Need to get 10-12' utility trailer primarily to haul our SxS UTV behind the coach. On occasion to haul mower or small tractor for service (TV for that will be the pickup).Am I better off getting the deck made with 2x6 treated wood or with 1/4" steel diamond plate? And why?Everything else is the same except for total weight and cost, and they're so close wood vs steel it's negligible and irrelevant.

I would go with the steel. Most utility trailers are store outside when not in use, making them more prone to weather damage. The steel open deck allows for debris from objects carried to fall through keeping deck cleaner. In the event you haul small items, you could simply lay a tarp to prevent boxes or the like from moisture and road debris.

steel and while your there have plenty of anchor points put in.

dcmac214 wrote:Am I better off getting the deck made with 2x6 treated wood or with 1/4" steel diamond plate? And why?.Might want to verify that 1/4" thickness. It would not have to be that thick for most uses, and probably isn't.

My advice, if your buying a trailer, get an enclosed trailer. Then you can use as a storage shed wherever you go to keep things out of the weather. And if it's enclosed, wood floor is fine.

Having owned around 13-14 flatbed GN/5th wheel/bumper pull open flatdeck trailer over the years, I've never owned one with a metal deck. All were treated wood.. One of my current favorite's is a '98 32' GN tandem axle trailer with treated wood. I bought it new and no issues with the wood deck. Be sure and get a trailer with enough axle/tire capacity to carry your heaviest load. So don't forget the trailers weight on the axles.My silly neighbor bought a 10K GN trailer to carry his (est) 9000+ lb red tractor. I had him weigh the trailer which was 2880 lbs on the axles which left him with around 12k lbs. Two 5200 lbs axles on the trailer gave him 10400 lbs of load carrying capacity. He took it back and traded for a 16k trailer with tandem 8k axles.

Need Help with Utility Trailer Decision | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

colliehauler
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2020
caver wrote:
I also had to replace my 16' utility trailers wood floor after a few years.

I rented an aluminum trailer for a day from Tractor Supply since my trailer was 125 miles away. I hauled a SxS on it and it worked great. A nice little trailer that they also sell.
I thought about the aluminum trailer from TS when I bought my steel/wood trailer. Since I don't use it very often I could not justify the additional expense. They are nice and light weight.
caver
Nomad
Jan 23, 2020
I also had to replace my 16' utility trailers wood floor after a few years.

I rented an aluminum trailer for a day from Tractor Supply since my trailer was 125 miles away. I hauled a SxS on it and it worked great. A nice little trailer that they also sell.
dpgllg
Explorer
Jan 23, 2020
I have a 2 x 6 wood floor utility trailer and after 3 years needed to replace the wood. I was taking my garden tractor in for service and the one front tire fell through the floor.

After inspecting the rest of the boards I ended up replacing the entire floor.

If I had to do it over again I would purchase an enclosed trailer. I know there is added cost but they can be used to haul equipment and household items without issue and protected from the elements.

Dave
B_GAGE
Explorer
Jan 22, 2020
We went with an aluminum flatbed to save weight.
Click For Full-Size Image.
BruceMc
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2020
When shopping for a trailer for my Kubota 1860, I had a choice of steel with wood or steel deck, or aluminum. Both 6x12 trailers were single axle and had a GVW of 2K, but the difference was the steel was 500 lbs heavier. I chose aluminum which gave me that much more in carrying weight. The price was a bit more, but it's been well worth it:
enblethen
Nomad
Jan 22, 2020
Remember dimensional lumber is not sized per identification. for example a 2X4 is closer to 1.5X 3.5
Treated lumber comes in different chemical methods.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Jan 22, 2020
theoldwizard1 wrote:
If you go with a wood deck, I would request 5/4" PT deck boards. They will last longer that even PT 3/4" plywood. Make sure the floor can be replaced without having to dismantle the sides.

Every wood floor utility trailer I've ever seen or used has 2x lumber for the flooring, so no issues there. (or thicker if a heavier trailer)
Enclosed trailers typically get plywood or some variant of.
bid_time
Nomad II
Jan 22, 2020
Enclosed trailer, wood floor; and E-Track along the walls. That way you can easily put anchor points in it.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jan 22, 2020
Define treated wood...
- Plywood, I would probably go with steel.
- Treated Dimensional lumber...unless you are dragging heavy equipment across it regularly, it will probably outlast you.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2020
If you go with a wood deck, I would request 5/4" PT deck boards. They will last longer that even PT 3/4" plywood. Make sure the floor can be replaced without having to dismantle the sides.