Going to replace trailer pads on my small trailer. I don't really see a need for treated lumber. Should I use treated or not?
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Going to replace trailer pads on my small trailer. I don't really see a need for treated lumber. Should I use treated or not?
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Treated lumber will react with aluminium so I'm told. I've always used treated lumber covered with carpet and the trailer slick pads so I've never had a problem with my aluminum boats. Don't think it's an issue with glass boats. Just seems to me it last a lot longer before rotting.
I've wondered if the artificial lumber they make for decking would work, but never pursued it.
"I've wondered if the artificial lumber they make for decking would work, but never pursued it."
Don't know for sure, but I've heard it's slicker than snot on a door knob, don't take bow winch off till you get in the water.
Definitely use treated lumber and the new treatment does not affect aluminum like the old treatment did. The boat will be isolated by the carpet. Where there was a problem was people using treated plywood to replace transoms.
I have used pressure treated on every boat trailer I have owned and never had a problem. Just cover with carpet and go on. Did have a bit of oxidation on some aluminum rails inside the boat where deck was in direct contact. But after 10 years it wasn't anything to be concerned about.
I replaced the trailer pads on my 2013 tracker, after one year the original pads rotted and fell off. With the "artificial lumber",
I used the heavy decking material https://www.lowes.com/pd/AZEK-Harves...ard/1000148915.
Not recommending this product, but this is the type of material I used. Use stove bolts to attach boards to trailer frame and Counter sink the bolt holes so the top of the bolt is below the top of board.
If your concern is "heard it's slicker than snot on a door knob" you can put the carpet over the boards.
It is always a good idea to NOT undo the trailer wench strap until the transom is over, in the water.
Wow That stuff is pricey. Hate to have to do a whole deck with it.
These are pretty expensive but I should never have to worry about replacing them again. I only needed 2 8' bunks for my Tracker 175 so if you deduct the cost of 2x4's, carpet and my time I felt I could justify it. Sure makes loading and unloading easier; just make sure you don't unhook the strap until you get the boat in the water!
https://www.ultimatebunkboards.com
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Regular 2x4 or 2x6 and treat with Thompson's Water Seal. The Copper tox I believe it is that the newer treated wood is made with will react with the aluminum and water causing galvanic corrosion. Do a internet search, I have seen boats with corrosion where they sit on the newer treated lumber.
I stole an idea from the internet. Get a 4*4 plastic post sleeve, rip it in half. You now have two pieces too cover 2 2*4 bunks, with 100% separation of boat and treated wood. This will leave the ends and bottom s of the boards exposed, greatly reducing drying time. The boards will last alot longer.
I did this 4-5 years ago. I have noticed some scratches on bottom of boat, nothing serious. If that bothers you, go ahead and put some carpet on the top of the bunks.
I do not recommend using the composite boards. They have very little strength, and are quite heavy. I redid our deck with some from Menards. This particular brand requires a max of 16" OC spacing, with 12" recommended, and if I remember correctly, 8-10" OC for stairs treads.
I did the same thing with the fence post 2yr ago. Best thing Ive done.
How did u fasten to wood.? Glue, screws?
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Used screws, in the sides, that way the top stayed smooth.
Screws rated for treated wood.
Every trailer I've owned ( bout 7) the narrow side of the 2X4 sat against the boat hull so the 4X4 fence wouldn't work. I have used trailer pads before and they work great, but the boat will slide off if you disconnect the strap and stop suddenly. Ask me how I know! [emoji35]
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Ok I have made the repair. This is a 6 canoe trailer that I converted to a jon boat trailer. The boat sits on 2 treated 4x4s. I ended up topping the wood with a pvc moulding called Azek. It is 3/4x3 1/2 x 8. Fits over the wood perfectly. Holy cow guys... sure glad for the pvc recommendations. That boat slides on and off with little effort.
SeaRay, I see why the bow strap is a critical factor :highfive
Go into Lowes and walk over to the Pro desk and order Cypress boards the size you need. Will take about a week to get em, but they are cost friendly and will never rot.
My family has always replaced bad boards with treated lumber, carpet leaving a little open seam along the bottom to help with drying, never had to replace them again. Examine the board ends and make sure you have the grain arced up in the middle and light taper the rear ends. Extra treat anywhere you cut them and your'e good to go.