Wood trailer sides

[TheRic]

My family has a trailer that gets used and abused (by my brothers not me ). I’m going to redo some of it. The trailer is used to haul anything from mulch, to trash, to furniture, to drywall, to appliances, etc.

The trailer is about 6’ X 8’ not counting the tongue. The fenders sit up above the bed by about 1 foot. The wood sides are flush across the top of the fender. The side rails are attached to the fender and the wood bed by angle iron. There is also angle iron on the front corners to hold the side with the front.

In the past we have put cheap pine board (think #2 shelving) on the sides and front. Even through everything is painted it does not last long (about 5 years). Was thinking about building something that will last longer without adding a lot more $$$$$. I have thought about pre-treated wood, plywood, pre-treated plywood, etc.

I guess my questions are what type of wood would you suggest?
How thick would you make the wood?
Any other suggestions?

[just4funsies]

When you say "it only lasts 5 years" I assume the problem is rot. You could use pressure-treated dimensional lumber, or you can also get pressure-treated plywood in various thicknesses. If you're going to paint treated wood, use a good sealer first.

[cabinetman]

One suggestion you might consider is 5/4 PT decking. It's not that expensive for the little that you need and it would add to the structural integrity of the sides.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Hellrazor]

Go to the local sawmill and price locust planks. They are heavy, hard as a rock and it takes forever to rot.

[WayneJ]

You might try the " Trex " type decking, that stuff should last forever. The man made plastic composition, its a little more money but you won't have to change it again.
Wayne

[Tamarack]

I second the vote for Black Locust. Strong, hard, and lasts 20 years+ in the ground as fenceposts.

Paul

[DUD]

I used 3/4" treated plywood on on 4'X8' trailer, it works fine. Bill

[Ken Massingale]

Around these parts, White Oak is the standard for pickup and trailer beds. Beds in livestock trailers are durable, and they get pee'd and pooped on regularly, even the cows and horses do it!. Oops, sorry, too much information.
ken

[just4funsies]

What do you expect from the livestock, Ken, after you've spent so much time showing them how to do it?

[jl]

I built my utility trailer over ten years ago. I used 5/4 pressure treated planking 6" wide. It is holding very well.

[vanguard]

I'd use 3/4" MDO Plywood. It lasts years in use for highway signs, should do fine for your trailer.

[mater]

I built my utility trailer over ten years ago. I used 5/4 pressure treated planking 6" wide. It is holding very well.

I would use the pressure treated lumber also. It will probably last about as long as anything else.

[TheRic]

Thanks everyone for your help!!

It looks like we are going to take the pretreated lumber path. Checked on Black Locust wood, do dice.

Have heard that I have to use stainless steel or dipped zinc, anything else will eat away at the bolts. Was going to use t-nuts that are zinc plated, will this hold up? How long will it take to eat away stuff? 1 year, 5 years, 25 years? Or is the whole thing a myth?

Will the lumber eat away at the angle iron? What if it has a thick coat of paint? Maybe a plastic linner between the lumber and iron? Will the holes I dill in the angle iron need to be protected?