Trailer Choice

[msumoose]

And for those that are interested, the design values (Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity) for SYP meet or exceed Fir irregardless of the species chosen.

[msumoose]

The problem with comparing a semi trailer (van) with a car hauler is that the van never sees the elements. Also, the van trailer is looking for durability with weight savings so that the commercial driver does not haul around "empty" weight. Cottonwood is one of the lightest "hardwoods" so it makes that choice easy. It works well for a van trailer for those reasons. If you put that same cottonwood outside, it will degrade quickly, even faster than some softwoods. It is just not meant for that use.

As for the chems, the treatment chemicals used today (at least those available to Joe Busbuilder) are dependent on copper as a bacteristat (kills rot) and as a algaestat (kills mold). This is driven into the wood by the use of pressure and heat, where it bonds to the wood. The threat of leaching is very small, and the toxicity is extremely low. In fact, you get more copper exposure by rubbing around the pennies in your pocket that you probably would ever get from using pressure treated wood in a trailer setting.

[nat_ster]

We don't have yellow pine here.

Again, armchair expert.

We use 20 foot scaffold planks at work. They sag 6 feet in the center without breaking. Try doing that with any other wood.

I get up to 10 years out of fir 2x6 decking. All the snow, rain, salt, ect takes it's toll.

Spruce and pine only last a few years at best in my climate.

My 01 dodge is about to get a flat deck, decked with fir.

Nat

[msumoose]

I am certain that there is some pressure treated product available at your big box store.

That will be a superior product to any untreated softwood material.

Again, I believe your anecdotal evidence, but please refer to a span table or design values before you extoll the virtues of one wood over another.

As for me being an "armchair expert" please read the first quote in your signature.

[msumoose]

https://www.lowes.ca/treated-lumber/..._g2450099.html

[opus]

Originally Posted by msumoose

If you put that same cottonwood outside, it will degrade quickly, even faster than some softwoods. It is just not meant for that use.

Actually, these were flat bed trailers exposed to the elements.

Beats me...I'm a coffee roaster. ;)

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by msumoose

I am certain that there is some pressure treated product available at your big box store.

That will be a superior product to any untreated softwood material.

Again, I believe your anecdotal evidence, but please refer to a span table or design values before you extoll the virtues of one wood over another.

As for me being an "armchair expert" please read the first quote in your signature.

Some folks here seem to hate anyone smarter than they are and are intimidated by your being educated and articulate.
Speaking of yellow pine, Im clearing some huge old growth long leaf.

[leadsled01]

Originally Posted by msumoose

I am certain that there is some pressure treated product available at your big box store.

That will be a superior product to any untreated softwood material.

Again, I believe your anecdotal evidence, but please refer to a span table or design values before you extoll the virtues of one wood over another.

As for me being an "armchair expert" please read the first quote in your signature.

Soaking up your knowledge.. Thanks for posting.

[msumoose]

Originally Posted by opus

Actually, these were flat bed trailers exposed to the elements.

Beats me...I'm a coffee roaster. ;)

Wow! The only wood I have ever seen in a van or a flatbed was an oak mat. It was smaller pieces glued together to optimize yield. In fact, the wood science department that I graduated from sanded and finished it and used it for flooring in their buildings.

I have heard of apitong being used (this is a tropical hardwood), this is extremely hard and dense, and looks a bit like mahogany. It somtimes has a lighter appearance.

Most of the flatbeds that I have ever unloaded lumber from have aluminum floors...

[Tango]

Awww...spend some real money and go with Lignum Vitae!

[opus]

Originally Posted by msumoose

Most of the flatbeds that I have ever unloaded lumber from have aluminum floors...

Apparently, I am considerably older than you. :/

[Hank's P-O-S]

Originally Posted by opus

Apparently, I am considerably older than you. :/

I'm still in high school and Ive seen those. Family friend who runs the winter roads swears by wood.

[somewhereinusa]

My last dropdeck had an apitong deck. It lasted much longer than the steel frame. It still had sap coming out of it after three years. It never did show any signs of deterioration.

[opus]

Originally Posted by somewhereinusa

My last dropdeck had an apitong deck.

Apitong:

フタバガキ科の常緑大高木で，ディプトロカルパス属の樹木の総称。東南アジア原産で，樹高50～60メート ル，直径1～2メートルに達する。フィリピンではアピトン，マレーシアではクルインと呼ぶ。心材は暗赤褐色 で強度が大きく，工場の床板，車両材などに用いる。

That clears that up!

[ism minerals]

Welcome MSU,

What sort of wood science do you do, I previously worked in designing wood adhesives.

[REDD]

Well this thread went a little off side.... Most of our van/flatbed trailers have the laminated oak with under coating on one side and when that goes for sheet, they replace it some weird South American swamp board [reddish brown hard wood ship lap] that never seems to stop bleeding sap.

On another note, not sure why I wrote 13 feet in my note book of info for the bus [oh look shiny object]...it's actually 11 feet over hang. Anyway, my other concern would be the large space/span from the axle on the bus to the axles on the trailer hinging up and down when hitting bumps/dips in the road....fatigue from the pounding, how much can the hitch take before something breaks? Not sure if it was this forum or another that I saw a broken hitch with the trailer into the back of the bus and hanging by the safety chains

[nat_ster]

Originally Posted by REDD

Not sure if it was this forum or another that I saw a broken hitch with the trailer into the back of the bus and hanging by the safety chains

From back in 2014

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/pr...s-5059-52.html

Originally Posted by crazycal

Sorry about your misfortune. Is this ball mount solid or hollow?

Nat

[REDD]

How much of a drop was that hitch, how much weight on it etc.?

[2kool4skool]

" I was likely pushing the 800# rating of the ball mount "

[msumoose]

Originally Posted by ism minerals

Welcome MSU,

What sort of wood science do you do, I previously worked in designing wood adhesives.

Last stint was an assistant plant manager for a wood components company, which followed being a quality engineer and line supervisor for a casket company.

Started out buying lumber for a wood ceilings company and have done some pretty weird stuff along the way.

What kind of adhesives?