Do I need a trailer?

[Chris1956]

Gee, a couple of years ago I pulled the end caps off my galvanized 1989 trailer and looked inside the main support tubes. There was no rust, and I launch in salt water. To be fair, I keep the boat on a lift, so I only use the trailer a few times a year. However, I never thought a 35+ year old trailer used in salt water, would be rust free.

I have had to replace the springs, axle and fenders at least once.

I am not sure what Cyclops was getting at, but rubbing a trailer with grease is not practical. It will be a mess and collect all kinds of dirt, bugs and other stuff that will not wash off. The dirt will often hold moisture, making the situation worse. Automobile undercoating on a trailer is also a bad idea, as they trap moisture against the frame.

 

[dingbat]

All you salt water guys.
Take a tough old rag / towel . Rub some front wheel bearing grease on it.
Wipe ALL metal and painted surfaces. It works.

In my neck of the woods you would be fined by Natural Resources Police or Coast Guard for causing "a film or sheen upon, or discoloration of, the surface of the water" when you launch your boat.

 

[Lou C]

Gee, a couple of years ago I pulled the end caps off my galvanized 1989 trailer and looked inside the main support tubes. There was no rust, and I launch in salt water. To be fair, I keep the boat on a lift, so I only use the trailer a few times a year. However, I never thought a 35+ year old trailer used in salt water, would be rust free.

I have had to replace the springs, axle and fenders at least once.

I am not sure what Cyclops was getting at, but rubbing a trailer with grease is not practical. It will be a mess and collect all kinds of dirt, bugs and other stuff that will not wash off. The dirt will often hold moisture, making the situation worse. Automobile undercoating on a trailer is also a bad idea, as they trap moisture against the frame.

I have had the same experience, mine is a 31 year old Load Rite, I checked inside the frame rails and crossmembers with an inspection camera and it looks fine in there. I changed the tongue about 15 years ago and the axle and springs have been replaced with heavier duty parts. Mine goes in the salt about 2-4 times a year, & always gets rinsed afterwards.

 

[JASinIL2006]

How'd we get from answering the OP's question about whether he needs a trailer to discussing whether it's a good idea to smear grease all over your trailer?