Center Plank for Double PWC Trailer
 

Does anyone have a double PWC trailer with a center plank? My new (to me) Karavan has steel tabs on either side of the front and center cross-supports that could probably be used to put a "plank" between so that I could step up and access storage, cover, etc.

Thoughts? I see that one manufacturer offers it but am not sure how useful it would be.

Also, it's about a 4-5' span—if I wanted to add one, what could I use that wouldn't add a ton of weight?

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Wet dry all the time...
Probably either an Azek or Zuri PVC decking product.
Look for a damaged stick that is discounted.

Western Red Cedar cut to width should work. Add a slip resistant sealer to it and you are good


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I don't think PVC boards will hold my weight (240) at that span?

Will cedar?

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Assuming you have support under it in which you can anchor it to. You may have to rig something up


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Therein lies the rub—without going crazy, because that would increase overall weight, I've only got two tabs on each side to attach to.

The trailers I've seen with this use aluminum planks, but $$$.

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It would depend on thickness. They build a MAX that is a 2X dimension, but with a 5 foot span... I would think a double layer of the PVC (since they will come at minimum 12 feet long) would do the trick.

Layering the cedar should do the same trick... but for the most part, I have never seen a span of over 2 foot used. Not sure where to get Western Red Cedar decking currently... but I would think someone would have it.

I think the plies would be stronger than a single stick.
But light weight, waterproof/resistant, and inexpensive isn't easy to find.

If I have a moment this weekend, I might throw something temporary up to see if it would even be helpful. If so, I'll measure exactly and go from there.

Thanks for the tips!

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Just make a T-beam out of 2x6 or 2x8 (horizontal) and 2x4 (vertical) Douglas fir, waterproof polyurethane glue, and some deck screws. The vertical part of the T goes under the horizontal part and does not need to extend all the way to the ends. The screws are mostly just clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. It'll last for years and if/when it rots, replace it with another for a just a few bucks. Doug fir is widely available, cheap, and nearly as light as spruce, but it's nearly as strong as oak and it lasts a long time in the elements.