How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

khelhelou

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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im trying to get my boat trailer looking like new again and i was wondering how i could fill a hole that is right on top of my trailers wheel...the hole is a little bigger than a finger and just need some suggestions...
 

LippCJ7

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

My question is, What made this hole? Is it a drilled hole or a rust hole? If its a drilled hole then the fix is to have it welded ground clean primed and painted, if its a rust hole then the fix is taking the trailer to the scrap yard tomorrow before it loses anymore scrap value.
 

ricohman

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

I'm not understanding. Is the hole in the wheel? The fender? Where the spare bolts on? Is it rust?
 

Al Kungel

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

A picture is worth a 1000 words!!
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

A picture is worth a 1000 words!!

after i posted this, i was thinking that maybe i should of posted a picture too...the hole is not a rust hole...it looks like a piece of metal broke off, and its not a hole made by a drill...ill post a picture tomorrow morning
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

I'm not understanding. Is the hole in the wheel? The fender? Where the spare bolts on? Is it rust?

The hole is above the left wheel slightly to the right and its like a triangle shape...kinda weird to explain but ill post a picture tomorrow and then you can let me know if i can save it because im planning on repainting it to look like new again...
 

Scott Danforth

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

you have both rust, and fatigue cracks. have those cracks welded up, or your looking at a busted trailer. what ever was there is no longer there. and from the looks of the witness marks and cracks, it hasnt been there for a while
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

you have both rust, and fatigue cracks. have those cracks welded up, or your looking at a busted trailer. what ever was there is no longer there. and from the looks of the witness marks and cracks, it hasnt been there for a while

Do you know if i can just weld them myself or should i get a pro to do it?
 

Scott Danforth

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

I have no way to know your welding abilities or experience, so I can not answer.
 

HalfFish5087

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

Additionally, I would fill all of the other adjacent holes with welds and the other side of the trailer. You may even consider adding some more steel to the inside of the channel to reinforce this area of the trailer.
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

I have no way to know your welding abilities or experience, so I can not answer.

ok ill just say that i have no welding abilities...but is there something else that i could be able to do instead of welding?
 

minuteman62-64

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

It's probably mild steel which is no great deal to weld if you've done a little welding before. However, it is galvanized, which means you need to grind off the zinc plating in the area you will be welding (or breathe the zinc fumes :( ). You also should grind a "V" into each of the stress cracks before welding them. Then finish with some of that spray galvanizing.
 

Scott Danforth

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

if you have no welding abilities, spend the $50 and have someone who welds for a living take care of it.

the other choice is to let it fail, and scrap the trailer.
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

if you have no welding abilities, spend the $50 and have someone who welds for a living take care of it.

the other choice is to let it fail, and scrap the trailer.

ok thanks and another thing...i heard the product the must for rust is a good product to use for rust? do you think that will help me in my situation?
 

ricohman

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

No big deal to weld that, but the bunk support will have to be removed as the cracks seem to go up underneath. But if you have no idea how to weld then I suggest taking it to someone who does.
The hole by itself didn't cause the damage. It was what was in the hole to begin with.
 

khelhelou

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

No big deal to weld that, but the bunk support will have to be removed as the cracks seem to go up underneath. But if you have no idea how to weld then I suggest taking it to someone who does.
The hole by itself didn't cause the damage. It was what was in the hole to begin with.

can i reinstall the bunk support after welding?
 

UncleWillie

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

... You may even consider adding some more steel to the inside of the channel to reinforce this area of the trailer.

+1
Adding a backing plate will make the welding easier and add strength.

Remove the Bunk support.
Grind/Power Sand the front and back of the area down to bare metal.
Weld it up (you or someone else).
Clean it up with a light grinding, and spray it with Cold Galvanizing Compound.
Remount the bunk support.
Go boating!
 

minuteman62-64

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

if you have no welding abilities, spend the $50 and have someone who welds for a living take care of it.

the other choice is to let it fail, and scrap the trailer.

$50 for a pro welder seems light, at least for here in So. Cal. Maybe if you did the prep and finish work yourself and had the pro just lay the bead.
 

Scott Danforth

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Re: How do i fix a larger than finger size hole in trailer?

prices are all dependent on the who/what/where. had a bit over an hour of aluminum welding done on my buddies pontoon for $50. usually the shops around here charge time and materials.
 
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