Building Utility Trailer Sides

My 5 x 10 utility trailer has open sides (it has a round tubular top rail about 14" above the floor) and I want to build sides to haul bulk material. So, three questions:

1) I was thinking I should use pressure treated 3/4" plywood for the sides and for extra protection and longevity, I wanted to "frame" the plywood panels with pressure treated 3/4" x 1" strips (strips to be attached to the edges of the panels, not on the face). Can I use glue to do this? I was thinking PT wood cannot be glued due to the high moisture content. Or should I use SS screws?

2) To attach the panels to the top rail, I envision some sort of "J" hook to go around the (appr. 2") round tubing and attach to the panel. Any suggestions on what to use for this hardware?

3) Any other hints or suggestions on how to attack this project?

 

PT plywood would be ok.
How you fasten it is quite difficult to say without seeing it.
Do you want the sides to be higher than the 14" height of the rail?
I have used one hole conduit clamps to fasten wood to round pipe.

Have you a way to take pics of the trailer and uploading them to a free host like Photobucket?
You can post a link and we could take a look.

 

I think I do want the sides a little higher than the rail. I do realize that much beyond the rail height wont be able to contain a heavy load.

To try to explain my "J" hook idea - picture a carriage bolt sticking outward about 5" from the plywood panel at the top of the rail. Then bend it so it wraps around the tubing (top rail) making the "J." I could use all-thread to do this but it'll rust and mark up the rail more than necessary. So, what to use?

Securing the bottom of the panels is not a concern - there are brackets there to bolt to.

Check out the photos here:

 

It looks quite easy to do.

A good way would be to drill through the angle iron uprights to fasten the plywood.
If you cut the plywood to the height you want you could run a 1x4 against the back of the plywood in line with the angle iron uprights to support the piece above the rail.
Trim it along the top between the upright 1x4's with horizontal 1x4.
Screw the 1x4 to the plywood to keep it all together if you remove the sides.

 

Thank you for that Greg - that helps. Do you know if one can glue PT wood?

 

I think you might like to flop the sides down on the bed from time to time. So, side height something less than half the bed width, and no hardware or other attachments on them. Anyway, the sides will store better if they're flat and plain.


How about this:

Drill 3/8" holes through the verticals. While you're at it, drill as many holes in the other face of those verticals (will explain shortly).

Set up your sides, mark though the holes. Drill ply and install insert-nuts...



Then you cna secure the sides with something like this...




Why the additional holes? Drill and tap to match the bolt thread, so you have a place to keep those wing-bolts when not in use.

 

Hmm... Kobuchi, I'm interested in that idea - thank you. Will the insert nuts work in 3/4" plywood? And where do I get the insert nuts and wing bolts?

 

yes they will work in plywood , big orange or well stocked hardware store.
remember Murphy was an optimist