Although the warm weather has just started, our mechanics at Ainsworth Trailer Repair have already seen plenty of rusty boat trailers. Many people devalue the importance of boat trailer repair and think that their trailers will remain in adequate shape throughout the winter months. The fact is improper maintenance can lead to dangerous rusting and poses problems for you on the road. Keep your trailer as rust-free as possible and you’ll benefit greatly from your efforts.
Rinse!
One of the best ways to avoid rust on your boat trailer is to wash it after use, especially if it was exposed to lake water. Water exposure, especially if it’s prolonged, can lead to dangerous rusting and deterioration of your trailer and increase dangers on the road. Also try to keep your trailer dry after rinsing it.
Understanding Rust
Taking the initiative to understand the effects of rust can help you keep your trailer in peak shape. Rusting is the result of the breakdown of paint on the metal and occurs when the bare metal starts to oxidize. Materials such as stainless or galvanized steel are more resistant to rust thansteel, and are popular, yet more expensive boat trailers. Even though some steel trailers are galvanized for protection, even these products can still rust over time.
Solutions
There are many preventative measures that you can take to prevent rust from damaging your trailer to avoid paying for boat trailer repairs. We’ve listed a few below for your benefit.
Aerosol Zinc – For those looking to simply prevent rusting in the smaller areas on their trailer such as nooks and crannies, aerosol zinc is a great, simple solution.
Motor Oil – Although it is fairly unattractive in terms of aesthetics, this is an inexpensive solution that can be used to prevent rusting and is best saved for infrequent boat users.
Lanolin – Biodegradable and inexpensive, this product is a salt, water and acid-resistant lubricant that is great for green boaters who want a natural alternative to other rust prevention products.
Tectyl – The best long-term rust prevention solution, tectyl lasts for up to five years and is a petroleum-based corrosion prevention product.
It may seem harmless, but long-term rusting can lead to significant damages to your trailer and pose dangers to you and others on the road. At Ainsworth Trailer Repair, our boat trailer repair experts can ensure that you’re trailer is properly maintained and protected against rusting. Give us a call anytime at 303-227-9363 or drop by our shop and we can help you get your trailer ready for the summer.
