Joel Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 About 4 months ago I built a channel for the trailer from 2x6 and 2x4 lumber as called for in the Weekender plans. I used brown pressure treated material thinking it would last longer. I left this laying on my galvanized trailer in the approximate location where it would latter be bolted down. I went out today to look at completing the trailer set up and found that the galvanizing under the 2x6 was almost completely eaten away and replaced with a green powder. I scrapped the green stuff away with a wire brush. It looks like the galvanizing in the areas that had contact with the treated wood is gone! I never heard of this problem before and thought I would warn anyone thinking of using this type of wood on their galvanized trailer. Before I remake this channel using regular lumber, I was wondering if this set up has worked out ok for everyone or if you have come up with something better? Thanks, Joel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capt jake Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 The new PT wood is of a different formulation. It will eat standard galvanized now. They have a new fastener to be used with the new wood, or some just opt for SS fasteners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Jones Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Welcome to the world of newly created pressured treated lumber.Since the scare tactics resulted in doing away with the old CCA stuff ( in use since the 30s) and resulted in the new, that's part of the price you pay. It eats metals. We've had to go to a whole new breed of screws, we now have to insulate the pressure treating from galvanized metals ( as in building construction) and it won't last as long. Get some tar paper and put that between the metal and the wood. or coat it with roofing tar- something to insulate the metal from the wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Stead Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 You could also apply some cold galvanizing spray to the area that was eaten away. It comes in a spray can just like paint. I used it on a snowmobile trailer, and it worked pretty well. Al Stead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisboats Posted May 10, 2008 Report Share Posted May 10, 2008 Thats the copper in it...just like galvanic corrosion (because it is), the zinc is the cathode and the metal salts in the wood is the anode...or maybe the other way around...I never can remember. : Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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