Composite boards instead of Wood 2x4's under the carpet on the bunks

[abr5509]

Has anyone tried to replace the 2x4's with a composite underneath the carpet on their bunks of the trailer? Comments or thoughts?

[tbullard]

I don't believe they would be stiff enough.

[Bird]

Stay with treated Douglas fir, composite will not span the bunk supports. Another suggestion is to router a larger radius an the edges and the square saw cut ends. I use what is called elevator bolts thru the top and counter bored as they have a larger head than carriage bolts. Buy long enough for double nuts

[justgary]

We can still buy CCA treated "marine" lumber here.  That would be my choice. 

My new trailer has untreated juniper 4x8 beams for the main bunks. 

[Eagleboy99]

Whatever treated stuff you get, use the correct fasteners.

[Slurpee]

Don’t do it. Many people have tried that on boat lifts around here. It sags baaaaad. Structurally it puts a lot of pressure on the hull at the metal attachments and doesn’t spread the load well at all. 

I have with good success bolted composite boards on top of the treated boards instead of carpet. That was great. I wouldn’t do it for a trailer though.  Too much risk of abrasion and marring of the gel.

For the last 4 years I’ve had Snapptraxx over my bunks on my lift. If I used my trailer more than once every 18 months I’d consider it for that as well. 

Edited March 24, 2021 by Slurpee

[abr5509]

thank you all for your replies, very good information.

[Soon2BV]

I also only wrap the top and sides with carpet, leaving the bottom uncovered so reduce the retained water. plus a lot easier to cover.