boat trailer bunk/guide boards

rfuerst911sc · 07-12-2014, 03:18 AM

So my new to me used EZ Loader boat trailer needs new side guide boards they are the typical wood 2 x 4 with cheap carpet stapled to them. Has worked for a 100 years and is easy to duplicate. On my last trailer I went to the effort of applying several coats of marine varnish to the wood before stapling on new outdoor carpet. Is there any advantage to using pressure treated wood ? Or what about using composite decking ? Or PVC trim boards screwed to 2 x 4's with no carpet ? I'm probably over thinking this ( German trait

) but wondering what others are using ? Each guide board is 5 ' long so not much of an investment but I like to do things right the first time and not have to redo . These never get submerged so just rain/sun exposure when not in the garage.

onewhippedpuppy · 07-12-2014, 03:54 AM

I've had similar thoughts, the carpet on my Roadmaster boat trailer is getting worn and will eventually need addressed. Here are some good options, including a plastic cover for your 2x4 that won't wear out and would be low friction.

Boat Trailer Bunks & Bunk Covers at Trailer Parts Superstore

Ever see what happens to treated lumber when it sits in the sun? I've seen a 2x4 bend up like a U. Modern treated lumber is delivered still soaked with the treatment, as it dries the boards tend to warp badly. I would not recommend it for trailer bunks. Besides, normally the carpet wears out before the wood rots anyway.

Composite decking is a creative idea. It would have to be the right material though, much of the hollow stuff isn't very robust and most have a wood grain pattern. Something along the lines of a solid composite 2x4 would be perfect.

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I've had similar thoughts, the carpet on my Roadmaster boat trailer is getting worn and will eventually need addressed. Here are some good options, including a plastic cover for your 2x4 that won't wear out and would be low friction.

Boat Trailer Bunks & Bunk Covers at Trailer Parts Superstore

Ever see what happens to treated lumber when it sits in the sun? I've seen a 2x4 bend up like a U. Modern treated lumber is delivered still soaked with the treatment, as it dries the boards tend to warp badly. I would not recommend it for trailer bunks. Besides, normally the carpet wears out before the wood rots anyway.

Composite decking is a creative idea. It would have to be the right material though, much of the hollow stuff isn't very robust and most have a wood grain pattern. Something along the lines of a solid composite 2x4 would be perfect.

Ever see what happens to unsupported thermoplastic boards when they sit out in the sun? There is this thing called gravity, and it's new. It will cause cold flow (creep) and result in the plastic boards bending up in a u.

I might seem sarcastic with this reply but it is true. A pultruded composite board is what you want here, not the extruded thermoplastic products. I think you could have good luck with pressure treated wood if you could get some that is dry.

KFC911 · 07-12-2014, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

So my new to me used EZ Loader boat trailer needs new side guide boards they are the typical wood 2 x 4 with cheap carpet stapled to them. Has worked for a 100 years and is easy to duplicate. .....

I'm probably over thinking this ( German trait

) but wondering what others are using ? .....

I'm still using the original 25 year old 2x4s with the original cheap carpet on my bass boat and would likely replace it with same: "if it ain't broke..."

GWN7 · 07-12-2014, 05:59 AM

Don't use pressure treated wood. The chemicals can leach out and react with the boat. If it's aluminum they can eat a hole thru the hull.

widgeon13 · 07-12-2014, 07:58 AM

I would us regular wood and seal it then glue on the carpeting, not staple.

SilberUrS6 · 07-12-2014, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Boat Trailer Bunks & Bunk Covers at Trailer Parts Superstore

Thanks for the timely link. We are probably going to have our trailer repainted. The old bunks need to go. This looks like a relatively inexpensive solution.

SoCal911T · 07-12-2014, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC911

I'm still using the original 25 year old 2x4s with the original cheap carpet on my bass boat and would likely replace it with same: "if it ain't broke..."

Same here. Shoreline® sailboat trailer made in 1988 with original 2x4s and carpet still going strong.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Those slide pads you screw on just look like HDPE that you can get at any plastic supply in 4x8 sheets. Awesome stuff. Makes really good cutting boards too.

rfuerst911sc · 07-12-2014, 12:27 PM

I decided to stay with the proven old school 2x4 and carpet. Bought two new 2x4's cut them to 5 ' and applied a good coat of single part acrylic garage floor paint . Will let that dry overnight and then apply the new indoor/outdoor carpet I bought today at local box store. Also replaced a bunch of rusty nuts/bolts man I love powerful air driven tools ! For the most part busted off the bolts with just a pull of the trigger . I'm going to replace every bolt and u-bolt as they are all rusty. Trailer is galvanized and in decent shape but has a few spots I'll need to hit with a wire brush and some cold galvanize.