Wood for trailer bunks…

**rgsauger** · 03-10-2023, 12:09 AM

Yes, I know this should be in the trailer section but nobody ever goes there. Besides, all my friends are here. Lol

So tonight when I was putting my rig back on the trailer, one of my bunk boards came loose. What do you recommend for wood? Regular two by fours or 2 x 6 and then seal it with resin or just go pressure-treated?

thanks

**LakeFever** · 03-10-2023, 04:38 AM

We had a great thread on this a few years ago. The approach that made the most sense to me was to use pressure treated lumber with no extra coating so the wood can breathe and dry. Use only stainless lags bolts never through bolt. Start with 5/16” lags and tighten once per year. When the 5/16” lags become loose replace with 3/8” lags and repeat. When the 3/8” lags become loose its time to replace the bunk. Carpet there was a lot of opinions, most said low pile home carpet was best as it sheds water the easiest. I use ce smith trailer carpet. Not sure whats best there but i had it

**4Speed** · 03-10-2023, 07:03 AM

I used CE Smith for my STV Trailer carpet. Don't forget to use Stainless Steel staples when stapling the carpet on. I purchased a $30 Arrow pneumatic stapler from Home Depot and it was money well spent as you will be using a lot of staples to get/ keep the carpet tight. Home Depot also sells the stainless staples. There are some good videos on you tube for doing the corners correctly.

**largecar91** · 03-10-2023, 07:54 AM

Years ago I re did one of my trailer bunks. I used non pressure treated lumber and I had extra West systems. I coated them before I carpeted them. Those bunks lasted 20 + years and still looked great.

**XstreamVking** · 03-10-2023, 08:24 AM

Cypress or cedar. The PT will bleed and destroy the steel galvanizing or aluminum frame over time.

**VkingMike** · 03-10-2023, 09:30 AM

My trailers have cedar.

**Dave Strong** · 03-10-2023, 12:17 PM

Douglas fir.

Dave

**LakeFever** · 03-10-2023, 03:18 PM

My trailers painted steel good tip re the pressure treat eating stuff though. Forgot to mention as 4spd said I routered the leading edges of all my boards with a 1/2" bit to keep the carpet from tearing.

**David - WI** · 03-10-2023, 07:55 PM

I think I'm going to try composite plastic lumber next time, with countersunk stainless carriage bolts.

**rgsauger** · 03-10-2023, 10:32 PM

These are all great suggestions and I appreciate your feedback. About to see what my local Lowe’s or Home Depot has for material. Thank you so much. Gotta do something before I put it in the water again. Or at least have them ready for when I do. Definitely cannot put it back on the trailer again until it’s fixed

**rgsauger** · 03-10-2023, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by Dave Strong

Douglas fir.

Dave

did you coat your lumber in resin or just wrap it with carpet and let it go?

**Dave Strong** · 03-10-2023, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by rgsauger

did you coat your lumber in resin or just wrap it with carpet and let it go?

Not sure what Cougar did back in the day, looked like marine paint.

Dave

**rgsauger** · 03-10-2023, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

Start with 5/16” lags and tighten once per year. When the 5/16” lags become loose replace with 3/8” lags and repeat. When the 3/8” lags become loose its time to replace the bunk.

it

damn good idea on the 5/16” and then 3/8 later.

**LakeFever** · 03-10-2023, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by rgsauger

damn good idea on the 5/16” and then 3/8 later.

yep thats what I thought when a member suggested it in the very informative thread that i cannot seem to find right now

**sonicss33** · 03-11-2023, 07:35 AM

https://www.amazon.com/Tie-Down-Engi...8537954&sr=8-6

Look into to using these. I used them instead of carpet on my boat lift and really like it. There are several different types. You no longer have to worry about carpet holding water and rotting out the wood. Be careful with loading because these are kinda slick.