Raw Plywood On The Underside Of My 550

Jerry Kemp

Jerry Kemp

Junior Ranger
So I was just re-installing my Alcan cover and hooking on the underside fasteners in preparation for a trip. My 550 is stored outside, so I take the Alcan cover off for inside storage when not in use.

Anyway, while underside, I see that the trailer underside is, what appears to be raw plywood. Is that right? Or is it treated/coated somehow?

I'm considering giving it a coat of boiled linseed oil, but I though I would check with others first, and see what the general consistences is. My 550 is generally a fair-weather vehicle, but one never knows when they will be surprised by a rain storm or similar.
 
Camp Inn uses marine plywood which is pretty impervious. A coating of something probably won't hurt, but I don't think it is necessary. Personally I wouldn't use linseed oil unless you like the smell of linseed oil. You would likely smell the linseed for along time.
 
There is no "raw" exposed wood anywhere on a Camp-Inn. The entire wooden structure is put on a rotisserie and sealed with two full coats of marine two part urethane prior to being mounted on it's frame or any of the metal skin applied. On older models you see this clear finish underneath which prompts some to mistake it for bare wood, which it is not. Newer models have a black truck bed coating on it to add a layer of protection from gravel and such.

It certainly does not hurt to add more urethane coating if you like. Or to oil it up would be fine. Really not necessary however. What would want to avoid though is applying any undercoating products. That would risk created trapped voids by the frame and such that could collect moisture.

Cary
 
My unit is a 2017, and indeed has a fairly thick looking, impervious black layer. I suggested Thompson's, but that was if the wood was truly 'raw'. If Thompson's can't soak in, it doesn't offer much protection.
 
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