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Replacing Bunks
Posted: Wed May 15, 2024 2:27 pm
by LadyGT
We need to replace the wooden bunks on our 22' pontoon trailer as one of them is rotting. Maybe more. My husband wants to do the job himself after contacting the dealer who we purchased the boat and trailer from. They told him they used pressure treated boards. My husband saw videos saying not to use them because the chemicals damage the toons. My husband contacted Lowes and wanted to special order 20' 2x4's and was told they don't do it because the wood will warp. He wants to join 2 10' pieces. I am a bit leery about that. What are our options?
Off topic, we have not used our boat for the last 7 years due to health issues. How good are the tires since they has been sitting that long? Should we replace the tires too? They have been sitting on concrete the whole time. I know RV trailer tires need to be replaced between 5-7 years.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Thu May 16, 2024 9:24 am
by Steiner
Lowe's has 20' kiln dried 2x4's for $22. Consider the bunks a consumable item. There is a lot of discussion about what to use and not use for bunks but 99.99% of it is focused on the stuff there is 0.01% chance of happening. That's the nature of the internet.
I would not trust a tire that had been sitting for seven years especially if it was in the sun at all. I replaced the brand new tires that came on my trailer after two of them seperated (Avoid Ranier tires if you see an). I ordered Carlisles through Walmart and took my wheels up there for changeout five years ago and they are still perfect now but my trailer stays covered year round at our camper and at home except the weekends that we have the boat in the water and then it's just 3-4 days at a time sitting out in the boat yard. My trailer uses those little 12" E rated tires so there is not a large selection.
I had a set of radials that sat in the garage for several years with almost zero miles on them. I needed a set on my truck so used them and one of them split open like an overripe melon not long after install.
BTW my bro-inlaw works at Robins AFB.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Fri May 17, 2024 7:03 am
by Lt. Dan
"My husband saw videos saying not to use them because the chemicals damage the toons."
You can get the plastic bunk covers and it won't matter. The wood wont contact the tubes.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Fri May 17, 2024 12:01 pm
by LadyGT
Steiner wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 9:24 am
Lowe's has 20' kiln dried 2x4's for $22. Consider the bunks a consumable item. There is a lot of discussion about what to use and not use for bunks but 99.99% of it is focused on the stuff there is 0.01% chance of happening. That's the nature of the internet.
I would not trust a tire that had been sitting for seven years especially if it was in the sun at all. I replaced the brand new tires that came on my trailer after two of them separated (Avoid Ranier tires if you see an). I ordered Carlisles through Walmart and took my wheels up there for changeout five years ago and they are still perfect now but my trailer stays covered year round at our camper and at home except the weekends that we have the boat in the water and then it's just 3-4 days at a time sitting out in the boat yard. My trailer uses those little 12" E rated tires so there is not a large selection.
I had a set of radials that sat in the garage for several years with almost zero miles on them. I needed a set on my truck so used them and one of them split open like an overripe melon not long after install.
BTW my bro-inlaw works at Robins AFB.
I checked online if our local Lowes carried what you recommended and it said it did. Whoever my husband spoke too obviously didn't know his merchandise. Thanks for the response.
I want to replace the tires but hubby said they should be fine as is. I agree with you to replace them.
My husband just retired from Robins AFB last August.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 4:46 am
by Steiner
LadyGT wrote: ↑Fri May 17, 2024 12:01 pm
I checked online if our local Lowes carried what you recommended and it said it did. Whoever my husband spoke too obviously didn't know his merchandise. Thanks for the response.
I want to replace the tires but hubby said they should be fine as is. I agree with you to replace them.
My husband just retired from Robins AFB last August.
Good for him! Hope y'all get to enjoy it.
I'd at least look on Amazon or at Tractor Supply or somewhere and buy a spare wheel and tire if you don't have one. I was very lucky that I had mounted one on my trailer. Now I have TWO spares mounted on it and carry a tandem trailer tire change ramp so a jack isn't needed.
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-lbs- ... 07ZPJCHN5/
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 7:32 am
by LadyGT
Is it possible to replace the bunks in the backyard? I realize the boat would have to be jacked up somehow. Lake Tobosofkee is about an hour away and the idea of towing the boat to the lake for repairs frightens me.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 11:19 am
by Steiner
How about Houston Lake or Flat Creek?
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 1:29 pm
by LadyGT
Not sure I can put a pontoon in either one.
Re: Replacing Bunks
Posted: Sun May 19, 2024 4:57 am
by Steiner
Well, although I've never done it I know how I would go about chocking it up off the trailer. I won't describe it because I wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone trying it and it wouldn't be worth it to buy the necessary materials if you didn't already have them laying around. But I do understand not having something close. If I had known how crappy our local lakes were around here for what we wanted to do, I never would've bought a boat in the first place because it just led to more expense for me. BUT if I just needed to get my boat off the trailer I've got a place close by.