 wood (5'x10' deck). What would be the proper lumber to put down? I have ruled out Trex (or Trex-like material), from what I have been able to research, Trex-style products tend to degrade quickly when motor oil and such get on them. So, that leaves regular wood, but what kind, pressure treated, cheaper the better, expensive stuff?





Why I don't like the expanded metal:

Its flimsy and flexes a lot when my ATVs are on it. The trailer is REALLY light and bounces really bad.





Thanks!

[allanon1965]

I just redecked and rebuilt my 6x10 flatbed trailer. Made out of a large pop up camper frame.. I went with the same 2x8 pressure treated lumber I used the first time. I have about 200 in the lumber and angle iron used to hold it in place...

The first 2x8 deck with pressure treated lumber lasted over 12 years and would have been longer but my first attachment method was less than optimal..bolts thru to the frame allowed the wood to rot out around the bolts. This time it looks and functions much better with nothing to grab the shovel as I scoop out mulch, stone, etc...

[indybama]

Ive got an old pop up camper trailer as well. Downfall is my tires come up thru the floor, but for $100 i couldnt beat it. It had a plywood floor wen i got it. I happened to end up with some free good used deck boards. I just predrilled the holes n screwed if to the frame. I havent had any issues haulin my 4wheelers or zero turn. Ill have to get pics later today

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[allanon1965]

Originally Posted by indybama

Ive got an old pop up camper trailer as well. Downfall is my tires come up thru the floor, but for $100 i couldnt beat it. It had a plywood floor wen i got it. I happened to end up with some free good used deck boards. I just predrilled the holes n screwed if to the frame. I havent had any issues haulin my 4wheelers or zero turn. Ill have to get pics later today

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Mine also had the wheels coming thru the deck, i bought a couple c channels from a local steel supply and raised the deck off of the k frame axle assembly and welded it all back together so it was all flat and easier to empty

[OSRC]

I have a 5x8 landscape trailer with the same crap metal mesh on the floor. I didn't like how it flexed when hauling around my quad, so I picked up a 4x8 sheet of PT wood, stained it with desk stain, and mounted it with 8 stainless bolts. Much more solid base for the quad to sit on, and far less weight than using regular deck lumber. Important when your Xterra has crap brakes to begin with! Has held up great for the last 5 years.

[Greatscott]

Great input guys, many thanks!!!

[MAC FAB]

There is more than adequate sub structure to run standard lumber 2X4,6,8,10,12... on top of the expanded metal deck you now have. 3/4" marine plywood would be lighter and weather resistant. Put the seams on top of the frame tubes. Or go bling and get some 1/8" aluminum tread bright (diamond plate), that will be more expensive but can be found in 5x10 sheets.

[Greatscott]

Originally Posted by MAC FAB

There is more than adequate sub structure to run standard lumber 2X4,6,8,10,12... on top of the expanded metal deck you now have. 3/4" marine plywood would be lighter and weather resistant. Put the seams on top of the frame tubes. Or go bling and get some 1/8" aluminum tread bright (diamond plate), that will be more expensive but can be found in 5x10 sheets.

Great suggestions, the more the better!!!!

Oddly enough, one of the things I am looking for is more weight. The trailer is awesome when I have something heavy-ish, but when it is empty, it is all kinds of bouncy. The trailer's max capacity is 2300lbs, my two ATVs are right around 650lbs each, so that gives me right around 1000lbs to play with. Throwing 200lbs of wood on there shouldn't do much more than cost me a little more gas with both ATVs loaded, and should make towing the thing 100% better when empty.

[MAC FAB]

More weight? Put a piece of 10 ga steel on there, adds 275 lbs to the mix.