is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt it?

[Burro237]

I'm thinking about buying a new trailer. The local place where I live only makes galvanized. It will be primarily freshwater, but maybe once a year in salt. I've seen a lot of posts from people who use galvanized in salt 100% of the time, and complain about the destruction, but mine will be in fresh 99.9999% of the time. How much is a few dunks a year in salt going to hurt if I spray it down with the necessary lubes and wash it after each use?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

you will be fine

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

Don't fret over this. Some believe that saltwater is so corrosive that even getting near to it will cause engines to seize and any type of metal to disintegrate within minutes.

I have a painted trailer and a few times a year launch in the ocean. I spray the trailer down with a hose when I get back home and never had an issue with rust.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

OMG....Galvanized trailers are ideal for salt water applications...don't worry about it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

My galvanized trailer is 16 years old. Never touched freshwater in it's life. Around 100 dunks per year. Rinsed maybe once or twice a year.

I had to change rear axle after 10 years of service. The original front axle is still in service. I replaced the springs and all u-bolts this spring. It should get another 16 years out of it.

I have a painted trailer and a few times a year launch in the ocean. I spray the trailer down with a hose when I get back home and never had an issue with rust.

Pretty scary. Fixed too many welded trailers used in saltwater with didn?t have any issues until??.. they rust from the inside out with no external signs of the damage.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

It's not so much the trailer but the hardware. (brackets/bolts and such) You will be fine. Just rinse it off when your done.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

Pretty scary. Fixed too many welded trailers used in saltwater with didn’t have any issues until…….. they rust from the inside out with no external signs of the damage.

Have to agree with this one.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

Just keep an eye on the maintenance. My trailer is used in salt water exclusively and I just hose it off when I get done. Grease the hubs at the end of the season. As hardware rusts, replace it. That's about it.

 

[Lou C]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

I agree with the above, I have a 19 year old galvanized trailer used only in salt. I've replaced all the ubolts, axle, springs and roller bars over the years. The original frame is fine. If you spray the fittings with Corrosion X before salt water use and coat the springs with marine grease they will last a long time. I have zinc plated drums and galvanized drum brakes with aluminum wheel cylinders. I usually get 4-6 years out of a set of wheel cylinders but the rest of the brake assembly is fine.

 

[Ripfence]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

I thought galvanized trailers were the ones you were supposed to use for saltwater.

 

[Burro237]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

I thought galvanized trailers were the ones you were supposed to use for saltwater.

Thanks for all the responses. I'm sure its fine. Its just that some of the trailer dealers I've been talking to recommend aluminum. After reading your responses, I really see no need to spend the extra $.

 

[dingbat]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

Thanks for all the responses. I'm sure its fine. Its just that some of the trailer dealers I've been talking to recommend aluminum. After reading your responses, I really see no need to spend the extra $.

Aluminum trailers are about saving weight and thus fuel costs. Not a big deal if you tow very little. Savings increase w/ distance.

 

[krakatoa]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

Be Careful my friend. Salt Water will destroy your trailer in 7 days...:lol:

 

[foodfisher]

Re: is putting a galvanized trailer in salt just once or twice a year going to hurt i

I would say, in your circumstance, "sleep well!" In a totally salt environment, Galvanized is the only way to go. Bottomless pockets and exotic metals excluded.