rusty trailers any help ?

[falcon0310]

has anyone ever treated rusty trailer ? apart from normal hamerrite ?

[treerat]

wax oil does a pretty good job, which ever you use you need to rub it down to what's left - and hope it's enough.

Once rubbed down you can always use a metal primer and top coat then wax oil to protect it.

[Leapy]

There'll probably be some advice coming regarding Galvafroid, a zinc based paint - not used it myself but there's been discussion on here that seems to suggest it does a good job.

For small areas where rust develops on, for example, the welds of a newish trailer, I've wire brushed it back, used an etch primer and then silver haemorrhoid paint. Works well and blends in well cosmetically.

[Nick Hearne]

It's the rust you can't see or get at I would be more wored about!
If its made out of the normal box section water & rust gets in where you can't get to.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

It's the rust you can't see or get at I would be more wored about!
If its made out of the normal box section water & rust gets in where you can't get to.

For sure. Couldn't work out from the OP whether he's talking about cosmetic stuff or something potentially more serious.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Leapy

I've wire brushed it back, used an etch primer and then silver haemorrhoid paint. Works well and blends in well cosmetically.

You must look very smart with your nice shiny undercarriage. You're a hardy lad - it brought tears to my eyes just thinking about it!

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by willk

You must look very smart with your nice shiny undercarriage. You're a hardy lad - it brought tears to my eyes just thinking about it!

Willk, sweetheart, you've just not lived, have you :-)

[Mollers]

Painting yer ass aside, in my experience, when a trailer has gotton to a rusty state, all the wire brush and Hammerite work is cosmetic only. It might slow the 'returning to nature' process fractionally, but nothing else.
In truth, the trailer is heading towards shagged and a replacement is nigh.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Painting yer ass aside, in my experience, when a trailer has gotton to a rusty state, all the wire brush and Hammerite work is cosmetic only. It might slow the 'returning to nature' process fractionally, but nothing else.
In truth, the trailer is heading towards shagged and a replacement is nigh.

That'd be my view too, Mollers. Never had any luck with long term de-rusting classic cars never mind trailers being dipped in salt water.

[surfer4life]

try www.aquasteel.co.uk i think they also sell it on ebay cheaper, they use it on pontoons, ships etc... that sit in seawater so for a trailer it should be great. One word of warning though if you do use it get some form of equipment to spray it on, dont put it on with a brush as bubbles form and makes it uneffective.

[Sharkbyte]

Prepping / treating / painting trailers is a complete waste of time, money and effort.

You'll never get to the areas that really matter.

If the trailer still has plenty of meat on it, strip it and send it to the galvanisers.

Last time I galvanised a trailer it cost about £100.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Sharkbyte

If the trailer still has plenty of meat on it, strip it and send it to the galvanisers.

Last time I galvanised a trailer it cost about £100.

Wouldn't waste my time and money.

By the time that the frame has deteriorated to such a state that it requires re-galving, all of the ancillary bits will also be suffering. By the time that they are stripped, replaced or renewed the jobs not worth doing.
A tidy, quality, lightly used trailer would be the preferred option IMO.