Posted 2011-06-26 10:39 PM (#135169) Subject: Large dent in steel trailer
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Manitoba
I have a large dent in the front of my 1982 steel horse trailer. A deer jumped between the truck and trailer on the highway. I am looking for suggestions as to how to pull it out.
Posted 2011-06-27 12:23 AM (#135172 - in reply to #135169) Subject: RE: Large dent in steel trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by spaterson on 2011-06-26 10:39 PM
I have a large dent in the front of my 1982 steel horse trailer. A deer jumped between the truck and trailer on the highway. I am looking for suggestions as to how to pull it out.
Posted 2011-06-27 4:16 AM (#135180 - in reply to #135169) Subject: RE: Large dent in steel trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If the dent can be accessed from the inside of an unlined trailer, it can be pushed/hammered out from the inside. If there are creases in the metal, the individual areas will have to be heated, while being hammered/pulled. Heating, hammering and pulling will stretch the metal, which will then have to be shrunk with more heat and a picking hammer. Automotive polyester body filler is then applied to smooth the repairs.
If the dent affects the trailer's structural elements, it would be wise to involve a fabricator or body shop, that can replace the damaged steel area using welding equippment.
Large dent in steel trailer
