A versatile flatdeck trailer offers years of convenient hauling capabilities. A well-maintained wood deck trailer is not only easy to load and unload with a wide range of materials but also offers a stylish trailer to show off while you drive. Unfortunately, moisture can do a number on a wood deck if not cared for properly. Fortunately, this guide offers tips to prolong the life of your wood trailer deck, including information on the best boards for deck construction.

What Are the Best Ways To Extend the Life of Your Wood Trailer Deck?

Your cargo trailer is an investment, and you want to get the most out of it, especially if you use it for commercial purposes. Taking care of the deck means fewer maintenance and repair costs in the long run, allowing you to put the money toward new equipment. You’ll also be able to use your trailer for its entire intended lifespan, giving you more time to save up for a new model when the time comes.

Finally, a well-tended cargo trailer means safe hauling. You don’t have to worry about a board buckling at high speed or losing important machinery on the highway. With the proper care, you protect yourself and other motorists.

Sealant for Your Wood Trailer

Just like your deck, fence or other outdoor wood surfaces, your trailer deck requires a sealant to keep out moisture. Wood is an organic material that readily absorbs water, even from the air. When this happens, the wood expands and warps, leaving it disfigured even after the boards dry out.

Moisture is also a key ingredient for rot, mould and mildew to thrive. These fungi break down boards, making them brittle and likely to break.

A sealant creates a barrier between the wood and the elements, reducing the likelihood of water absorption. Formulas designed for the outdoors can also protect your trailer deck from ultraviolet radiation, which degrades wood fibers over time.

What’s the best treatment for wood trailer deck longevity? The following tips yield top-notch results:

• Choose quality sealant designed for heavy-traffic wood.
• Reapply sealant every year.
• Inspect boards for damage before application.
• Replace damaged areas before sealing.

Safe Storage Options

While covering your trailer may seem intuitive, be sure you’re not exposing it to moisture in a different way. Excessive shade isn’t good for your wood trailer deck, so look for ways to keep it dry without storing it in the shade, as even proper sealant doesn’t always give you the protection you need.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, particularly when you’re on the job, but look for a dry, sunny spot for your long-term storage solution:

• The backyard or other outdoor area
• A large garage with plenty of natural light
• A rented storage unit with lots of open space and sunlight

Careful Use

After moisture, your next biggest concern is flat deck trailer damage from heavy equipment. Dragging heavy loads across your flat deck can chip the wood and expose layers that haven’t been properly sealed. Even if there aren’t any obvious signs of damage, you may scrape the sealant off as you work.

It’s not always possible or practical to gently move heavy barrels, boxes or equipment, but try to limit dragging and scraping items on your wood deck. You bought a heavy-duty trailer for heavy loads, so you should be able to use it for these rugged duties. To keep your trailer in proper shape for the job, try the following:

• Reapply sealant more than once a year.
• Address damage as soon as you notice it.
• Use material handling equipment to limit scraping.

Repair Tips

At the end of a long month, season or year of work, your trailer deck may look a little worse for wear. Even the best maintenance routine can’t save your wood deck forever. Thankfully, replacing a single board or the entire deck of your favorite Millroad flat deck trailer is easy. Unlike an aluminum deck, a wood deck is affordable to repair on your own:

1. Find the screws.
2. Unscrew the board that needs replacing or the entire deck.
3. Check the epoxy-coated screws and tube crossmembers for damage.
4. Swap out boards with new lumber.
5. Apply sealer and wait to dry.

Once you’re done, you can hit the road. This simple DIY project will save you money and keep your trailer working hard for years to come.

What Is the Strongest Wood for a Trailer Deck?

Various species of wood have different densities, flexibilities and strengths. When you’re hauling heavy loads long distances, strength can make a huge difference. Which lumber is the best for the job? The answer is the Douglas fir.

Found in North America, the Douglas fir is actually a pine tree, not a fir tree. It’s highly valued for its beautiful grain color and smaller knots, making it an excellent option for home flooring. It’s also rated high on its ability to hold screws, making it an excellent choice for construction.

Durability

The Douglas fir is actually a softwood, but don’t let the name fool you —this lumber is incredibly durable. The term “softwood” actually has to do with the family of trees rather than its reliability, which can be confusing when looking for the most durable wood. Rest assured, Douglas fir lumber can endure harsh treatment and weather without wearing out.

Weight-to-Strength Ratio

Douglas fir boards can bear an incredible amount of weight. It’s also known for the following:

• High compression grade
• Impressive horizontal sheer grade
• Exceptional tension parallel-to-grain grade

Unsurprisingly, it’s a favorite for load-bearing structural elements, such as trusses.

Modulus of Elasticity

A wood’s modulus of elasticity is its ability to bounce back after warping. Douglas fir’s modulus of elasticity is quite high, allowing it to return to its natural shape after absorbing moisture. Since you may need to haul in inclement weather, this feature is incredibly valuable.

Which Manufacturer Should You Check Out for Quality Trailers

Contact us today at Millroad Manufacturing to learn more about wood trailer deck maintenance. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of a Millroad flat deck trailer, shop today and compare our standard and custom trailer options to see how you can confidently handle heavy loads.