Whether your trailer is your livelihood or something that you just use on occasion, you want it to last as long as possible. The investment you made in your trailer was likely substantial, even if you bought a used trailer. And to get the most out of it, protecting it from rust is essential.
Catch Problems Early
If your paint gets chipped from a rock that bounces up off the pavement, make sure to touch up that paint right away. The metal must be protected from moisture. If you purchase a used trailer that is rusty it’s best to sandblast the entire thing and repaint it.
The inside of your trailer can rust as well. Make sure that you watch for chips or beginning hints of rust (bubbles in the paint job) on the interior of your trailer, too. Frequently, moisture gets trapped inside, with nowhere to go. Seams are an ongoing area for potential problems. Pay special attention there.
Protect Your Trailer From Rust In Seven Steps
Are you ready to rustproof your trailer? Here we go:
- Step one is a dirty job, but someone has to do it. The trailer must be thoroughly cleaned. Brush off road film, dirt, wash the inside and outside, etc. Water and dirt can get trapped in nooks and crannies so beware. Scrape off any peeling paint. The trailer must be completely dried before the next step.
- Step two is a detailed trailer inspection. Check the frame and steel panels for any cracks or rust damage. If you’re a great welder, weld up any small cracks.
- Step three is to figure out a plan. If this looks like too big of a job for you alone, you may want to enlist some help or contract it out to someone else.
- Any spots that were rusted must be brushed so that the rust is gone, primed, and painted. You may have to do a little sanding as well.
- Step five is to, on the interior of your trailer, apply rust preventative. To keep moisture out, make sure that all seams are caulked.
- Step six has to wait a couple of days. Then wash the outside of the trailer again because some of the rust protectant may have leaked through unsealed seams left (from the inside).
- Step seven means rechecking for rust, dealing with it if it exists, and applying rust preventative (just like you did on the interior). It’s a good idea, depending on climate and usage, to repeat the rust proofing of your trailer every one to two years. Staying on top of rust and the circumstances that cause it will significantly extend the life of your trailer.
Whether you’re looking for a used trailer, parts for your trailer, or something else entirely, check out the extensive inventory at Mickey Genuine Parts. Not only do we carry Mickey parts, but we carry custom parts as well. We also service trucks and trailers at any one of our Mickey owned or certified service centers. We pride ourselves in expedited shipping, knowledgeable staff, and friendly customer service representatives. Talk to a Mickey representative today to see what we can do for you.