Decking on the tongue of trailer

[ShawnKK]

Has anyone tried this? I am thing of using Composite decking over the tongue area of the trailer. I seen where some used diamond plate but no where have I seen the wood or Composite decking.
I think it would look good and I am willing to try it. But if someone has already did it maybe I can learn something or see pics of how they did it.

[RRJR]

I thought the idea was to lighten the load ??

[dbailey]

I'm not familiar with the current composite decking products, but the original stuff wouldn't have worked well in this situation: it would sag where ever it wasn't supported. It's not as stiff as real wood, so it needs regular support. The original stuff was intended for decking only -- you had to use a real-wood structure underneath it.

[ShawnKK]

I thought about just wood planks. Not like it will add that much weight no matter how you go. The tongue isn't that big of an area. I am just trying to dress it up.
I was thinking about putting some 2x2 along the inside tongue for support but I really dont think it would need much if any. I never worked with it in decking. But in aircraft it is stronger than metal.

[ShawnKK]

Who said that?

[deryk]

I used 2x6" cedar from home depot on my last vardo I built. Cedar is real light and rot resistant and supported my then 290lb butt lol

[rabbit]

Shawn, are you referring to the Nomex-cored, glass-skinned composite panel which replaced Bondolite in aircraft bulkheads and interior furnishings and cabinetry? That stuff would definitely be lite wgt. and very likely to be strong enuf to bridge an A-frame tongue under considerable load, particularly in .75" thickness. Would need an edge sealer or infill and perhaps a guard or channel on edges to prevent debonding the skins.

jack

[Loren G. Hedahl]

The approach I would take would be to take it to a welding shop and deck it with steel; either flat bar or angle. The pieces can be cut and fitted with a cutting torch, plasma cutter or even a band saw or 4-1/2 inch grinder, depending on what tooling the welder has at his disposal.

While the welder is at it, I'd also have him double the frame thickness in and beyond the area of the curve. It seems that this is the weak spot in these trailer's frames. You might as well treat this area before a problem develops. It isn't a matter of "if", but a matter of "when" a failure will occur, in my experience!

[ShawnKK]

Originally Posted by deryk

I used 2x6" cedar from home depot on my last vardo I built. Cedar is real light and rot resistant and supported my then 290lb butt lol

That looks good too. It gives it a nice warm look. Unlike the look that something is missing. I didn't think of cedar because I am use to the ole pressure treated stuff.

[ShawnKK]

Originally Posted by rabbit

Shawn, are you referring to the Nomex-cored, glass-skinned composite panel which replaced Bondolite in aircraft bulkheads and interior furnishings and cabinetry? That stuff would definitely be lite wgt. and very likely to be strong enuf to bridge an A-frame tongue under considerable load, particularly in .75" thickness. Would need an edge sealer or infill and perhaps a guard or channel on edges to prevent debonding the skins.

jack

I was just talking in general about composite. I don't think HD sells anything that is for an aircraft. But composite in general is lite weight and stronger than metal as you seem to know. I was looking at less maintenance later on. I would love to work with composite in a deck but lord that crap cost. But since the trailer area is so small why not go all out,lol.
Ever worked in Ca?

[deryk]

Cedar is great! Pricey but ages nicely and is super light

[rabbit]

Atlantic Aviation DE

jack

[ShawnKK]

Originally Posted by deryk

Cedar is great! Pricey but ages nicely and is super light

Maybe pricey but such a small area it is do able. So how do you like that Yammy? I want the 2000 and maybe later get another! Have you heard of the Smart Tool with a Yammy engine? 600 at Costco?

[gmw photos]

what about some sort of self adhesive diamond plate ? Might have to make a substrate out of something to put it on, but if it's not load bearing.....something thin, maybe....then put something like tihs on it ?

Texas Garages Diamond Plate for the Garage, Home, Office, Trailer, Man Cave!

[ShawnKK]

Originally Posted by gmw photos

what about some sort of self adhesive diamond plate ? Might have to make a substrate out of something to put it on, but if it's not load bearing.....something thin, maybe....then put something like tihs on it ?

Texas Garages Diamond Plate for the Garage, Home, Office, Trailer, Man Cave!

I thought about it but you see that all the time and I really don't think it looks all that good. I am more of a wood guy vers a metal guy.
I really don't like the look of the tongue are, it is like it is missing something. It is a very good place where someone can make it their own. I am putting a split unit ac on the tongue and I guess one propane take.

[gmw photos]

how about some narrow teakwood planking ? Something that would look kind of marine style ?
Or oak. I bought oak slats about two inches wide and about 5/8" thick at lowes a couple years ago to refurb a wrought iron framed bench, like you would have on a patio.

[Otters]

Originally Posted by gmw photos

what about some sort of self adhesive diamond plate ? Might have to make a substrate out of something to put it on, but if it's not load bearing.....something thin, maybe....then put something like tihs on it ?

Texas Garages Diamond Plate for the Garage, Home, Office, Trailer, Man Cave!

I love Diamond Plate but had no idea it came in colors shown in this link. Way cool!

As far as the composite wood--we used it on a small deck (back porch). It's about 4x5'. Got it at Home Depot and installed 9 yrs ago. Still looks like new and its really strong. There's no give to it at all--even if you jump on it. If you like that look go for it. Like you said its a small area--so if it doesn't work out down the road you can change it.

[carlkeigley]

Here's what Snoozy offers for a tongue deck.

Uncovered Generator

[carlkeigley]

I have a project of my own. I wanted teak lumber but of course it's not available locally.
I found this at Lowe's Lumber and picked up enough to do what I want and it can be painted. PVC lumber with wood grain.

Shop plastic lumber at Lowes.com: Search Results!

[Otters]

That Snoozy tongue is really clean looking. What's it made out of Carl? I wonder what product would give the same look and feel on Scamp and other older model FB trailers????