Seeking Wisdom

[2lumpy]

The plywood on this 10’ ATV trailer has rotted away. I’m going to replace it with 2x6 or 2x12 Fir. I have both, so cost is not part of the decision.

Most of these I see are made with 2x6. Is one better than another, or is the 2x6 just less expensive for the original manufacturer?

Anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks.

 

[Grouse Legs]

2x6 for drainage. Ideally it’d be pressure treat.

 

[roadrunner]

Yep, go pressure treated and don't look back.

At the very least, put sealer on the fir.

 

[wetmule]

Just replaced mine not too long ago with 2x8. Between the two I'd use the 2x12 if you have it... no particular reason other than fit. Self drilling fasteners make it quick & easy

 

[Lhedrick1]

Treated 2x6 or 2x8. I've been advised not to use undercoating for this type of application due to the nature of trapping water.

 

[2lumpy]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you very much.

I don’t have any pressure treated lumber but I’m certainly not opposed to buying some, if it makes a big difference in longevity.

Regarding self tapping screws. Those are what I removed when I pulled the plywood off. I have some light weight drills and a medium weight hammer drill. Will any of that kind of drill, drive those screws in?

Also, have you found one brand of screw anymore efficient than another, when it comes to putting them through the metal cross beams?

 

[eshunt]

I would use the 2"x6". The wider boards actually are more difficult to replace down the line if you need only one board replaced. And as stated, better drainage of the decking.

Use trailer deck screws. Usually can be found at any hardware store. Something like below. Highly recommend the torx headss

https://www.amazon.com/16-18x2-Trailer-Floorboard-Screw-Plain/dp/B01G2QFTS8

 

[Grouse Legs]

Regarding self tapping screws. Those are what I removed when I pulled the plywood off. I have some light weight drills and a medium weight hammer drill. Will any of that kind of drill, drive those screws in?

Impact driver

 

[2lumpy]

Thanks again. Very helpful.

 

[roadrunner]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you very much.

I don’t have any pressure treated lumber but I’m certainly not opposed to buying some, if it makes a big difference in longevity.

Regarding self tapping screws. Those are what I removed when I pulled the plywood off. I have some light weight drills and a medium weight hammer drill. Will any of that kind of drill, drive those screws in?

Also, have you found one brand of screw anymore efficient than another, when it comes to putting them through the metal cross beams?

I'd secure the cross 2 x's to the frame and cross beams with carriage bolts and nuts if it were me.

 

[Homer]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you very much.

I don’t have any pressure treated lumber but I’m certainly not opposed to buying some, if it makes a big difference in longevity.

Regarding self tapping screws. Those are what I removed when I pulled the plywood off. I have some light weight drills and a medium weight hammer drill. Will any of that kind of drill, drive those screws in?

Also, have you found one brand of screw anymore efficient than another, when it comes to putting them through the metal cross beams?

use what you got....how old are you?

 

[elkantlers]

Use the 2x6's and spray them with linseed oil. Let it soak in and spray them again.

 

[Homer]

mix the linseed oil 50-50 with thinner....it will soak in better....in the afternoon...in the hot sun

 

[JPickett]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you very much.

I don’t have any pressure treated lumber but I’m certainly not opposed to buying some, if it makes a big difference in longevity.

Regarding self tapping screws. Those are what I removed when I pulled the plywood off. I have some light weight drills and a medium weight hammer drill. Will any of that kind of drill, drive those screws in?

Also, have you found one brand of screw anymore efficient than another, when it comes to putting them through the metal cross beams?

I’d use carriage bolts personally. You live in a pretty dry climate. Pressure treated would last longer but put some sealer on that fir and you’ll be good for quite a while

 

[Katoom]

my utility trailer uses heavy expanded metal floor. no drainage problem there. same stuff u have on your tailgate.

 

[Bluehair]

Use expanded metal and dont worry about it.

 

[Bluehair]

mix the linseed oil 50-50 with thinner....it will soak in better....in the afternoon...in the hot sun

Or hydraulic fluid, diesel, or about anything you got. Tip: don’t use waste oil on the inside of a building.

 

[feddoc]

You're looking for wisdom? On this page?

 

[2lumpy]

use what you got....how old are you?

Weeeeeeeell…… I won’t be 75 until midnight but I never “actually” said it was my trailer. LOL.

I’m just fixing it for a friend……… an he won’t be 80 until after the first of Sept. LOL.

But, as usual, there is wisdom to your point! , I’m just not yet used to buying milk based on my age………. thanks.

 

[Homer]

Or hydraulic fluid, diesel, or about anything you got. Tip: don’t use waste oil on the inside of a building.

why not??

 

[2lumpy]

You're looking for wisdom? On this page?

Come on FedDoc, it’s the Camp Fire, cut’tem some slack!!!

 

[Tackdriver]

Wider the board better the chance to warp and cup. Use bolts, don't screw them

 

[Bluehair]

why not??

I personally like the smell of burnt clutch, but it’s not for everyone (We did the inside of a log garage. I has there so I could say told you so)

 

[eelgrass]

I’m just fixing it for a friend……… an he won’t be 80 until after the first of Sept. LOL.

He's 80? He won't need treated wood at his age.

 

[2lumpy]

He's 80? He won't need treated wood at his age.

I’m sure he’s not going to out live this rebuild, regardless what of I make it out of but he’s still got some juice left. Hell, if their not careful, SS!’s GenX scientists are gonna keep us boomers going for another 40 years. Now, won’t that piss them off!!!!!

Maybe I should take Katoon’s recommendation and make it out of heavy expanded metal, just for pure orneriness. ?

 

[Shadow]

Use the 2x6 and two screws at each cross member. The 2x12 will warp, cup and split. Be sure to leave about 3/8“ space between each one for drainage. Soak it good with linseed oil every fall and it’ll last 20 plus years.

 

[2lumpy]

Thanks Shadow.

 

[2lumpy]

Belated thanks again to everyone who offered assistance. It went back together without a hitch. Went with new treated 2x6 and the self tapping metal screws, two on each cross beam, used new 10 x 30 weigh motor oil, 6 coats. Replaced the tongue jack. (Not showing in the picture.). $16.27 each, for the treated 2x6, 14 of them, and $40.00 for the 80 metal tapping screws, and $83.00 for the new jack.

The meanest piece was removing and replacing the C Clamp on the jack. That sucker made me sweat!!!

 

[eelgrass]

It went back together without a hitch.

How do you plan on towing it?

 

[2lumpy]

How do you plan on towing it?

I don’t……… belongs to the neighbor.

I borrow it……….. ?

 

[eelgrass]

Belated thanks again to everyone who offered assistance. It went back together without a hitch. Went with new treated 2x6 and the self tapping metal screws, two on each cross beam, used new 10 x 30 weigh motor oil, 6 coats. Replaced the tongue jack. (Not showing in the picture.). $16.27 each, for the treated 2x6, 14 of them, and $40.00 for the 80 metal tapping screws, and $83.00 for the new jack.

The meanest piece was removing and replacing the C Clamp on the jack. That sucker made me sweat!!!

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Looks good Lumpster! I guess everything costs more these days.

 

[2lumpy]

EVERYTHING

If you can find it……

 

[Longun]

Seeking Wisdom...you came to the wrong place...?

 

[2lumpy]

Seeking Wisdom...you came to the wrong place...?

? It’s here. It manifests itself cautiously…….. It’s kinda like a monster muley, it leaves the meadow well before dawn and only when the shadows are long at the tree line.

 

[rmanwill]

Looks good to me. Good job there Lumpy.

 

[SS!]

World Cup 2022! Go USA!

 

[2lumpy]

World Cup 2022! Go USA!

Yep, Olympic Time Trials, new world record too. Without a hitch……