Ideas on recovering bunks on trailer..........

[daydreamer1252]

Probably too simple a topic for placing here...

Am "redoing" a trailer...fresh paint, replacing all bad or damaged hardware...new winch and lights, etc.

The carpet on the bunks is not destroyed but is old and has one small tear. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to leaving the old carpeting in place and placing new on top?

My thoughts were that two layers would increase the cushioning effect and would make the transitions from surface to side a larger radius and therefore less like to wear or tear on the sharp edge of the bunk....Your ideas?

Thanks as always........

 

[ttownguy]

Re: Ideas on recovering bunks on trailer..........

I would consider replacing the bunks all together. If the carpeting is that bad, imagine how bad the wood is (assuming they're wood). Also, I wouldn't double the carpeting for the same reason its not good to use thick carpet...retention of moisture.

I've got to replace my bunks and am considering composite bunks offered by a couple of different suppliers.

Do a search for "bunks" and there's a ton of history to read about on this forum.

Good luck!

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Ideas on recovering bunks on trailer..........

I would take a peak at the bunks to make sure their okay and reusable. I refirbished a trailer 1.5 years ago that I thought needed new wood for sure. I removed the old carpet, and the wood looked like new!

Keep it simple stick with wood. I don't see anything wrong with double carpeting ether. In the FL heat, the carpet is dry within an hour or 2.

Good luck.

 

[daydreamer1252]

Re: Ideas on recovering bunks on trailer..........

Appreciate the replies from both of you..........The wood is very solid 25 year old trailer and that wood is good. Can't say as much for the ply on the inside of the fenders or on the steps in front and back of the fenders though.

Was hoping that no one would have specific negative side effects to report and that seems is the case.

The idea of using synth wood is interesting. When I need to replace them I will look into that. I hope that this boat will be somebody else's baby at that time.....

I am using synthetic wood meant for backyard decks on the steps and doing away with the carpet and ply that had been used before. I hope that will lessen or even eliminate the rust damage to the metal there. Too much grinding, sand blasting, wire brushing and painting to let that happen again.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Ideas on recovering bunks on trailer..........

The decking material would be fine for steps,depending on support it doesn't like to free span too far. Thats the reason I would be so hesitant to use for bunks. not much support and when that stuff gets warm it gets really soft. You could go over the carpet that is there but you will need to use longer staples(stainless) than you normally would due to the two layers of carpet. The last one I redid I used pressure treated wood and countersunk carriage bolts over the lags it was a much better system IMO.