Dave:
Nice looking trailer.
Gord has a 16'er and it is a tad short to my mind and an 18'er would be just about perfect. That is what I would opt for if/when I ever buy one. Right now all my DGC can handle is my 6'x12' utility dump trailer. Gord got his from Linkletter Welding -
Industrial Utility Trailer. One of the things I really like is that the ramps are stored under the deck cross-wise to the trailer bed. Heavy duty ramps. His deck is not pressure treated. Enclosed wiring. No D-rings ordered but we added em last year at Dales during one of our MiniFests with Gord, Bruce, Dale and I
One of the concerns up here for us is that the frame should be sandblasted, primed and then painted. Rust from the salt air is common and import trailers seem to be simply painted when then flakes easily. Also imports are not wired. The LWL trailers have totally enclosed wiring which is a real plus. D-rings are a wise option.
Now this is JIMHO, but I agree also on the wood decks. Pressure treated or Douglas Fir decks will last a long time. If you opt for untreated stock, a coat of Mr. Irving's finest .. or is that Mr. Getty's finest
10 or 30 wt each year will keep the deck in top shape. After loading and off-loading TD-7/8's a few times on both steel and wood, I find the steel decks are very dangerous. Also working as a rigger with my BIA, wood decks are much safer with less tendency for accidents to happen. Don't ask why I know that intimately
Same applies to tractors. I am not a happy puppy loading tractors on any flat bed higher than 12" or 18" max .. but with a wooden floor it is at least a little firmer footing for a Cub or whatever you are loading especially as you load rear first. My preference is to sling em on the trailer and drive em off