Bunks Wrapped
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 10:55 pm
My bunk carpet and boards had rotted from 5 years in the sun. I replaced them today with Caliber Bunk Wrap. The non-galvanized lag bolts had all rusted so I replaced them with 3/8" galvanized ones. Special ordered four 20' PT pine boards ($140 delivered. Ouch!) and 260 SS truss head #10x1-1/4" screws I ordered the 20' lengths of Caliber Wrap from a marine dealer in TX.
I first stapled the bunk wrap every 8" then drilled pilot holes and screwed in the screws on alternating 8" centers. There's a staple or screw every 4". Probably overkill but it was much easier this way. While I was at it I sanded down rusty areas and repainted.
It was a pretty expensive and time-consuming rebuild, especially considering that I only use the trailer once or twice a year when I take the toon home for maintenance. It's done. It looks great and it should last for years. The wrap has a lifetime warranty. Had I put carpet back on it, I would be replacing it in 5 years.
I found that by using the soft wax from a (new) toilet bowl wax ring, the lag bolts were easy to screw into the pilot holes. Maybe the heavy wax coating will help reduce any deterioration from using galvanized bolts in PT wood.
I first stapled the bunk wrap every 8" then drilled pilot holes and screwed in the screws on alternating 8" centers. There's a staple or screw every 4". Probably overkill but it was much easier this way. While I was at it I sanded down rusty areas and repainted.
It was a pretty expensive and time-consuming rebuild, especially considering that I only use the trailer once or twice a year when I take the toon home for maintenance. It's done. It looks great and it should last for years. The wrap has a lifetime warranty. Had I put carpet back on it, I would be replacing it in 5 years.
I found that by using the soft wax from a (new) toilet bowl wax ring, the lag bolts were easy to screw into the pilot holes. Maybe the heavy wax coating will help reduce any deterioration from using galvanized bolts in PT wood.