Composite for bunks?

[phoenixisrizen]

I'm going to replace my bunks on my Eagle trailer, Does anyone have any thoughts or experience using composite decking for them?

This is what I was thinking of using:
http://www.homedepot.com/Lumber-Composites-Decking/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xiyZbqmg/R-100069439/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Of course I still intend on carpeting it.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Composite for bunks?

I'm doing it for my next bunk replacement without question. I work with composite decking all the time, have it at my home and think it's an ideal material for bunks. But yes, it still needs carpet.

 

[asm_]

Re: Composite for bunks?

Have never tried it, However, I don't believe HD sells those composite deck in the same thickness as the 2x4 often found on the boat trailer. This would mean you may have to adjust the frame support to make up the difference in height.

Also, if you read composite deck mfg's specification sheet, they acknowledge the composite deck material is softer then typical 2x4. Because of such, they do require more supporting beams to keep it from flexing under use. For that you may have to add more frame support to make up for the flex.

With that said, if you are not limiting your source to HD, there are construction material supplier that have the composite deck material in regular 2x4 form factor. They are usually pricier, but it does solve at least one of the problem above.

B

 

[phoenixisrizen]

Re: Composite for bunks?

No, I'm not limiting to HD, it was the first place I could get a description, lol. Lowe's web site was down at the time!

I didn't know about the softness issues, but I do have 3 supports on both sides, and I only have the 2 bunks. With 9' ft bunks that only leaves a little under 4 feet between supports (taking into account the bit of overhang at both ends and the width of the mounting plates on the supports)

My bunks are actually about 1 3/4" X 6" X 9' so I don't know if a 2X4 would support as well or fit the mounts as well.


I was out pricing out the materials today and saw the composite and said, "Hmmmmmm"

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Composite for bunks?

Nope! The only support will be at the brackets. Pressure treated wood is more supportive, less costly and will prevent rot if you treat the cut ends.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Composite for bunks?

Nope! The only support will be at the brackets. Pressure treated wood is more supportive, less costly and will prevent rot if you treat the cut ends.

This is the correct answer ^^ .

Composite boards can't even support their own weight over a 4' span without sagging and get weaker as the temps climb.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Composite for bunks?

I agree with ^^^^^. Trex , Veranda, and others like it are not very strong at all. You might check into these guys: http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/
or find some cypress. Or pressure treated. But not Trex!

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Composite for bunks?

No way trex is stout enough to handle it, they reccomend framing every 16" for decks and even that is iffy in super hot climates. On a hot day pick up a 10' 2x6 in the middle and see how much it deflects. If you welded a support that ran the length of the board to the tops of the supports it would work well, otherwise stick with the treated stuff.

 

[109jb]

Re: Composite for bunks?

My father has a old 19 foot starcraft sitting on pressure treated bunks we replaced about 20 years ago. Bunks are still good. I would go with PT bunks myself. Actually I did 2 years ago with my most recent boat when I converted from rollers.

 

[phoenixisrizen]

Re: Composite for bunks?

Thanks for the input guys. As I will be doing this while on vacation (as the boat sits in Shenango Reservoir) next week, I want everything to go as smooth as possible. I've already ordered the carpeting, and I'm going to get the rest at Home Depot or Lowe's. I'm going to use pressure treated, I don't want to screw around. I'm gonna get the bunks all ready at home, that way I can just remove the lag bolts (cutting if needed) holding the old ones on and bolt the new ones up.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Composite for bunks?

I'm still using Trex on my next go round. I appreciate the point that it tends to bend, but when we use it in situations like that, our fix is to run a 1'' deep X 3/16 groove down the middle of it and place a 1X1" angle into the groove and screw it into the back side. Plenty stiff, works well for spans up to 60".

 

[Outsider]

Re: Composite for bunks?

I'm going to use pressure treated, I don't want to screw around.

Be sure to read the info about current pressure treatment. Thanks to the EPA, current chemical formulations are extremely corrosive to most metals (fasteners) ...

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Composite for bunks?

I'm going to use pressure treated, I don't want to screw around.

Be sure to read the info about current pressure treatment. Thanks to the EPA, current chemical formulations are extremely corrosive to most metals (fasteners) ...

Option?

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Composite for bunks?

Option?

Cypress?

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Composite for bunks?

How about western red cedar? It's light, strong, and long lasting in wet condition.

Or use what the old ship builders used to use - white oak (not to be confused with red oak).

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Composite for bunks?

While I agree with the corrosive to metal, go to any home site where pressure treated is being used as a sill plate. sill seal goes down, holes drilled in PT lumber, right onto Jbolts, washer, nut move on. A small dab of silicone into your pilot hole might help a lot to seal the metal of the fastner. Be extra careful if using lags up from the bottom. I used 2" galv. carrige bolts down from the top, countersunk into the lumber 1/4" or so, painted the inside of the hole, drove bolt down, then put a small disc of bunk carpet over bolt head prior to wrapping with carpet. I had them all built and laid out so I could remove the old ones and drop the new ones on. I also used a galv. washer and nylock nuts. If you are too worried about the PT and corrosion use fir and seal it up really well esp the end cuts with a couple coats of good oil paint and go for it. I also sprung for the stainless staples for the carpet install.