Wood or steel deck trailer?

In the market for a car hauler (18-20') trailer. *Not towing with my 4Runner, we have a pickup for this purpose. It's my first time buying a trailer of this type, and naturally like the look of a metal (looks to be diamond plate?) trailer deck. But see a definite advantage to wood (doesnt rust, more serviceable). I figure whatever I get I am going to fluid film everything but the decking anyways.

Pro's & con's to a metal deck vs. wood deck? Price notwithstanding. Looking for low maintenance, easy maintenance, longevity.


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I’ve had a wood decked trailer for the last 25 years and given a choice I think I would’ve rather had had steel but I got a incredible deal on this one that I couldn’t pass up(divorce sale). Then again, I don’t live in the rust belt. ~15 years ago I replaced the Oem deck when my Yanmar tractor fell through it with a much higher quality preserved (vacuum/pressure treated) wood. I have sealed the deck(easy) every two years and it is still going strong. The tires have to be shielded from UV or they will be history in just a few years.
Merry Christmas! My traditional Xmas coffee creamer……yeh baby.

 

Well since your not towing with a 4runner. Id say pick whatever is in your budget, also which ever is lighter.

 

I know it's not one of your choices, but aluminum would be my choice.

 

Second on aluminum, if money does not factor into the equation. Did have a wood decked car trailer for over 8 years with zero issues besides a few minor grounding issues (lights) after the initial purchase.

 

I love the idea, the lightweight, never rusting etc... but its 2x the cost of a wood decked or diamond plated one. I have to balance this out because my better half is going to totally freak out when I bring home another project car