ridecamp@endurance.net: Trailer Woes

Trailer Woes

Nancy Mitts (MS-MITTS@VM.MSSC.EDU)
Mon, 05 May 97 14:30:23 CDT

Since we have spent the last 5 years repairing trailers I'd like to add a
little of what we've learned to this discussion. Trailer body construction is
a lot more complicated than a car. The large volume of each car model sold
allows a lot of parts to be molded together. Trailers are constructed one
peice at a time & have a lot more individual parts that must be joined. Due
to the large size, there is a lot of flexing going on over rough interstates
and rougher dirt roads. Not to mention 1000# animals throwing their weight
around. Since the trailers must be able to flex somewhat,many joints cannot be
welded solid, only spot welded. The number of roof bows and floor supports is
one thing to look for in a well built trailer. The more roof support, the less
likely to leak. The most effective caulking is done at the factory between
coats of primer. We have seen trailers that weren't even primed at all. One
trailer had a bare strip down the center of the roof that had never been
painted at all. Metal prep. is really important. Even new metal must be
blasted or acid washed before painting. AVOID UNDERCOATING!!!! Moisture still
leaks in the joints & is trapped between the metal & coating, rusting even
faster than if it leaked through. It is VERY difficult to remove for repainting
and if we aren't replacing all the metal it costs more to repaint. Even flat
roof buildings leak, try to leave your trailer parked at a slight angle if it's
not under roof.
Aluminum "rust" is a white powder & hard to see. Inspect aluminum floors
regularly as urine & manure are damaging to aluminum & steel.
When looking at a used trailer or replacing your floor tap floor supports
with a hammer to knock off loose rust & make sure there's still solid metal
there.
Carefully examine all exposed wiring & make sure it's not rubbing on the edge
of metal tubing. Brake wires are easily torn loose by field stubble & downed
branches.(Most of us end up going places trailers weren't really designed to
go!)
I could go on but this is probably long enough for one post.
If you ever tried to read the government regulations there already are, you
wouldn't want more! A knowledgable dealer should willingly answer all your
questions and help you maintain your trailer properly.
Nancy Mitts
Custom Iron Workers, Inc.
CIW Trailers & Safety Pens

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