Wood Sides On Trailer (DIY Tips For Arborists & Tree Pros)

Ever notice how a pickup truck looks like it’s perpetually shrugging? Like it’s saying, “Yeah, I guess I can haul that.” But add some sturdy wood sides to a trailer, and suddenly it’s standing tall, ready to tackle any load with confidence. Building your own wood sides for a trailer is a project I’ve tackled countless times, from hauling brush after a storm to delivering firewood to customers on a brisk autumn day. It’s a surprisingly simple upgrade that dramatically increases a trailer’s versatility. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned, from selecting the right lumber to the best fastening techniques, so you can confidently build sides that will last for years.

Wood Sides on Trailer (DIY Tips for Arborists & Tree Pros)

As an arborist or tree professional, I know that my trailer is the unsung hero of my operation. It’s my mobile workstation, my debris hauler, and sometimes, my lunch spot (don’t judge!). Adding wood sides to a trailer is a game-changer, increasing its capacity, securing loads, and protecting cargo from the elements. This guide will walk you through the process, providing you with the knowledge and skills to build durable, functional wood sides that will enhance your trailer’s performance and longevity.

Understanding the User Intent

The user intent behind searching for “Wood Sides on Trailer (DIY Tips for Arborists & Tree Pros)” is likely multifaceted. Here’s my take:

Practical Guidance: Users want a step-by-step guide on how to build wood sides for their trailer.
Arborist-Specific Needs: They’re looking for information tailored to the demands of the tree care industry, considering the types of loads (brush, logs, equipment) and the conditions they work in.
Durability and Reliability: They need the wood sides to be robust and able to withstand heavy use and outdoor exposure.
Cost-Effectiveness: They want to build the sides themselves to save money compared to purchasing pre-made options.
Safety and Compliance: They’re concerned about securing loads properly and ensuring the trailer meets safety regulations.
Customization: They may have specific size requirements or design preferences for their trailer sides.

Why Add Wood Sides to Your Trailer?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s address the “why.” As someone who’s used trailers extensively in my tree care business, here’s why I believe adding wood sides is a worthwhile investment:

Increased Capacity: Wood sides significantly increase the volume of material you can haul. Think about it: loose brush, mulch, or even firewood can be piled higher and contained more effectively.
Load Security: Sides prevent materials from shifting or falling off during transport, minimizing the risk of accidents and damage. I’ve had too many near misses with unsecured loads to take this lightly.
Protection from the Elements: Sides offer a degree of protection from wind, rain, and sun, keeping your cargo drier and more secure.
Professional Appearance: A trailer with well-built wood sides looks more professional and organized, reflecting positively on your business.
Versatility: Sides make your trailer more versatile, allowing you to haul a wider range of materials and equipment.
Cost Savings: Building your own sides is almost always cheaper than buying pre-made ones, plus you can customize them to your exact needs.

Planning Your Project: Size, Design, and Materials

Careful planning is crucial for a successful build. Here’s how I approach the initial stages:

Measuring Your Trailer

The first step is to accurately measure the perimeter of your trailer bed. I use a good old-fashioned measuring tape for this, taking measurements in inches. Record the length and width of each side, as well as the height you want your wood sides to be. Consider the placement of existing stake pockets or mounting points on your trailer frame, as these will influence your design.

Actionable Metric: Measure the trailer bed perimeter to within 1/8 inch accuracy.

Choosing a Design

There are several design options for wood trailer sides, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few common choices:

Solid Sides: These provide maximum containment and protection. They’re ideal for hauling loose materials like mulch or wood chips.
Slatted Sides: These offer good ventilation and allow for drainage. They’re a good choice for hauling firewood or green waste.
Removable Sides: These provide flexibility, allowing you to easily remove the sides when you need a flatbed trailer. I often opt for this design as it gives me the most versatility.
Hinged Sides: These allow you to easily access the trailer bed from the side, which can be useful for loading and unloading.

Personal Story: I once built solid sides for a trailer I used to haul wood chips. While they did a great job containing the chips, they also trapped moisture, leading to premature rotting of the wood. I learned my lesson and now prefer slatted or removable designs.

Selecting the Right Lumber

The type of lumber you choose will significantly impact the durability and longevity of your trailer sides. Here are my recommendations:

Pressure-Treated Lumber: This is the most common and cost-effective option. It’s treated with chemicals to resist rot, decay, and insect infestation. Use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact, even if it won’t be touching the ground directly.
Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash are naturally more durable than softwoods. They’re also more expensive, but they can be a good investment if you want your sides to last a long time.
Cedar or Redwood: These woods are naturally resistant to rot and decay, making them a good choice for outdoor applications. They’re also more aesthetically pleasing than pressure-treated lumber.
Avoid Softwoods (Pine, Fir): Unless they are pressure treated, softwoods are generally not a good choice for trailer sides as they are prone to rot and decay.

Wood Type Specifications:

Pressure-Treated Lumber: Look for lumber that is treated to a retention level of at least 0.40 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) for ground contact.
Hardwoods: Choose hardwoods with a Janka hardness rating of at least 1000 lbf (pounds-force).
Cedar or Redwood: Select heartwood, which is more resistant to decay than sapwood.

Data Point: A study by the Forest Products Laboratory found that pressure-treated lumber can last 20-30 years in ground contact, while untreated lumber may rot within 5 years.

Original Insight: I’ve found that sealing the ends of pressure-treated lumber with a sealant designed for this purpose can further extend its lifespan.

Determining Lumber Dimensions

The thickness and width of your lumber will depend on the size of your trailer and the loads you’ll be hauling. Here are some general guidelines:

For smaller trailers (4×8 feet or less): Use 2×4 lumber for the frame and 1×4 or 1×6 lumber for the sides.
For larger trailers (5×10 feet or more): Use 2×6 lumber for the frame and 1×6 or 1×8 lumber for the sides.
For heavy-duty applications: Consider using 2×8 or 2×10 lumber for the frame and thicker lumber for the sides.

Measurement: For a 5×8 trailer with 2-foot high sides hauling firewood, I’d recommend a frame made of 2×6 pressure-treated lumber and sides made of 1×6 pressure-treated lumber.

Estimating Material Costs

Before you start buying materials, it’s a good idea to estimate the total cost of the project. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

Lumber: This will be the biggest expense. Prices vary depending on the type and dimensions of lumber you choose.
Fasteners: You’ll need screws or bolts to attach the lumber to the trailer frame.
Hardware: You may need hinges, latches, or other hardware depending on your design.
Finishing Supplies: You may want to apply a sealant or stain to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

Actionable Metric: Create a detailed materials list and get price quotes from several lumber yards before making any purchases.

Takeaway: Careful planning is essential for a successful trailer side build. Take the time to measure your trailer, choose the right design and materials, and estimate the cost of the project before you start.

Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools will make the job much easier and safer. Here’s a list of the tools I recommend:

Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
Work Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
Pencil or Marker: For marking cut lines.
Circular Saw: For cutting lumber to size.
Drill/Driver: For pre-drilling holes and driving screws.
Impact Driver: For driving large screws or bolts.
Level: For ensuring the sides are level and plumb.
Square: For ensuring corners are square.
Wrench Set: For tightening bolts.
Socket Set: For tightening nuts.
Clamps: For holding lumber in place while you drill and screw.
Safety Gear: Hearing protection, dust mask (especially when cutting pressure-treated lumber).

Tool List Specifics:

Circular Saw: A 7 1/4-inch circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is suitable for most lumber cutting tasks.
Drill/Driver: A cordless drill/driver with a variable speed and clutch is ideal for pre-drilling and driving screws.
Impact Driver: An 18V impact driver is recommended for driving large screws or bolts into tough materials.

Practical Tip: Invest in quality tools. They’ll last longer and make the job easier and safer. I’ve learned this the hard way, replacing cheap tools far more often than I should have.

Building the Frame

The frame is the foundation of your trailer sides, so it’s important to build it strong and square. Here’s how I do it:

Cutting the Lumber

Cut the lumber for the frame to the correct lengths based on your measurements. Use a circular saw and a square to ensure accurate cuts. Always wear safety glasses when cutting lumber.

Measurement: If your trailer is 5 feet wide, you’ll need two pieces of lumber that are 5 feet long for the top and bottom rails of the frame.

Assembling the Frame

Assemble the frame using screws or bolts. I prefer screws for most applications, as they’re easier to install and provide a strong hold. Use galvanized or stainless steel screws to prevent rust.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Lay the lumber for the top and bottom rails of the frame on a flat surface.
Place the vertical supports between the top and bottom rails, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Use a square to ensure the corners are square.
Pre-drill holes through the frame members and into the vertical supports.
Drive screws through the holes to secure the frame.

Practical Tip: Use clamps to hold the frame members in place while you drill and screw them together. This will ensure a tight and square frame.

Attaching the Frame to the Trailer

There are several ways to attach the frame to the trailer. Here are a few common methods:

Using Stake Pockets: If your trailer has stake pockets, you can insert the frame into the pockets. This is the easiest and most convenient method.
Bolting the Frame to the Trailer Frame: You can drill holes through the trailer frame and bolt the wood frame to it. This is a more secure method, but it requires more work.
Welding the Frame to the Trailer Frame: If you have welding skills, you can weld the wood frame to the trailer frame. This is the strongest method, but it requires specialized equipment and skills.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Bolting Method):

Position the frame on the trailer.
Use a marker to mark the locations of the bolt holes on the trailer frame.
Drill holes through the trailer frame at the marked locations.
Align the frame with the holes in the trailer frame.
Insert bolts through the holes and tighten the nuts.

Original Insight: I’ve found that using rubber washers between the wood frame and the trailer frame can help reduce vibration and prevent the wood from cracking.

Takeaway: A strong and square frame is essential for durable trailer sides. Take your time and use quality materials and fasteners to build a frame that will last.

Adding the Sides

Once the frame is built, you can start adding the sides. Here’s how I do it:

Cutting the Lumber

Cut the lumber for the sides to the correct lengths based on your measurements. Use a circular saw and a square to ensure accurate cuts.

Measurement: If you want your sides to be 2 feet high, cut the lumber to 2 feet long.

Attaching the Sides to the Frame

Attach the sides to the frame using screws. Use galvanized or stainless steel screws to prevent rust.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Solid Sides):

Position the first board on the frame.
Use a level to ensure the board is level.
Pre-drill holes through the board and into the frame.
Drive screws through the holes to secure the board.
Repeat steps 1-4 for the remaining boards, overlapping each board slightly to create a solid side.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Slatted Sides):

Position the first board on the frame.
Use a level to ensure the board is level.
Pre-drill holes through the board and into the frame.
Drive screws through the holes to secure the board.
Repeat steps 1-4 for the remaining boards, spacing them evenly to create a slatted side.

Practical Tip: Use a spacer block to ensure consistent spacing between the slats. A piece of scrap lumber works well for this.

Reinforcing the Sides

For added strength, you can reinforce the sides with additional supports. Here are a few options:

Horizontal Supports: Add horizontal supports across the middle of the sides.
Vertical Supports: Add vertical supports between the horizontal supports.
Metal Brackets: Use metal brackets to reinforce the corners and joints.

Original Insight: I’ve found that adding a metal strip along the top edge of the sides can help protect the wood from damage when loading and unloading materials.

Takeaway: Securely attach the sides to the frame and reinforce them as needed to create durable and long-lasting trailer sides.

Finishing Touches

Once the sides are attached, there are a few finishing touches you can add to improve the appearance and functionality of your trailer.

Sanding

Sand the sides to remove any splinters or rough edges. This will make the sides safer and more comfortable to handle.

Sealing or Staining

Apply a sealant or stain to protect the wood from the elements and enhance its appearance. Choose a sealant or stain that is designed for outdoor use.

Practical Tip: Apply multiple coats of sealant or stain for maximum protection.

Adding Hardware

Add any necessary hardware, such as hinges, latches, or tie-down points.

Hardware Examples:

Hinges: Use heavy-duty hinges for hinged sides.
Latches: Use secure latches to keep the sides closed.
Tie-Down Points: Add tie-down points to secure your cargo.

Takeaway: Finishing touches can improve the appearance, functionality, and longevity of your trailer sides. Take the time to sand, seal, and add hardware to complete the project.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be a top priority when working with tools and equipment. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
Wear Work Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
Use Hearing Protection: Protect your ears from loud noises.
Use a Dust Mask: Protect your lungs from dust and fumes, especially when cutting pressure-treated lumber.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid breathing in fumes from sealants or stains.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using tools and equipment.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for hazards such as power lines, trees, and uneven ground.
Never Work Alone: Have someone nearby in case of an accident.
Inspect Your Trailer Regularly: Check the sides for damage and repair any problems immediately.
Secure Your Load Properly: Use tie-down straps or chains to secure your cargo.
Drive Safely: Drive at a safe speed and be aware of the added weight of your cargo.

Data Point: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improperly secured loads contribute to thousands of accidents each year.

Original Insight: I always double-check my load before hitting the road, making sure everything is secure and properly distributed. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Takeaway: Safety is paramount when working with tools and equipment. Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and others from injury.

Maintenance and Repair

Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your trailer sides. Here are some maintenance tips:

Inspect the Sides Regularly: Check for damage such as cracks, splits, or rot.
Repair Any Damage Immediately: Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
Tighten Loose Fasteners: Check the fasteners regularly and tighten any that are loose.
Reapply Sealant or Stain: Reapply sealant or stain every few years to protect the wood from the elements.
Store Your Trailer Properly: Store your trailer in a dry place to prevent rot and decay.

Actionable Metric: Inspect your trailer sides at least once a month and perform any necessary maintenance.

Personal Story: I once neglected to repair a small crack in one of my trailer sides. Over time, the crack grew larger and larger, eventually requiring me to replace the entire side. I learned my lesson and now address any damage immediately.

Takeaway: Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life of your trailer sides. Inspect the sides regularly and repair any damage promptly.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some problems during the build. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Frame is Not Square: Use a square to check the corners and adjust as needed.
Sides are Not Level: Use a level to check the sides and adjust as needed.
Screws are Stripping: Use a larger screw or pre-drill the holes.
Wood is Splitting: Pre-drill the holes and use a countersink bit.
Sides are Warping: Use thicker lumber or add additional supports.

Practical Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re stuck. There are plenty of resources available online and in your community.

Takeaway: Troubleshooting common problems can save you time and frustration. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find solutions that work for you.

Alternative Materials

While wood is a popular choice for trailer sides, there are other materials you can use. Here are a few alternatives:

Metal: Metal sides are durable and long-lasting. Aluminum is a lightweight option that is resistant to rust. Steel is a stronger option, but it is also heavier and more prone to rust.
Plastic: Plastic sides are lightweight and resistant to rot and decay. They are also easy to clean.
Composite: Composite sides are made from a combination of wood and plastic. They are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to rot and decay.

Material Comparison:

Wood: Affordable, easy to work with, but prone to rot and decay if not properly treated.
Metal: Durable, long-lasting, but can be expensive and difficult to work with.
Plastic: Lightweight, easy to clean, but may not be as strong as wood or metal.
Composite: Durable, long-lasting, but can be expensive.

Original Insight: I’ve seen some arborists use recycled plastic lumber for their trailer sides. It’s a great way to reduce waste and create a durable, low-maintenance product.

Takeaway: Consider alternative materials for your trailer sides if you want a different look or level of durability.

Customization Options

One of the great things about building your own trailer sides is that you can customize them to your specific needs. Here are a few customization options:

Height: Choose the height of the sides based on the types of materials you’ll be hauling.
Removable Sections: Make sections of the sides removable for easy access to the trailer bed.
Swing-Out Gate: Add a swing-out gate to the back of the trailer for easy loading and unloading.
Tool Storage: Incorporate tool storage compartments into the sides.
Ladder Rack: Add a ladder rack to the top of the sides.

Practical Tip: Think about how you’ll be using your trailer and design the sides to meet your specific needs.

Takeaway: Customization options allow you to create trailer sides that are perfectly suited to your needs.

Conclusion

Building wood sides for your trailer is a rewarding project that can significantly enhance its versatility and functionality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build durable, custom-made sides that will serve you well for years to come. Remember to prioritize safety, use quality materials, and take your time. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your trailer into a valuable asset for your arborist or tree care business. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get a few compliments along the way. After all, a well-equipped trailer is a sign of a professional, and that’s something to be proud of.