Trailer deck preference: wood or diamond plate?
I recently "upgraded" from a 16' utility trailer to an 18' car hauler. It's got a wooden deck and diamond plate drive overs. The wood is in very decent condition, I shouldn't have to think about replacing it for several years.
I know lots of people prefer diamond plate decks, but why? Is there a reason other than longevity? I've walked on lots of diamond plate in other applications, and the traction doesn't really seem all that better than wood.
Follow-up question: If I were to switch to diamond plate, what would be the BEST method to do that? One option is to weld the diamond plate right on top of the wooden deck. I guess the second option would be to remove the wooden planks and start from scratch. But then, I would have to add additional support for the diamond plate.
Let's hear it from the brain trust here....
I recently "upgraded" from a 16' utility trailer to an 18' car hauler. It's got a wooden deck and diamond plate drive overs. The wood is in very decent condition, I shouldn't have to think about replacing it for several years.
I know lots of people prefer diamond plate decks, but why? Is there a reason other than longevity? I've walked on lots of diamond plate in other applications, and the traction doesn't really seem all that better than wood.
Follow-up question: If I were to switch to diamond plate, what would be the BEST method to do that? One option is to weld the diamond plate right on top of the wooden deck. I guess the second option would be to remove the wooden planks and start from scratch. But then, I would have to add additional support for the diamond plate.
Let's hear it from the brain trust here....
