How to Prevent Rust and Corrosion on Your Trailer

When you're hauling heavy loads across long distances, rust and corrosion are silent enemies creeping up on your trailer. The battle to keep your trailer in top condition isn't just about mechanical maintenance—it's also about protecting your rig from environmental wear and tear. In this guide, we'll cover the best methods to prevent rust and corrosion.

Understanding Rust and Corrosion

Rust is the result of iron reacting with oxygen in the presence of moisture, producing iron oxide—a reddish-brown flaky substance that weakens metal. Corrosion, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to the deterioration of metal due to chemical reactions, often involving water and salt. Both of these issues can significantly affect the longevity and safety of your trailer.

Key culprits of rust and corrosion:

• Moisture: Water, especially when left on untreated surfaces, is one of the main contributors to rust.
• Road Salt: In colder climates, road salt is a major factor in accelerating corrosion. It lowers the freezing point of water, which can speed up the rusting process.
• Humidity: Trailers stored in humid environments are at greater risk of corrosion, especially if they’re not well-ventilated.

Prevention Starts With Materials

The first step in rust prevention is understanding the materials used in your trailer. Steel is highly susceptible to rust, while aluminum trailers are naturally more corrosion-resistant but still need care to avoid galvanic corrosion, which happens when dissimilar metals touch.

• Choose the right materials: If you're in the market for a new trailer, consider aluminum, which is highly resistant to rust compared to steel.
• Galvanized steel: This material is coated with zinc, making it more resistant to rust. If you already own a steel trailer, consider applying a galvanized coating for added protection.

Routine Cleaning and Inspection

One of the most effective ways to prevent rust is simple: keep your trailer clean. Dirt, grime, and road salt can trap moisture against metal surfaces, accelerating the rusting process.

Steps for Cleaning Your Trailer:

1. Pressure Wash Regularly: After long hauls or exposure to rain, snow, or salt, wash your trailer thoroughly with a pressure washer. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, where rust loves to hide.
2. Inspect for Damage: Rust often forms in cracks, scratches, or other damaged areas where moisture can easily seep in. During cleaning, inspect the trailer for any signs of wear and tear.
3. Dry Completely: Don’t leave your trailer wet after washing. Water pooled in crevices is a recipe for rust. Use air compressors to blow water out of tight spaces if necessary.

Protective Coatings

Applying protective coatings is one of the best defenses against rust. These coatings create a barrier between your trailer's metal and the elements.

Types of Coatings:

• Rust-inhibiting primers: These are specially formulated to bond with metal and prevent the formation of rust.
• Powder coating: This involves applying a dry powder to the trailer’s surface and then heating it to form a durable, protective layer.
• Oil-based coatings: These can be applied to both new and used trailers and form a slick, moisture-resistant barrier.
• Wax coating: Another excellent choice for preventing rust, especially in harsh environments. Wax can be reapplied seasonally for continuous protection.

Applying a coat of rust-inhibiting paint every couple of years can also help extend the life of your trailer. Make sure to choose a high-quality paint designed for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.

Pay Attention to the Undercarriage

Out of sight, out of mind? Not when it comes to the undercarriage of your trailer. This is the area most vulnerable to rust due to its constant exposure to road debris, moisture, and salt.

Tips for Protecting the Undercarriage:

• Apply undercoating: Invest in a quality undercoating spray designed to resist rust and corrosion. These products create a durable barrier on the underside of your trailer.
• Check and reapply: Over time, even the best undercoatings can wear off. Make it a habit to check the undercarriage periodically and reapply as necessary.
• Install splash guards: Splash guards behind your tires can prevent road debris and water from being thrown against the trailer's underside.

Avoiding Galvanic Corrosion

If your trailer is made of aluminum but has steel components, you're at risk of galvanic corrosion. This happens when two different metals touch, causing the aluminum to corrode faster.

• Use a dielectric grease: Apply dielectric grease to joints where steel and aluminum meet. This will prevent the metals from making contact and reduce the chance of galvanic corrosion.
• Inspect rivets and fasteners: Corrosion often starts around the rivets or fasteners that hold your trailer together. Ensure they're made from corrosion-resistant materials, like stainless steel.

Storing Your Trailer Properly

Where and how you store your trailer can make a big difference in preventing rust and corrosion.

Best Practices for Storage:

• Keep it covered: A high-quality tarp or trailer cover will help protect your trailer from rain, snow, and sun exposure. Be sure to use a breathable cover to avoid trapping moisture.
• Elevate it: Keep your trailer off the ground by using jack stands or blocks. This prevents moisture from the ground from creeping up into the metal frame.
• Ventilation: Ensure that there’s proper ventilation in the storage area to reduce humidity levels. Enclosed trailers especially need to be vented to prevent condensation buildup inside.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Rust prevention isn’t a one-and-done deal. To truly protect your trailer, regular trailer maintenance is crucial. Schedule monthly or quarterly checks to look for signs of rust or corrosion, especially after long trips or exposure to harsh conditions.

Maintenance Tips:

• Touch up paint scratches: Even small scratches in the paint can expose bare metal to moisture, starting the rusting process. Touch up scratches as soon as they appear.
• Lubricate moving parts: Hinges, latches, and other moving parts should be lubricated regularly to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing rust.

Always Keep Your Trailers in Top Shape

Rust and corrosion are natural enemies for any trailer owner, but with proper care, they can be kept at bay. From routine cleaning to applying protective coatings and storing your trailer correctly, these steps will help you protect your investment for years to come. Remember, rust prevention is all about consistency. A little maintenance today can save you a lot of money and hassle down the road.

If you're dealing with rust on your trailer or need expert advice on how to protect it, give J & J Truck and Trailer Repair in El Paso, TX a call. We're here to help!