Carpeting Trailer Bunks

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject: Carpeting Trailer Bunks

For my next project, I'll be carpeting trailer bunks to create "Sling Slots" for the bunk trailer. My question, do I need to use carpet glue along with staples to attach the carpet to the bunk or are staples good enough?

Peter
C-Dancer

SEA3PO · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject:

I did that awhile back on my other boat trailer... I used glue and staples...the hard part was finding stainless steel staples...I finally did but they were really expensive.... I opted for galvanized staples...at a tenth the price..

Joel
SEA3PO

Sneaks · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject:

I've owned about seven different "bunk" trailers over the years and none of them ever used glue. My advice is if it works, don't fix it. Use stainless staples alone....

Don

Wefings · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject:

The best manufacturers use both Glue and Monel or Stainless staples .You can get em for your standard T- 50 size stapler. Never thought about galvanized , but probably would have a short life in our super corrosive world here on the Gulf of Mexico, but would be perfect elsewhere.
Tim at Float On trailers here in Fl. was asked that question by me for one of my customers within the last week . Strangely enough........sort of a coincidence for me to see this thread.
Marc

thataway · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:

Definately use Monel metal staples- They will last longer than SS--and Arrow makes them for the standard guns. I use an electric gun and it works fine.

Galvanzed ring nails or heavier staples (hammered in) would work--but for the finer staples, the coating would be too difficult and crack off with the stress of application.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:31 am Post subject:

Just make sure you don't staple on the boat surface bearing top of the bunk. Do it on the sides or better still, take the bunk off (a lot easier) and do it underneath!

Charlie

Jazzmanic · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the tips guys. I look for the Monel staples and since I'm adding the bunks on top of the existing bunk, I'll definitely staple underneath.

Peter

bmacpiper · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:23 am Post subject: Slick bunk instead?

I recently cut the carpet off my bunks, and replaced it with slick bunk. It's basically a slippery plastic that's molded to the shape of your 2x6 bunk--you slide it on, and screw it on each side at one end (so it can expand and contract with changes in temperature). Works great, lasts forever.

Just another thought.
bmc

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:34 am Post subject:

bmc-

Is the "slick bunk" (or Bunk Slick) material you referred to? (Can't find a reference to "slick bunk")

Slick Bunk

Joe.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

Just to update. I finally finished the bunk additions to create "sling slots", it was quite a production. Last weekend I bought 5-2"x6"x10' treated lumber. Cut four 12" sections from the 5th piece of lumber. Carpeted all 8 pieces using the monel staples. Then I bolted them from underneath the existing bunks using lag bolts. This created a 12" inch slot at the rear of the trailer so that they could slide the sling under the boat.

I should have taken pictures but I was in a rush. Instead, here's a pic of King Trailers sling bunks, mine look the same except carpeted.

BTW, bmacpiper, are those slicks too "slick"? I thought I read somewhere that it's good to have a little friction so that the boat doesn't slide around on the trailer. Also, do they scratch the bottom of the boat?

Peter

C-Hawk · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

I used brass tacks when I installed the sling slots on my bunks.

BEAR · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 State or Province: PA

I use 1/2 inch galvinised roofing nails the large head hold much better than any t-50 staple. high quality glue is also a good idea, but I use the nails only and they seem to out last the carpet and are easy to remove.