Posted 2008-09-08 9:30 AM (#91121) Subject: Advice on protecting a new trailer
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Loveland, Colorado
Hi...just ordered a brand new Corn Pro 16 foot xtall xwide stock trailer. We can't garage it but plan to buy a cover. Does anyone have any advice on what we can do when we first get it as far as protecting the paint, moving parts, floor, and undercarriage? Is whatever the factory provides at first enough, or should we wax/spray/treat/oil anything? This is our first trailer and we'd like for it to last a long time, so we want to take the best care of it we can. With all the trailer pros on this site, I'm sure there is some good advice!
Posted 2008-09-08 9:46 AM (#91123 - in reply to #91121) Subject: RE: Advice on protecting a new trailer
Expert
Posts: 2614
I use a product that was called Wash & Protect,by Streakmaster.He's got another name for it,but it puts on a protective polymer coating,and it's easy to apply on a big trailer rather than waxing,I'm just not up to that chore anymore.www.streakmaster.com
Posted 2008-09-08 10:17 AM (#91130 - in reply to #91121) Subject: RE: Advice on protecting a new trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
None of the hinges or rollers on our Cornpro were lubricated from the factory. If this were done on a monthly basis (depending on usage) it would prevent rust from forming inside and running down the paint. One major issue we had was the lack of any wheel bearing lubrication on one side of the trailer. This caused significant damage and the replacement of the spindles, bearings and hubs. Fortunately the damage was found before a long road trip was taken. I would seriously consider having the dealer inspect the wheel bearings immediately upon delivery with you in attendance.
One other issue we had was where the installation of the external wall studs was welded to the metal walls. The seams were not caulked which allowed water to sit inside the two unpainted surfaces causing rust. I ended up sealing all the seams with caulking which eliminated most of that problem.
The flooring was wood, and we had rubber mats installed new from the dealer. When we sold the trailer, the flooring was absolutely like new. Whenever we used the trailer, we washed out the flooring, particularly the joint between the wooden flooring and the metal frame on the butt side.
The sidewalls are constructed of a single sheet of steel. When a horse kicks inside, a dent will show up on the outside. Installing pressure treated plywood on the inside of the butt side will eliminate this problem.
Once these issues were addressed, we enjoyed a long trouble free ownership. It was a well built trailer and served us well.
Advice on protecting a new trailer
