Trex revisited

[1964C10]

I realize this is a topic has been discussed before and I read all the posts, but it still leaves me wondering. See, I love the wood beds on the trucks that have to do little or no work, but I am planning on making my truck a real hauler and since I had an old wooden bed in there before I can speak from experience that just isnt what I am looking for. So I have been thinking about the Trex/composite bed as well, but in reading the posts there seem to have been some problems with warping, staining, mildew, fading etc. Is that still the case? Does anyone have any experience/pictures of one of these beds? Sorry to bring up an old topic but I am just hoping for some more up to date information thanks all!!

[Blue666]

Have you considered using CCA treated or marine plywood? I'm using treated plywood in mine as I plan to do some hauling. I live in Pennsylvannia, land of snow, salt, rain & mildew.

It takes about a sheet & a half for a six foot bed. The treated plywood should resist all of that. If not, the plywood is only $27.00/ 4x8x3/4 sheet. You'll need to cut grooves along the edges. This web pages notes the dimensions (http://www.classicheartbeat.com/bed_wood.htm)

I'm also using unpolished stainless bolts & strips to keep the rust out.

Hope this helps.

Blue666

[70 Suburban]

i will try this

[1964C10]

Thanks for that link, I have been looking for those dimensions. I am taking in all the options at the moment, and plywood is one of them but I was really hoping to stay away from varnishing, sanding varnishing etc. I live in SoCal so I have wondered how long untreated wood would last lol, maybe give it a nice dark stain. I am just thinking that the more time I spend preparing the bed, the harder I will slap the person dinging it later ;-)

[Blue666]

Back east we generally wait a a few months to stain treated lumber. If you are planning to haul any thing that would destroy a finish, don't bother with the varnish.

You could always use the cheap stain (Waste oil) to keep the wood preserved. Stainless bed strips would clean up easy with stain or waste oil.

[1964C10]

I like that idea of using waste oil, after all "it has been show to the state of California that certain ingredients can cause cancer..." hahaha. I was thinking of going without bedstrips but fastening it from the bottom.

[protrash64]

My parents are having a deck built and did a bunch of research into the composite materials and they told me that there are a bunch of negatives...basically what you listed in the original post. They decided to go with a natural wood product. Just fyi....

[1964C10]

Thanks protrash, seems I am getting more neg feedback then positive.

[Captainfab]

It wouldn't give you a wood appearence but you might check into using some FRP (Fiberglass reinforced plywood) It typically has a gelcoat finish on at least one side. I used this on a trailer I built about 13 years ago. I have hauled all kinds of stuff in it and has held up really well considering the abuse it has taken. FRP is used as sidewalls in trucks and trailers ranging from Ryder trucks to 53' enclosed semi trailers. I just don't know how readily available it would be in your area. It can be had quite easily around here since the factory is about 30 miles away.

[1964C10]

Thanks John! I know exactly what you are talking about and that stuff is tough.