Trailer Springs Rusting Out

[realjet]

I have a galvanized pontoon trailer but the springs are not galvanized and rusted a long time ago. I will be replacing them as one has broke.

Can anyone recommend something to spray on them to make them last longer. I use it mainly in brackish water but sometimes it may be used in salt water.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

Check ChampionTrailers.com to see what they suggest. It may be something to replace every few years. About all you can do is spray them (and the trailer) down after using in salt water.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

you can oil them but oil is bad for the fishes...... as suggested above..... wash after dunking...... could be just as simple as finding a fresh water ramp and backing in for a minute or so on the way home.... might as well flush the motor at the same time

 

[superbenk]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

What about something like Por-15? I've been thinking about that for my old trailer.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

The problem is as you drive the springs rub on each other so there really is no coating you can put on them since it will just rub off, even galvanizing, rinsing is really the only answer.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

The problem is as you drive the springs rub on each other so there really is no coating you can put on them since it will just rub off, even galvanizing, rinsing is really the only answer.

Ayuh,.... Google Fluid Film,.... It's yer Best shot at a protective coverin'...

 

[superbenk]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

Ayuh,.... Google Fluid Film,.... It's yer Best shot at a protective coverin'...

Interesting. How's that resist repeated dunking? (Only have my phone so didn't read in depth)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

Interesting. How's that resist repeated dunking? (Only have my phone so didn't read in depth)

Ayuh,... It's a natural spray on grease, Lanolin...

You'd need to respray 'em, atleast annually, if not more often...
It's Not a hard film, so it won't break off, it stays somewhat fluid... Self-healing so to speak...

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

I haven't tried this, but, in the old "Small Boat Journal", back in the 1980's, one of the "old salts" wrote about using roofing compound as a way of lubing/extending spring life. He said at the beginning of the season he would use a crow bar to pry the leaves apart and smear he stuff (Henry's??) in between.

I just replaced my springs and may actually try that this winter. If so, I'll let you know how it works.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

I don't remember what I saw it on, but I have seen several installations of leaf springs with rubber shims between the leafs. Possibly that is what they were for. Unless your boat sat out of the water for an extended period of time, I would think that the first time you took your boat out after sitting, the road trip would scrape any surface rust off. Spring steel is pretty tolerant of salt and doesn't rust all that much, especially where moving contact areas are concerned. I boated in salt water the first 1/3 of my life and never had a problem with springs.

HTH,

Mark

 

[realjet]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

Ayuh,.... Google Fluid Film,.... It's yer Best shot at a protective coverin'...

I actually have some fluid film. I'll try it.

 

[rirory]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

I have always coated my springs w/ a paint product called hammerite. I use my boat twice a month in the salt in florida and the hammerite does an unbelieveable job protecting from rust. i coat all bolts and u bolts too. i changed my springs after 5 years and they looked about a year old and i was able to reuse all the hardware instead of just cutting and buying new. Hammerite is available online in many colors and is about $20 qt. It hardens like an epoxy coating, it is realy unbelieveable stuff.

If you wish to see it check out my 1966 chrysler polara 254---all the green is Hammerite

good luck

ri rory

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

I spray my trailer springs, shackles, etc. with white lithium grease, sets up semi-hard, stays on forever, helps a lot with corrosion. Use the same stuff on my tilt/trim motor, pump, rams...works like a charm! Good Luck!

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Trailer Springs Rusting Out

In the past, when it comes to protecting metal with light surface rust, I have had good luck brushing Linseed Oil onto the rusted areas. It soaks into the metal and lasts several months. Never used it in a salt environment though.