Replacing trailer deck - question??

[EricG]

I'm replacing the deck on my utility trailer - the old one was rotting apart. Got some 2x8x10 pressure treat. Here's the problem. The deck effectively has 'C' channel on both ends, and the old deck was contained only by this - no bolts or anything holding it down. It's a home-built trailer, and I suspect they laid the deck in, and then welded the C channel on the end to hold it there. Works geat until you have to replace the deck.

Any ideas how I can get the new planks in there?? I've thought about maybe sliding one and in, then putting a block in the center. Then if I stand on the far end, it might be bent enough to get past the lip. Then sombody can knock the block out with a sledge. Just not sure I can bend a 2x8 that much. And I'd like to get out of this with all fingers/toes/teeth intact!

I might be able to get a few in by putting them at an angle to get it in, and then pushing them straight. But that won't work for the last few.

Any ideas welcome.

 

[D'Animal]

I doubt you will be able to bend the 2x8x10' that much. If you could, the wood is crap and it is going to bend the other way when you put a load on it.

Cut an 2x8" slot in of the C channels. Slide the 2x8 in and when they are all in weld up the slot.

Make sure the lumber does not fit tight. It needs some wiggle room to expand with moisture from rain and snow and shrink in the dry summer heat.

 

[EricG]

I doubt you will be able to bend the 2x8x10' that much. If you could, the wood is crap and it is going to bend the other way when you put a load on it.

Cut an 2x8" slot in of the C channels. Slide the 2x8 in and when they are all in weld up the slot.

Make sure the lumber does not fit tight. It needs some wiggle room to expand with moisture from rain and snow and shrink in the dry summer heat.

That's not a bad idea - I was considering cutting out the entire top of the C channel, but that's alot of cutting. I probably wouldn't even bother to weld it up again - just bolt the last piece in place. There's alot of steel across the back - I'm not worried about the structure.

Regarding the wiggle room - I think that's on reason the other deck was rotting out so badly. They didn't leave any room. The other bit is to get the crown right so the cup side isn't face up to hold puddles.

 

[KY854RUN]

Another way to do it, is cut the C-channel free from the side of the frame at one of the back corners. You can do this with a reciprocating saw, which would be easier than cutting a top slot in the C-channel. Then you could pry it up and slide the boards into place. Then reweld the C-channel inplace and you are done.