tdecell wrote:I ran across a trailer today for free and brought it home. Just wanted some assurance that I could use it for a teardrop build. It’s 4 1/2 ft x 9 ft galvanized 1 1/2” x 3” steel. It was a double jet ski trailer. The hubs are 5 lug, has steel wheels with 4.8 x 12” tires. It’s in great shape other than one small crack in a weld where the two side frame welds come together at the tongue bar in the front. I was going to sandblast it and check all the other welds / joints before painting it. Any suggestions or ideas otherwise? Thanks
FINE SCORE
galvanized usually means the metal is in good condition UNLESS there is a great amount of scaly rust showing
clean any rust w/ a wire wheel on a hand grinder and treat w/ cold galvanize(spray or brushed) once all the spots if any have been treated Rustoleum has a paint that resembles the galvanized color or pick a color of choice
sandblasting would just remove the protection of galvanizing unless the whole frame is rusty
"boat trailers" usually use 5hole x 4.5" diameter bolt circle wheels which are quite common and can be had at paces like Tractor Supply and WallyWorld...
boat trailers will also have common bearings available from all auto parts stores
12" wheels will also take a 5.30 tire which adds diameter and cush while running better off pavement
check the birth date of the tires and replace them before they are 5 years old to avoid roadside failure
BON CHANCE
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