Imagine a scenario where you have your trailer hooked up, and you’re ready for the much-anticipated weekend getaway.
But the minute you check, you notice a problematic sight: bubbling paint on the frame and an orange-brown, flaky patch near the axle. This is the much-dreaded ‘rust’ that has moved in, and letting it be on its own can be troublesome.
Corrosion and rust are the silent enemies of every trailer owner. While they appear to be small and harmless, they eventually eat away at the structure and safety of your trailer.
Nevertheless, the good news is that you can still stop it if you ‘catch it’ early. So, how is it done? Here is a detailed guide on how to handle and prevent rusting before it can lead to bigger problems ahead.
Why Is Rust Such a Common Problem?
Just like the trailer wiring problems we discussed in our previous blog, rust is a constant battle because of what your trailer is exposed to.
- Road Salt and Chemicals
The Sacramento winters have the roads treated with salts and de-icers, which tend to enter your trailer.
- Constant Moisture:
Did you know that rain, humidity, or a simple trailer wash after a long trip can have moisture trapped within the crevices of your trailer?
- Scratches and Chips:
Even a small rock chip on a painted surface is enough to ‘trigger’ the rusting problem.
- Dissimilar Metals:
When two different metals touch each other, like steel and aluminum, in the presence of moisture, it can lead to corrosion.
With time, this exposure can easily break down the protective coatings. To avoid major damage, you need to get in touch with a reliable trailer rust repair service as quickly as possible. But stay cautious and do your research well when choosing an RV service shop near you.
Common Areas to Check for Rust
Before ‘repairing the rust,’ you need to find it. For this, get hold of a flashlight and get comfortable on a creeper. Now, watch out for the following spots when down under:
- The Frame Rails
Take a good look at the bottom and sides of the main frame rails, where the dirt and mud most likely tend to collect.
- Suspension Components:
Spring hangers, springs, and U-bolts are regularly ‘attacked’ by road debris and, hence, prone to surface rust.
- Hitches and Couplers:
The moving parts are usually greased; however, it is the metal around them that can easily corrode.
- Wheel wells and fenders:
These are the main areas that face the burn of the spray from your tires.
- Electrical Connectors:
Keep in mind that the moisture can also lead to trailer wiring problems within your connectors and plugs.
How to Handle Trailer Rust: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have finally identified the rust, it is time for some action. However, the steps you take greatly depend on the depth of the corrosion and if the damage has reached the deeper layers of your trailer:
For Surface Rust (Light, Flaky Spots)
This is perhaps the simplest to handle. You require a wire brush, sandpaper (80 to 120-grit), a rust-inhibiting primer, and spray paint to match your trailer.
- Scrub It Off:
Start by removing all the loose rust and paint using a wire brush and sandpaper. Continue till you get bare, clean metal.
- Clean the Area:
For this, use a rag and denatured alcohol or acetone to wipe away all the dust and debris.
- Prime and Paint:
Next, apply a generous coat of rust-inhibiting primer, allow it to dry, and finally apply your topcoat. This is to seal the metal from the moisture.
For Scale Rust (Pitted, Layered Rust)
This is the ‘aggressive part’ where the metal has started to ‘pit.’
- Grind It Down:
Use an angle grinder with a flap disc to remove any heavy buildup to expose the metal underneath.
- Assess the Damage:
Next, check for the metal thickness and if you have ground through the metal or if it feels ‘thin’ enough. If yes, then you might have a structural issue to deal with.
- Treat and Seal:
Be sure to prime and paint it immediately in order to prevent the rust from returning, much like the surface rust.
For Penetrating Rust (Holes in the Metal):
You know you have a major problem on your hands if you can poke a screwdriver through the rust. This tends to compromise the structural integrity of your trailer.
- Solution:
To solve this issue, you will need to cut off the affected metal and weld in the new piece. For the best trailer rust repair service, hire a licenced professional from a reputable and experienced service shop.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
Sanding and painting the small spots can be a great weekend project, but some rust problems are too big to manage with just a wire brush.
You must call the experts when the rust has spread and is now visible within the structural parts of the frame or has created weak spots.
Some of the top trailer maintenance service shops have all the tools and expertise to manage severe corrosion cases. Here is what a trailer repair expert will do for you –
- A thorough structural inspection will be conducted.
- Next, they will remove rust from complex areas using a sandblaster and needle scalers.
- Once the rust is removed, they will either replace the entire section of the frame or weld in a new metal patch.
- Finally, they will be applying a professional-grade coating that can last longer than spray paint.
Quick Questions
1. How can I tell if the rust on my trailer is just surface-level or a sign of a bigger problem?
The simplest way to notice a difference is by conducting a simple physical check. The surface rust is much like a rough, orange or brown discoloration on top of the metal or paint. Hence, when scratched with a screwdriver, the metal underneath should still feel solid and thick.
However, once you notice an area of the metal that appears like fish scales, also known as ‘scale rust,’ or when you can poke a hole through the metal with a screwdriver, it means you are penetrating ‘rust.’ This is the main safety concern. So, you see, once you notice that the metal feels soft and flaky and you can easily see light through it, then it is time to get professional help in trailer rust repair before it causes some serious damage.
2. What is the best way to prevent rust from forming on my trailer in the first place?
Prevention is always a better option than repair. For best maintenance, regular cleaning along with protective coatings can make all the difference. Firstly, regular trailer maintenance is recommended: washing your trailer after every trip, especially the undercarriage area, to remove mud, road salt, and moisture.
Secondly, ensure that the metal is sealed. Regular inspection of the trailer for rock chips and scratches and using touch-up paint to cover them instantly is a good idea.
Likewise, for the frame and undercarriage, application of a rust inhibitor or fluid film coating to create a protective barrier against moisture is recommended.
Lastly, always store your trailer in a dry place, such as the garage or under a cover, to protect it from natural elements.
3. My trailer frame has a lot of rust. Is it safe to drive, or do I need professional Sacramento trailer repair?
This depends largely on the severity of the rust and the location. If you discover surface rust on non-structural parts such as the toolbox or a fender, then it is not a major problem. However, if the rust is on some structural components like the main frame rails, the tongue (A-frame), the coupler, or the spring hangers, then it is a safety risk. As rust can weaken the metal, any failure in these areas while going at highway speeds can be dangerous.
In such a scenario, it is best to call up a professional technician, such as McColloch’s RV Repair, for a complete safety inspection. You will be advised on the best course of action or immediate trailer rust repair.
Final Thoughts
Prevention is perhaps the best solution when it comes to managing rust.
Let us take a look at some of the top tips for the ongoing trailer maintenance that you can use to keep your trailer rust-free:
- Wash Regularly
Be sure to wash your trailer thoroughly after a long trip, especially near the coasts or treated roads, paying more attention to the undercarriage area.
- Keep It Dry
Store your trailer in a garage, carport, or under a breathable cover for protection from rain and dew.
- Touch-Up Paint
Having a small bottle of matching touch-up paint handy is a good idea. You can simply deal with the metal once you see a scratch or a chip.
- Inspect Annually
A complete rust inspection should be a part of your yearly maintenance routine. Be sure to repair it once you catch a small bubble quickly.
Don’t Let Rust Ruin Your Next Trip – Contact McColloch’s RV Repair & Storage
Apart from just looking bad, rust can also compromise the safety of your trailer and also others on the road around you.
It is a smart move to ensure that your trailer is attended to by the professionals once you have spotted corrosion on your RV.
With over 30 years of experience, McColloch’s RV is a trusted name for trailer repair in Sacramento. With some of the best technicians by your side, a complete assessment of the damage can be performed by our expert trailer rust repair team. This is followed by guidance on the best ways to safeguard your investment for the future.Don’t let rust on your RV get worse. Call us today at 916-929-3510 to schedule your trailer inspection!
