Trailer Tube Frame Solid - Internal Rust Remedy?

[Gearhead62]

My question deals w/ internal surface rust discovered inside the trailer tube frame.

3 years ago I acquired a late 80s Shoreline (defunct) tandem which supports a Celebrity 21' VBR. All is functionally very good - very sound roller setups on a 4"x3" painted steel tube frame. There is very minimal exterior rust for a late 80s frame, here in the Midwest - a few dime size spots, bolt areas, spring areas, underside spots, etc...nuthin major - I'll tackle this summer.....

So, I'm doing my spring visual inspection and I have access to see into some / all of the 4x3 tubes that comprise the entire frame construction and there is plenty of rust inside. Appears to be only surface rust but its there, bit heavy in some areas. No salt - I am only in fresh water, Lake Mich.

No big deal? Or is there a product that I can shoot / spray / apply inside the tube frame to neutralize it? Many small access holes - Kinda like ziebart treatment, but again, rust is already present. Yeah, its only a trailer. It has given 20+ years of svc. Its still solid, look great, tows great, but this thing wants to keep on hauling and thought I'd take care of it, extend its life if there's something decent on the market.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[justchecking]

Re: Trailer Tube Frame Solid - Internal Rust Remedy?

I just cleaned up my trailer and I also noticed light rust inside the tubes mostly on the bottom. Have you considered rust converter? I was thinking of shooting Rustoleum rust converter into the tubes. I would take an older garden sprayer I have and cut the plastic tube between the spray head and the trigger and zip tie in a stiff plastic tube or something from Lowes. I could then insert it and spray as I slowly pulled the tube out. I think I could capture any excess material as it dripped out the drainage holes, filter it through some cheese cloth and spray it back in til everything was good and coated.

I know some people don't like the rust converter products but they seem to work well.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Trailer Tube Frame Solid - Internal Rust Remedy?

No way to tell with a tube frame. Hopefully you're right about it never having been in salt water. Nothing I can think of could possibly clean out a 20 yr old tube frame or protect it further. Keep the drain holes clear and keep an eye out for cracks is all I could suggest.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Trailer Tube Frame Solid - Internal Rust Remedy?

I am in a saltwater area and have several older Shoreline trailers, they hold up very well in saltwater, I've yet to have a failure or any serious rust. Rusty bolts and suspension is normal but I've never had a tube rust out. They seem to drain well after each dunk, and I flush everything after each use.
The best thing you can do is keep the tubes clean, anything you would spray inside would likely trap dirt and promote rust. If you do have surface rust, maybe some cold galvanizing spray would be in order to prolong it's life and improve cosmetics a bit.

 

[Gearhead62]

Re: Trailer Tube Frame Solid - Internal Rust Remedy?

Good ideas - Thanks for feedback