DIY Flat Deck Trailer

[416]

Was originally going to use carriage bolts for hardware to fasten the deck. Have decided to go with metal self tapping screws. I will drill pilot holes in the frame and screw through the wood. Anybody have any experience with this? Am I cutting corners going with screws as apposed to bigger hardware?

My experience has been that self taping are a one shot deal that hold well enough but are very unforgiving if you want changes later.....not that carriage bolts fare much better in the long run as they all seem to seize up.

[Salty]

Another way to go about it is to lag bolt treated two by fours to the frame then screw your ply to the two by fours. Predrill the holes and it would last quite a while for the use you describe. Use lumber lock or other construction adhesive under the ply and it would last longer but be a beeeotch to ever redo the ply.

[dmace]

Screws have NO shear strength!!!

You don't need to worry about shear in a horizontal application . So screws will work fine for hold down . These screws will not be removable after a few years when a lag or carriage bolt may be removable. The big issue with screws here is vibration , you want a large diameter head so your screws don't pull through your ply . Odds are your ply will wear out before you need to change your screws .
Wish I had a large diameter head
dean

[killman]

Lumber trailers use 1/4-5/16 deck screws I'm sure your little trailer will be fine.....

[one-shot-wonder]

Just my thoughts Dmace.....I forecast the wood needing replacement before the fasteners. When that time comes, wood can be ripped off and screws can be easily cut off or (hopefully) unscrewed .

I highly doubt I will own the trailer this long but it doesn't hurt to contemplate these things.

Thanks guys!

[Mikey Rafiki]

Some good sized washers would help with that. I would still go with bolts if you are making something to last and may need to be re-decked.

[randymac]

I used self tapping screws, worked fine. I did put a number of eyebolts down each side thru the plywood and the frame for tiedowns.

Was originally going to use carriage bolts for hardware to fasten the deck. Have decided to go with metal self tapping screws. I will drill pilot holes in the frame and screw through the wood. Anybody have any experience with this? Am I cutting corners going with screws as apposed to bigger hardware?

[goatdancer]

You don't need to worry about shear in a horizontal application . So screws will work fine for hold down . These screws will not be removable after a few years when a lag or carriage bolt may be removable. The big issue with screws here is vibration , you want a large diameter head so your screws don't pull through your ply . Odds are your ply will wear out before you need to change your screws .
Wish I had a large diameter head
dean

BC Fasteners has those type of screws. Best price around as well.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Was originally going to use carriage bolts for hardware to fasten the deck. Have decided to go with metal self tapping screws. I will drill pilot holes in the frame and screw through the wood. Anybody have any experience with this? Am I cutting corners going with screws as apposed to bigger hardware?

No Screws - Plated Carriage bolts and washers 5/16 " with Ny Lok nuts ! RJ