Trailer - new boards or expanded metal?

[3rdShot]

Picked up a new-to-me 6x12 single axle trailer yesterday...several of the deck boards are pretty soft.

Any suggestions as to replacing the deck boards with new treated boards, or expanded metal?

Will mostly haul two ATVs, can throw down plywood if I need to haul dirt, mulch, etc.

Who has had both? Likes, dislikes of either or both?

Thanks!

[flywise]

I like boards but i did haul my kids bikes and other camping stuff with an expanded metal trailer last summer and being able to tie off literally anywhere was nice.

If you go back with boards just do this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shB0Czl3LwU

[Todd-ty729]

I am not a fan of expanded metal decks. Sag over time in between braces.

Wood decks drive me nuts but support weight better. If you clean/power wash every year or so and treat with wood sealer they will last a long time.

My personal preference is diamond plate steel decking. Only disadvantage I can think of is the lack of flex. A lighter duty trailer will flex a lot causing the spot welds to pop loose. Still my favorite deck material.

[Todd-ty729]

If you go back with boards just do this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shB0Czl3LwU

That has potential for injury!

I like it!

[flywise]

That has potential for injury!

I like it!

When i replaced the boards on my trailer i had a stack of bricks underneath the board and when ready i hit them with a sledge. But yes, potential is there

[aggie2000tx]

Wood for sure for me.

[SaltwaterSlick]

Just remember, if you have expanded metal decking, all the road film/dust/mud/water will saturate anything you have on the trailer, top to bottom... I didn't like mine... cut it off and put treated 2" timbers on it...

[Hollywood]

I like boards but i did haul my kids bikes and other camping stuff with an expanded metal trailer last summer and being able to tie off literally anywhere was nice.

If you go back with boards just do this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shB0Czl3LwU

A hydraulic jack works a lot safer. Just let it down slow.

[blntrey3]

Diamond Plate

[sticks]

treated boards. expanded metal wont hold much weight

[Dale Moser]

Just remember, if you have expanded metal decking, all the road film/dust/mud/water will saturate anything you have on the trailer, top to bottom... I didn't like mine... cut it off and put treated 2" timbers on it...

Expanded metal SUUUUUCKS!

It tears up everything you drag across it, everything hangs up on it, stuff falls through and drags.....and like Charlie said, if you pull one in the rain or dust your stuff will be COVERED. And it will eventually break right next to the welds, then it rattles like hell.

[Bisch]

I am about to replace mine with aluminum bleacher planks. Won’t rust or rot!!! This should be the last floor I ever have to put in this trailer!

Bisch


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[Dale Moser]

I need to replace ours now. I'm considering going to the sawmill for hardwood.

[bowtechbandit]

try and find some Apitong lumber, that will be the last one you ever put in it.

[krisw]

try and find some Apitong lumber, that will be the last one you ever put in it.

Is that the stuff they use on 18 wheeler trailers?

No way would I use expanded metal on a small trailer. Makes it too light and it bounces everywhere.