what kind of wood for trailer bunks?

[alk]

Anybody build new bunks for their trailer?

Pressure treated? Regular dimensional lumber? or something more exotic?

 

[BillK]

I put new ones on mine a few years ago - just used stock PT 2x6 from Lowes. This is a small Shorelander for my 18ft bowrider.

 

[WALSHIE]

At first blush, I would say pressure treated. But a carpenter friend of mine pointed out how much worse PT lumber warps and distorts....interesting point.

Perhaps sealing normal kiln dried with epoxy or even just polyurethane.

I'm curious to hear what others have to say.

 

[alk]

google hasn't been much help. some say PT, some say regular 2x wood, some say yo treat the 2x with polyurethene, or Thompson's water seal. Doesn't seem to be any consensus, which surprised me. Which also means it probably doesn't matter what I use?

 

[Phillbo]

PT lumber covered with bunk carpet sold at West Marine..... I have never experienced it warping since the bunks are bolted down... 28' cruiser.

 

[GeeBee]

If you want durability go with Jatoba or Ice wood. Not quite as durable as teak, but close and about 1/2 the price. Treat it with two coats of Cetol before you carpet them and they will last longer than the trailer. Be prepared to saw it with carbide toothed saw and drill with titanium bits.

 

[alk]

This trailer is not long for this world - steel trailer with plenty of rust already on it. So I'll probably go with pressure treated, at about ten bucks for each 2x4x16.