Another trailer thread...

Richamc01

New member
I just redecked my snowmobile trailer. I did a bit of research and ended up using 3/4" Marine grade plywood primed with a 3-2-1 Primer and painted with Waterproof Behr solid stain. A lot of research i found recommended products like Behr Deck over or Rustoleum 2x deck paint etc. I have had much bad experience with these types of 'paint' on wood as they tend to peal up and flake off. Knowing that I would have tracks and skis sliding across the wood I opted for the route I did. I can't say it will be much stronger if any but if it adheres I will be happy. So far this season I have spun track enough to leave rubber on it without any sign of pealing or even wear just rubber. So I am happy so far. Also want to mention 3/4" is pretty stout so consider your spans on the frame might be able to go with a 5/8" or maybe even 1/2" oh and Marine grade is expensive... at least in 4x10.. so if your deck is 10' long something to consider.

Thank you for the tips and the heads up. For longevity purposes, I wish I didn’t have to go with wood but it is the most cost effective method even if I have to replace it 5 years down the road. I’ll definitely look into the coatings that you recommended here. Do you have any links you could share?


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I'm jumping way ahead but I'm trying to price things out. What kind of decking would you guys recommend? I did some Googling and it looks like 3/4" CDX plywood coated with Hurculiner or some kind of truck bed liner would be a good option? I want it to be as water tight as possible to avoid having to rebuild the trailer again.

What have you guys used for your expedition trailers?

I recently Raptor Lined an enclosed 27' trailer that had a plywood floor. We use it to transport a Kubota Backhoe. That thing takes some major abuse whether its the bucket dragging or oil and diesel spilling on the floor and it has held up great. I would make sure that you coat both sides as well as the edges to ensure theres nowhere for water to absorb.
 

Richamc01

New member
I recently Raptor Lined an enclosed 27' trailer that had a plywood floor. We use it to transport a Kubota Backhoe. That thing takes some major abuse whether its the bucket dragging or oil and diesel spilling on the floor and it has held up great. I would make sure that you coat both sides as well as the edges to ensure theres nowhere for water to absorb.

That sounds awesome! I’ll have to look that up for sure. Thank you.


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Richamc01

New member
Well, my original intention was to fab up my own fenders but I'm running out of time before the move. I went to a local trailer supply store and they had these fenders in stock. I brought them home and I'm looking to make these work; at least just for the time being. I can always make my own later down the road. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to make these work? My thought was to cut the corners so I can bend them out a bit more and maybe even trim off the bottom so it doesn't hang down. Once I do this, they will not be returnable. I wanted to get your guys' opinion before hand. Any suggestions??

I'm also not a huge fan of the gap that these leave on the back side of the tire. My plan is to build a "tub" which will be about 12" - 14" high all the way around the trailer. This will leave about 12" all the way around on the outside to a mount propane tank or water jugs or whatever. I may fab up some boxes in the future. I definitely want to house a battery and inverter in a box on the front.

My plan was to have the fenders go all the way back to the tub so I could weld them to the tub and have to gap between the tub and the tire. I guess I can always change it later.

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And again it chose to rotate my pictures. Sorry about that.
 

Richamc01

New member
I made some progress on the fenders; they are both welded into place. I welded in a piece of 1 1/2" angle iron on either side of the tire and then welded on a 3/4" square tube on top of this. The square tube is just for cosmetic purposes. Behind each tire I will be putting in a 1 1/4" square tube to begin the frame work for the tub I will eventually be building. This will create a 7' x 4' deck in the middle which will be plywood. I just need to add some more angle iron to support the plywood (I'll be adding these along the outline of the yellow in the pic). I've outlined where this will be in the pics; the yellow space will be the deck and the blue spaces will be open areas for accessories and what not. Let me know what you think so far!

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b63215b

Adventurer
Depending on the weight you may need to replace the springs. The frame look beefy enough. Good luck on the build!
 

Richamc01

New member
So I made some progress awhile back and never posted it up since I was so busy with the move. In the pics withoit the wood on it, you can see all of the supports I welded in for the plywood. And in the pics with the plywood is how it sits now.

I pulled this from Kansas City over to Denver and then to Seattle with no issues as well!

I hope so be able to get back on this project in the near future. When I do I'll post back here.

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