Type of Wood for Trailer Bunks?

1st timer having to replace a 2x6 bunk on my Triton trailer. I'm assuming treated pine??

Thanks!

Treated wood for sure. Also use stainless steel staples and lag bolts.

what he said. Plus, I like to put a couple of thin coats of Kilz on just for grins.

Good idea on the Kilz.

Thanks guys. I had to google Kilz, never heard of it. I assume you're talking about their water based primer?

Yes. Its a sealer. Its good for sealing out stains in walls, but I am using it for seat bottoms and backs in a boat that I am restoring. I am also using it on the trailer: fender wells (inside where its carpeted), steps, bunks and rear guide rails.

I am only going based on logic- a sealer will help keep water off of the wood, and therefore, out of the wood- being sure that all wood is covered.

you really don't need to seal treated, it is already sealed hence the green color. it will hold water but since its not in constant contact your good with plain wood.

little more expensive but composite decking from lowes or lumber yard is best

I'd have to disagree with composite. First the cost and second, the mfgr states you have to go to 12" center for a deck. Your boat weighs considerably more than people walking on a deck. So, do you really want your boat resting on something with so little load stress capability?
I'd also like to add that most trialers with pressure treated wood will last at least ten years if not a lot more. I've never owned a boat over 10 years but, only had to replace bunks once in my life and I've been around the block more than once!!!

I agree with OkieBob, composite isn't a good choice in most cases as it has no structural strength to support a load. It is OK as a fender where it isn't supporting a load.

While on this subject I would like to add that while pressure treated wood is a good choice for your Triton it is NOT a good choice for wood that is in contact with aluminum, such as the pontoons on a pontoon boat or an aluminum hull boat.

+1, the only time I paint treated wood is when it is part of the house. Also, I have replaced trailer boards several times and never used SS staples. They are quite expensive and I have never had problems with the regular ones. Usually the wood will rot before the staples rust off. Now I do use SS on seats where comestics are an issue.

under no circumstances should you use the composite, it has no structural strength and will bow down over time from its own weight.
it will probably not hold staples well either, nails and staples etc use the compression of the wood to grip, when you drive one in it forces the wood out then it comes back to grip the fastener.
2x6 pressure treated is the wood of choice and should last an easy 10 yrs or longer.

This is what I have used with good results: http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/gpage8.html

I'm about to replace my bunk boards and am questioning the use of treated wood. I find that it twists and bows pretty badly.

I have usually used good pine, painted it and then glued and stapled the carpet.

What am I missing? Why use the treated stuff?

Do what you want but I have found that treated wood will out last non-treated about 2 to 1. The reason it twists and bows is because of the species. It is southern yellow pine (SYP) versus spruce-pine-fir (SPF)that you might be use to to. They treat SYP becuase it sucks up the chemicals. SYP is also structurally stronger than other pines. If you use it quickly after buying and fasten it down before it has a chance to warp you are better off. Once fasten to the boat trailer it will not warp.

Thanks, I'm going to go with the treated stuff.

Here is another option:

http://www.ultimatebunkboards.com/

Just replaced the bunks on my duck boat trailer. I used treated pine. I would suggest finding treated pine that is dry, most of the the big name stores for some reason store their treated wood wet. When it dries out it warps like crazy. You can get dry treated wood at McCoys.....