Center Plank for Double PWC Trailer

thinkxingu · 09-21-2021, 01:53 PM

Does anyone have a double PWC trailer with a center plank? My new (to me) Karavan has steel tabs on either side of the front and center cross-supports that could probably be used to put a "plank" between so that I could step up and access storage, cover, etc.

Thoughts? I see that one manufacturer offers it but am not sure how useful it would be.

Also, it's about a 4-5' span—if I wanted to add one, what could I use that wouldn't add a ton of weight?

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John Mercier · 09-21-2021, 02:22 PM

Wet dry all the time...
Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product.
Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

WinnisquamZ · 09-21-2021, 02:56 PM

Western Red Cedar cut to width should work. Add a slip resistant sealer to it and you are good

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thinkxingu · 09-21-2021, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Wet dry all the time...

Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product.

Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

I don't think PVC boards will hold my weight (240) at that span?

Will cedar?

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WinnisquamZ · 09-21-2021, 03:59 PM

Assuming you have support under it in which you can anchor it to. You may have to rig something up

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thinkxingu · 09-21-2021, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Assuming you have support under it in which you can anchor it to. You may have to rig something up

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Therein lies the rub—without going crazy, because that would increase overall weight, I've only got two tabs on each side to attach to.

The trailers I've seen with this use aluminum planks, but $$$.

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John Mercier · 09-21-2021, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I don't think PVC boards will hold my weight (240) at that span?

Will cedar?

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It would depend on thickness. They build a MAX that is a 2X dimension, but with a 5 foot span... I would think a double layer of the PVC (since they will come at minimum 12 feet long) would do the trick.

Layering the cedar should do the same trick... but for the most part, I have never seen a span of over 2 foot used. Not sure where to get Western Red Cedar decking currently... but I would think someone would have it.

I think the plies would be stronger than a single stick.
But light weight, waterproof/resistant, and inexpensive isn't easy to find.

thinkxingu · 09-22-2021, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

It would depend on thickness. They build a MAX that is a 2X dimension, but with a 5 foot span... I would think a double layer of the PVC (since they will come at minimum 12 feet long) would do the trick.

Layering the cedar should do the same trick... but for the most part, I have never seen a span of over 2 foot used. Not sure where to get Western Red Cedar decking currently... but I would think someone would have it.

I think the plies would be stronger than a single stick.

But light weight, waterproof/resistant, and inexpensive isn't easy to find.

If I have a moment this weekend, I might throw something temporary up to see if it would even be helpful. If so, I'll measure exactly and go from there.

Thanks for the tips!

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Dave R · 09-30-2021, 06:18 AM

Just make a T-beam out of 2x6 or 2x8 (horizontal) and 2x4 (vertical) Douglas fir, waterproof polyurethane glue, and some deck screws. The vertical part of the T goes under the horizontal part and does not need to extend all the way to the ends. The screws are mostly just clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. It'll last for years and if/when it rots, replace it with another for a just a few bucks. Doug fir is widely available, cheap, and nearly as light as spruce, but it's nearly as strong as oak and it lasts a long time in the elements.

09-21-2021, 01:53 PM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,152 Thanks: 1,161 Thanked 2,034 Times in 1,258 Posts	Center Plank for Double PWC Trailer Does anyone have a double PWC trailer with a center plank? My new (to me) Karavan has steel tabs on either side of the front and center cross-supports that could probably be used to put a "plank" between so that I could step up and access storage, cover, etc. Thoughts? I see that one manufacturer offers it but am not sure how useful it would be. Also, it's about a 4-5' span—if I wanted to add one, what could I use that wouldn't add a ton of weight? Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

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09-21-2021, 02:22 PM	#2
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,266 Thanks: 3 Thanked 575 Times in 471 Posts	Wet dry all the time... Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product. Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

09-21-2021, 02:56 PM	#3
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,993 Thanks: 204 Thanked 632 Times in 425 Posts	Western Red Cedar cut to width should work. Add a slip resistant sealer to it and you are good Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

09-21-2021, 03:59 PM	#5
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,993 Thanks: 204 Thanked 632 Times in 425 Posts	Assuming you have support under it in which you can anchor it to. You may have to rig something up Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

09-30-2021, 06:18 AM	#9
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	Just make a T-beam out of 2x6 or 2x8 (horizontal) and 2x4 (vertical) Douglas fir, waterproof polyurethane glue, and some deck screws. The vertical part of the T goes under the horizontal part and does not need to extend all the way to the ends. The screws are mostly just clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. It'll last for years and if/when it rots, replace it with another for a just a few bucks. Doug fir is widely available, cheap, and nearly as light as spruce, but it's nearly as strong as oak and it lasts a long time in the elements.