41plym
Well-known member
I just replaced the deck on my equipment trailer.
What kind of sealer should I use?
What kind of sealer should I use?
Trailer deck sealer
- Thread starter 41plym
- Start date
racecougar
Well-known member
Assuming you used oak? Boiled linseed oil, thinned motor oil, or any of the myriad oil-based deck stains.
jack stand
Well-known member
Replaced with what kind of wood?
I'm in the oil camp with racecouger but wet PT or sawmill lumber need a little time to dry out before oiling.
I'm in the oil camp with racecouger but wet PT or sawmill lumber need a little time to dry out before oiling.
I use old anti freeze when I change it out on my vehicles. I use a garden sprayer to apply it to the deck, seems to kill off any rot spores. My trailer still has it's original treated SYP wood deck, it's still rock solid after 25 years of sitting outside year round.
Boostingaz
Well-known member
Hydraulic oil works better than motor oil. 
ericm
Well-known member
For $15 or so I got a gallon of deck sealer that's not toxic like used motor oil or antifreeze and is actually made for the purpose. It's even got UV stabilizers. I used half of the gallon for an 20' deck so I can treat it again for free next time.
jabberwoki
Well-known member
Old diesel oil , apply when deck is dry and warm.
Did mine even looks good.
Did mine even looks good.
Using oil whether new or used is a great way to have a nasty trailer deck. Deck sealer, or even better a deck stain or finish it so much nicer.
It soaks into the wood and evaporates off leaving a dry surface.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hopefully white oak and not red.
I'd never put used motor oil, diesel, or hydraulic fluid on a trailer, but know many guys here do it. My choice for trailers has been deck stain
Why would anyone want this?
”-is as slippery as an ice rink covered in KY when it gets wet”
And generally nasty.
Because it’s not either of those.
Wood in general is slick when it’s wet. Rough sawn white oak would the least slippery.
Used oil darkens the wood slightly to a lot (depending on how much and how often you apply it). An oil based wood treatment is, wait for it… oil based.
racecougar
Well-known member
Thinned motor oil, hydraulic oil, linseed oil, or an oil-based deck stain is not slick at all on rough sawn white oak. It soaks in right away. If you're using smooth, pressure-treated, SYP, that's a different story. Those boards will be slippery when wet as-is, and aren't a particularly great choice for decking an equipment trailer. Hence my question in the first reply on this thread. The OP has not returned to tell us what wood he/she is trying to seal.
You can also thin an oil-based enamel down to soak into the wood. Awfully fancy for a trailer though, IMO.
You can also thin an oil-based enamel down to soak into the wood. Awfully fancy for a trailer though, IMO.
jack stand
Well-known member
This reminds me of a guy that did chainsaw carving. He treated with antifreeze also. I'd say you're 25 years is proof enough.
I like used oil but it can be slippery for a while especially wetted by rain.
nadogail
Well-known member
I have had excellent results with used Shell Rotela T oil from when I owned a Turbo Diesel Volkswagen
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Used oil cut with diesel on a hot summer day!
PhantomEB
Well-known member
Following as I will need to do the same when I get my trailer ready for the wheelin season. Got a 5 gallon pail of oil sitting out back.
Go get you a paint brush and get to work.
PhantomEB
Well-known member
Not warm enough to do that up here in Western Canada.