Clean Rust from a Trailer

Trailer bodies often get rusty with the passage of time. The trailer is exposed to dirt, debris and dust from the environment, which accelerate the wear and tear and encourage rusting. While it may seem tough to clear rust from your trailer, following these steps can make your life easy.

Steps

  1. Remove dust and debris from the trailer body with an abrasive sponge or a cleaner. You can find the sponge and cleaner at a recreational vehicle dealer shop. Pour the cleaner in a bucket of water. Mix it together and scrub it well onto the rusted area of the trailer.
  2. Rinse and dry the exterior. Rinse the rusted area with a hose (make sure it’s not a pressure hose) after scrubbing well.
  3. Dry the area with a good quality microfiber cloth to make sure any residue dirt or debris is removed and cleared, especially from hard-to-reach areas. This microfiber cloth cleans without damaging the surface of the trailer, hence gives you a clean trailer.
  4. Scrub with sandpaper. Get rid of rust, dents and scratches by rubbing sandpaper on the affected area. Rub the sandpaper till the metal surface loses its shine. Clear the dust from the sandpaper once you’re done with scrubbing.
  5. Apply a primer on the rusted area. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying the aluminum primer. Usually, once you apply the primer, it takes 2- 5 hours to set well in place.
  6. Apply acrylic paint to give your trailer the complete look. The paint will bring back the original shine of the trailer.



Tips

  • Always use a microfiber towel or cloth to clean dust and buildup
  • For better results, make sure never to use a pressure hose.
  • Regularly clean and wash your trailer to avoid dust from accumulating on to the exterior and prevent rust for a long time.