Wendy's Auto Wrecking Blog

If you have a utility trailer with a wooden deck, you may occasionally need to replace the deck. To guide you in the right direction, here's a look at what you need to know about lengthening the lifespan of your wooden trailer deck and a few tips on replacing the deck.

1. Protect the Deck

To ensure your existing trailer deck lasts as long as possible, take steps to protect your wood deck. If possible, store your trailer in a covered garage or shed, or put a tarp over it when not in use. Also, remember to seal or paint the wood as needed to protect it from the elements.

2. Replace Boards as Needed

If some of the boards on your trailer deck become damaged, you can just replace those single boards. That is a great way to keep your trailer looking great without having to replace the whole deck. In particular, remove and replace any boards that have gotten moldy or rotten.

The rot could spread to other parts of your deck, or the moisture could cause rust on the trailer's frame.

3. Pull Off Boards Strategically to Remove Whole Deck

Ultimately, if you decide to replace your whole deck, you can start by just pulling off the old boards. Don't start from one end and work toward the other. That can make the trailer tip dangerously to one side.

It also puts weight onto the frame of the trailer in a manner that can bend the middle bars. Instead, remove every other board. Then, remove the remaining boards, starting from the middle and working your way outward.

4. Cut Bolts Carefully

In some cases, you can just remove the bolts easily, but in other cases, the heads may be stripped, and you may need to cut the bolts instead of removing them with a driver. Before cutting, make sure that you are not going to cut the frame or axles of the trailer.

5. Use Self-Tapping Screws

Once the old deck is gone, you can put a new wooden deck on your trailer. Lay out the timber for the new deck on the trailer, and make sure that all of the wood fits before you use any hardware.

When all the wood is tightly in place, you can start screwing it to the frame. Use self-tapping screws if possible. Those screws reduce the risk of moisture seeping around the screws and getting into the wood.