Trailer Mods (Not directly Valkyrie Related)

[carolinarider09]

I purchased a trailer when we were building the house to haul stuff from the local hardware store and Lowes and other stuff to our building site.

It was also used for other stuff.  I replaced the floor boards last year or the year before (I forget) since they were beginning to rot.  I used standard "treated" lumber. 



But, after I first got the trailer I notice that it would not allow me to transport gravel or sand or other "granular" materials.  So, I figured out a way.

I cut and spliced 1/4" treated plywood strips to fit around the outer parts of the trailer (see images below).

The cool thing is holding the strips to the trailer.  I use "TieWraps".  The newer versions have metal "things" that lock the wraps in place.  And the other cool thing is they can be re-used.

Just a cool thing I thought.  And yes, at one time I did have a Motorcycle Front Tire holder mounted so I could transport my motorcycles if needed.  When I replaced the trailer floorboards I took it out and have not re-installed it yet. 

[Jess from VA]

Bill, pressure treated lumber is not what it used to be, and does not stand up like it used to do.

Today's pressure treat ought to be sealed with good sealer stain if it's going to be out in the weather.  And the most important part of lumber to seal are all the end cuts because that's where the water gets sucked in and the rot starts.  Of course getting to end cuts on installed trailer flooring is probably impossible without disassembly.

[carolinarider09]

Bill, pressure treated lumber is not what it used to be, and does not stand up like it used to do.

Today's pressure treat ought to be sealed with good sealer stain if it's going to be out in the weather.  And the most important part of lumber to seal are all the end cuts because that's where the water gets sucked in and the rot starts.  Of course getting to end cuts on installed trailer flooring is probably impossible without disassembly.

I agree and I sort of figured the wood would out last my ability to use the trailer, but....

I have begin the process of sealing wood that will be outside before installing and I did forget about the cut ends being sort of "untreated".   

My deck is one example.   Also, I think the treatment process and chemicals have sort of changed over the last years.  But, have not really researched it.

[Jess from VA]

Bill, pressure treated lumber is not what it used to be, and does not stand up like it used to do.

Today's pressure treat ought to be sealed with good sealer stain if it's going to be out in the weather.  And the most important part of lumber to seal are all the end cuts because that's where the water gets sucked in and the rot starts.  Of course getting to end cuts on installed trailer flooring is probably impossible without disassembly.

I agree and I sort of figured the wood would out last my ability to use the trailer, but....

I have begin the process of sealing wood that will be outside before installing and I did forget about the cut ends being sort of "untreated".  

My deck is one example.   Also, I think the treatment process and chemicals have sort of changed over the last years.  But, have not really researched it.

For the last few years, all my small carpentry projects begin with cutting the lumber, then laying it out and stain sealing everything (esp end cuts), and only then then assembling it.  

They took the stuff out of pressure treat that made it last (like arsenic) because it was causing cancer; esp in people who built decks for a living.  That was some years ago.  I always assume it's environmental nuts doing this, but this time it may actually be true.  Anyway the good pressure treat is gone forever.

My deck is large (8" off the ground, not elevated) and 30 years old with the good pressure treat, and even though I've stain sealed it a number of times, it's rotting in places (end cuts first beause they were never sealed).  I don't care about it, and have slapped scrap plywood over the bad spots (and sealed it).  I only use it for a work station anymore, and I'm never going to do the work (or expense) it would require to properly fix it.  

End cuts on lumber (pressure treat or not) exposes the fiber ends of the wood, and they act just like a straw in a milkshake with rain water.    

[old2soon]

    Plastic look alike lumber. One and DONE!  RIDE SAFE.

[h13man]

Having a deck that's 30 yr. old Lowe's 5/4 board, I went to search "YellaWood" and I have to drive 86 mi. to get it. Cost wise is still a phone call away when the time comes.

[Rams]

My son has a tandem axle trailer similar to yours.   When faced with similar issues of transporting gravel and dirt, he was going to go the same route and use plywood.  I asked him how much/many times he was going to use the trailer for that purpose.   He stated once in a while or as needed, the truth is, he needed to get a couple loads of gravel.

So, I suggested he use a tarp to do the same thing similar to how you did yours.   Covers the floor and the side (if using a large tarp, it may also wrap over the top.   I actually gave him one I've used when I needed to do such things.   Works like a charm and much cheaper than the plywood.  I did the same thing when I was offered all the horse manure I wanted for the wife's garden.   In that case, I used my 30 ft gooseneck flatbed car hauler and loaded the manure onto the trailer and then wrapped the entire load and strapped it down over the top and both ends.  

Rams

[cookiedough]

last year just bought a brand new 7x14 open aluminum trailer tad over 4K, NOT cheap.  I wanted though wood flooring since not as slippery as all aluminum floor.  Dealer who sells a TON of trailers told me to wait 1 year to seal the wood but not really needed since the decking has a lifetime warranty.  ONLY issue on that will the dealer be in business 20 years from now when the wood rots or even the mfg. be in business?   They suggested using OLD (or new) transmission fluid to coat the wood it seals well but darkens the wood a lot.

Anyone use transmission fluid to sealcoat the deck of a wood floor open trailer?

I have used in the past Cabott's DECK CORRECT 2-3 coats and it also SEALS the wood 100% very well but is NOT cheap but is a once and done deal vs. other sealants on wood having to reapply every few years. 

[Rams]

I grew up on a small ranch/farm in KS.   We had a few trailers with wood flooring.   Every time a vehicle got an oil change, that used oil got brushed on those wooden floored trailers.

When Dad sold the ranch/farm and moved to town for health reasons, he auctioned off all those trailers (along with a whole lot of other ranch/farm stuff).   I know where those trailers went and have seen two of them in the last five years.   The current owner are still using used oil on them and they still have most of the original boards in those floors.   I know this because as a teenager, I carved my initials into some of those boards out of boredom.   Always brush that oil on during the heat of the summer and most will seep into the boards.   I doubt the EPA would approve but, it is, what it is.  

BTW, those boards are pretty slick for a while after coating so, becareful loading that tractor.  

Rams

[carolinarider09]

I grew up on a small ranch/farm in KS.   We had a few trailers with wood flooring.   Every time a vehicle got an oil change, that used oil got brushed on those wooden floored trailers.

BTW, those boards are pretty slick for a while after coating so, becareful loading that tractor.  

Rams

I have plenty of used oil available.  Mostly synthetic but.....   Never considered using it for the purpose stated above.  But seems like a validated solution.

[Rams]

I grew up on a small ranch/farm in KS.   We had a few trailers with wood flooring.   Every time a vehicle got an oil change, that used oil got brushed on those wooden floored trailers.

BTW, those boards are pretty slick for a while after coating so, becareful loading that tractor.  

Rams

I have plenty of used oil available.  Mostly synthetic but.....   Never considered using it for the purpose stated above.  But seems like a validated solution.

Once soaked into the wood, it will help preserve the wood by rejecting moisture but, as I previously stated, it will be slick for a while.   Recommend doing this in the warmer summer months and some oil will drip onto what ever is beneath the trailer (driveway or dirt).  Just remember that any oil that lands on concrete will permanently stain that concrete.

Rams

[cookiedough]

trailer place bought trailer from said to use transmission fluid oil not car engine oil fluid.  did not ask why not car engine oil though, both used?   Am guessing tranny fluid soaks in better? Longtime owner of trailer place did say will darken the wood greatly if very dark finish is ok with most???

[henry 008]

I once had a ski boat with a swim platform on the back. I talked with an old mechanic working on boats and asked him what kind of teak oil works best with a wood platform, he said transmission fluid. 

[Rams]

trailer place bought trailer from said to use transmission fluid oil not car engine oil fluid.  did not ask why not car engine oil though, both used?   Am guessing tranny fluid soaks in better? Longtime owner of trailer place did say will darken the wood greatly if very dark finish is ok with most???

I once had a ski boat with a swim platform on the back. I talked with an old mechanic working on boats and asked him what kind of teak oil works best with a wood platform, he said transmission fluid.  

Won't suggest that Trans Fluid isn't a better choice, the fact is, we always took advantage of the used motor oil because, that was much more frequently changed out.   I'm not about to go buy new transmission to pour it on my trailer floors.  All I'm saying is that the used oil did work.   Tranny fluid may soak in better.   I've known folks who did use tranny fluid when used was available.   Might have to ask a Chemical Engineer which is better for soaking into wood.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

A can of sealer stain isn't that expensive.  And in an hour or two, it's not still slippery. 

I do have 4 qts of just changed Valk synthetic that I suppose I'm not supposed to throw in my trash (landfill).

Maybe I'll hang on to it to see if a use pops up (my deck and fence is recently stained with cedar and looks pretty good).

[Rams]

A can of sealer stain isn't that expensive.  And in an hour or two, it's not still slippery.  

I do have 4 qts of just changed Valk synthetic that I suppose I'm not supposed to throw in my trash (landfill).

Maybe I'll hang on to it to see if a use pops up (my deck and fence is recently stained with cedar and looks pretty good).

I'm not sure I would want to paint used oil on a deck just because of the potential of tracking what hasn't soaked in that adheres to the soles of shoes, it doesn't look very attractive on carpets and rugs but, once it's soaked in and dry to the touch, well you decide.  

Reference your used motorcycle oil, most auto parts stores, oil change shops and Walmart will take it, they normally sell it back to recyclers.   I generally keep a few gallons on hand so I can burn out old tree stumps.   I also soak blocks of wood in it so they last longer when left outside for numerous reasons (jack stands, wheel chocks, trailer tongue jacks, all kinds of uses).

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Excellent points.

No shoes in my house (past the door).

I didn't know places took it.

I get ants outside that I may give it to. 

[h13man]

One thing for sure Linseed oil works but is a dirt collector probably more so than motor oil. I like the tranny fluid idea best.