SS on Aluminum trailers

[Koz]

I've always been concerned about dissimiliar metals when I see the SS parts on my aluminum trailer. Especially the U bolts that seem to hold everything together. I was told it's not a big deal and it would take years before any real damage occurs.. Well, I'd like to do what I can to prevent it from happening.. If at all possible. Same with the galvanized parts that support the boards sitting on the aluminum frame. Has anyone come up with a preventive action?

Thanks.

[kerno]

Interestingly enough, the truck trailer industry has a similar problem with road salt causing galvanic corrosion on their over the road truck trailers. There's a product called ECK, which is basically zinc powder in a base that is available as either a spray or brush on. I put it on all the washers and fasteners where stainless goes against aluminum. The aluminum boat builders use lots of it as well. Here's the link: www.vannay.com/eck.html

I also use 4200 to seal areas where water will get trapped. You can see the white line where things are bolted together and there is ECK on the bolts and washers. The ECK dopes help on the corrosion and makes a pretty good anti seize as well.

[sand1man]

Very impressive looking trailer

[signmansez]

Do you ever put that trailer in water or do you just wax it and stare at it in your driveway?

[kerno]

The trailer goes in the water at least 4 days a week. I use the boat a lot. But I went over trailer with Mothers when new. The powerball makes the task easy and the wax in the polish keeps the trailer looking good. The idea of polishing a trailer sounds supremely anal, but the 2 hours it took up front have been saved downstream. To be honest, the inside does mot look quite the same.......

[slickster]

Bring that trailer down here to Fl and see how it looks in a week or two.....we switch trailers down here more often than we switch beers....5 years and it's time for axles/springs/fenders/complete brake systems etc...or a new trailer....an aluminum trailer usually means that the basic frame is still intact..(usually) so we have something decent to bolt all this new stuff onto....corrosion between dissimilar metals is the least of our worries.....Mick

[catfoiler]

Ok the scientist in me decided to do the following experiment with my new trailer:
It is a cat trailer so there are two sides and the construction is Al with SS bolts and nuts.
on Starboard side I have sprayed all connections with heavy duty corrosion preventer spray
On Port side I took off all nuts and bolts and covered with anti-seize compound and placed it between contacts.
The wheels have anti-seize but I check my nuts often!
Miami to Islamorada is my route

[Koz]

catfoiler - 4/8/2008 4:58 AM

Ok the scientist in me decided to do the following experiment with my new trailer

Just curious.. What are you trying to test?
I just received my order of ECK. I'm thinking I should clean the trailer before applying. Now I need to find a good cleaner. Almost went with the Toon Brite but further reading I found it will bleach the aluminum white..

[little tooth]

Man Kerno ... would you clean that thing up!

[hhi angler]

I don't remember ever seeing a brand new alum. trailer look like that. Kerno you have more time on your hands than i do and i haven't worked in years.

[LouC]

I've used OMC/Bombardier Triple guard grease on threads on the trailer with good results. No problems getting things apart after that.

[Flot]

Kerno - do you have a sister?

[little tooth]

Flot - 4/12/2008 2:09 PM

Kerno - do you have a sister?

[Koz]

Kerno, What make trailer is that? Interesting support structure.. Seems like you'll either be dead on or your not. No room for error.. With my full bunks I'm usually 1/2 to 1 inch over on either side. Looks like a nice tight fit..