Can I ask what you're going to do to seal the wood (if anything)? A guy I know is telling me I should use my used motor oil to do that and idk if that's a thing people actually do
Single Axle Trailer Design
- Thread starter Jezza
- Start date
Can I ask what you're going to do to seal the wood (if anything)? A guy I know is telling me I should use my used motor oil to do that and idk if that's a thing people actually do
I got pressure treated lumber, so I'll probably just leave it for now. We used to paint everything on the farm with old diesel oil. It keeps the water off and the bugs out, but don't lay down on it for a while.
I’ve been told the same thing. As a semi-decent woodworker I wouldn’t hesitate to do that. Just don’t throw a lot on there. Test an area and see how well it soaks in. Then you’ll know how much you need to use and how many coats to use. You don’t want too much so it’s just sitting on the surface. Really it’s just like staining something.
@Jezza How far are you from Winona? Ever hear of "Blackwood lumber"
https://www.blackwoodlumber.com/store/p/blackwood-classic-2x6
https://www.blackwoodlumber.com/store/p/blackwood-classic-2x6
I'd asked all the Jeepers up here what I should treat my trailer deck with when I bought it in 2007 and everyone told me NOT to treat the wood. I figured I'd listen for once and see what happened and if I had to I'd replace the wood & then treat it. I'm still using the same decking 18 years later. IT's finally about time for me to replace the wood but I'm also due for a new trail...
Now I know my Jeep is on the Porky side but I've never been a huge fan of towing much weight over 4K lbs with a 1/2 ton rig. I did look at getting a mid sized rig instead of a full size for the fuel mileage since I'd only be towing maybe once a month. But all it takes is that ONE TIME you've got to make evasive maneuvers and SHIT happens.. It's why I bought a 3/4 ton truck again... While newer 1/2 tons are rated for 11K or 12K towing I guess I'm just old school and don't think they're up to it.
I really wanted one of the Ram 1500 with the 3.0 diesel since it gets 23-25 MPG on the highway & it's rated for 11k lbs towing. But I just couldn't do it.
Same with for a brief moment I wanted a Gladiator with the 3.0 diesel... They're rated for 6500lbs which is right about what my Jeep & trailer is. But it's that one time that can change your world...
Not trying to preach just voicing my opinion.
There's always that one guy that said "I told you so".. Just messing with you. Would you agree that our "vehicular society" is becoming more and more like the EU. I mean look at how many VW Amorak's or Benz X-classes are towing small lightweight trailers with vehicles on them in the EU. Hell, even little VW passats towing campers. We have small vehicles towing trailers in the US. One thing I've noticed overseas, is their trailers are pretty well balanced and axles are damn near the center.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/23500696...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
I think it depends on where you are towing. In the Midwest a 1/2 ton will do pretty much everything people want it to.
Out west things change a bit.
I know for weight issues they make single horse trailers in the EU.. But yes I think we are going that direction. You see a lot more people towing a travel trailer or lighter car trailer with a 1/2 ton....
Now when I was a teenager I used to tow a two horse trailer with a Chevy 1/2 ton with a 283 in it... And it was a little 3 on the tree so didn't have a granny gear for starting out on those hills.
I've just seen too many rigs wadded up from trying to tow too much or not setup correctly. Of course if you are going to use that mid sized or 1/2 ton you better have a weight distribution hitch and a GOOD brake controller.
That was one of the things I found out about the Gladiator or JL was that even when equipped with the tow package a lot didn't come with a brake controller & then the Jeep brake controller SUCKS and most suggested an aftermarket instead.
This is a good point too. You flat landers don't know what it's like coming doe Donner or the Grapevine or Snoqualmie or Cabbage...
Seen a lot of semis with their brakes on fire on those passes. It's why when I was driving OTR they had a 11 western only group. We picked up loads in SLC & other places before the mountains and hauled them the rest of the way.
My F150 seemed great from here to Denver the one time I trailered to Moab with it. Not so great shortly after Denver.
My Superduty doesn't care what's behind it.
Overheated on the way up I70 but got to Moab, it cut power and had to slow down. It set for a week while I wheeled and then as I was pulling out of the campground to go home it then decided the transmission was no longer useful. Left it and had a place in Moab replace the tranny.
Rented another truck to get my stuff home but it wasn't even equipped with a brake controller so Mrs App drove the jeep separately over I-70 until we could load it back up in Denver and return home.
Flew back out a month later to get the truck and traded it in as soon as my new one was built.
DAMN Found On Roadside Dead...... or Fucked Over Rebuilt Dodge.... Sorry for derailing your trailer build thread Jezza
Engine overheated? No trans temp gauge cos 1/4 ton? That puppy was probably hot way before the engine.
Mine struggled to get over 70E with the Jeep and camper. The transmission definitelt was trying to overheat. But that's cos I didn't know to keep it in 3 not D lol that could've been an expensive mistake
No issues going west surprisingly.
Ive had homes with both treated and untreated doug fir decks. First thing I did when buying my trailer was treat the wood.
I'm shocked my deck has lasted as long as it has since the trailer sits outside 24/7/365 and gets snow/sun/rain & everything else on it. I was shocked that everyone told me not to treat the wood. Now I don't know what the wood is honestly but if I don't sell it in the next year or two I'll have to put new decking on it. 18+ years IMO isn't bad for miss treat wood.
For Only Real Dummies
We can do this all day... Hey I own a Ford... And it's FUCKED me real good already too...
I have nothing to say but good about my 2002 7.3 Powerstroke. Best truck I've ever had. Getting near to 200,000 miles.
I have nothing against Fords either other than poking fun at them... I knew I was taking a chance when I bought that 6.4 PS (in this case piece of shit) so I have no one to blame but myself...
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