See full version: TREX Composite Material For Trailer Bunks
You can reinforce the underside of a Trex bunk with an 1-1/2x1-1/2x 3/16" angle bolted to the bottom as close to the center line of the bunk as possible and drilling it for your existing bunk mounts. Bolt the trex to the angle. Plenty strong. more
If you have an aluminum boat, ditch the carpet altogether (it hastens corrosion of aluminum esp. if using pressure-treated wood).
My current ones are 8 foot long 2x6s and the acidic lake water has rotted out the wood around the back two brackets. And the EZ-Loader warranty is only two years. here
Re: TREX Composite Material For Trailer Bunks [links]
No personal experience but the reviews are good that I have read. [links]
Not sure how you screw it down wrong, but I have learned to never underestimate the DIYer. here
And given that the bunks are in the water for just a few minutes at a time, and sheltered from the sun and rain by a boat the rest of the time. seems like they would last forever. No? [links]
And given that the bunks are in the water for just a few minutes at a time, and sheltered from the sun and rain by a boat the rest of the time. seems like they would last forever. No?
Paint is one coating that actually increases the rate of corrosion as the saltwater reacts to it over time. Avoid trailers that are painted if you boat is used in salt water. [links]
There are a few specialty compounds created to repel salt from the boat trailer while it is in contact with the salt water. The solutions connect to the garden hose and can be sprayed onto the boat trailer’s nuts, bolts, bearings and other vulnerable parts. Some salt repellants come as a wax-like material that is applied every two to three months. A thick coating is said to last six months. Bob Stearns of Trailer Boats Magazine suggests coating the vulnerable parts with lubricants that are normally know to loosen rusted bolts and quite squeaky hinges. The spray lubricant also creates a coating that protects the parts of the trailer by repelling the saltwater. It must be applied before and after a trip into the water however. here
Galvanized steel and stainless steel components are already resistant to corrosion and are the best materials for a boat trailer. Order hub caps, hinges, bolts, nuts, bearings, fasteners and other hardware that are galvanized or stainless steel. [links]
Corrosion is a reality among saltwater boaters -- one that you can prevent only with extreme care. The boat’s trailer is a forgotten component that often corrodes first. It contacts the water each time the boat is launched and then removed from the water. The saltwater splashes up into the undercarriage of the trailer, causing a great deal of corrosion damage that can prevent your trailer from going anywhere. Fortunately, there are coatings available to prevent corrosion on the boat trailer.
An effective and inexpensive coating that must go onto your boat trailer after every boat ride is fresh water. Spray the trailer thoroughly with water from you home garden hose, almost immediately after leaving the salt water. This method only works if you live or store your boat a few minutes away from the sea. The fresh water washes the salt away before it can damage the trailer. Replace rusted parts before they ruin other parts of the trailer as well.
My neighbor works for a lumber yard. I bought Trex from him a couple yrs ago for my Cedar deck that rotted.
I don't think composite will come in a 2X4 size. he also told me that you CAN'T use Trex for steps as it won't take the constant pounding weight of the people stepping. [links]
I've always used treated 2x4's, if you're replacing the bunks the treated wood will probably outlast the life of the trailer. here
I used Treated lumber for my new bunks on both of my trailers and both ski hoists. [links]