Draining V cross members

[DC20]

I noticed that my V cross members don't have a drain hole, they fill with salt water.
Would I cause any structural weakening if I drilled a small hole at the bottom of each?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Draining V cross members

Won't hurt. How is water getting in in the first place?

 

[DC20]

Re: Draining V cross members

When launching the boat the are under the water. They are aluminum.

 

[KX6D]

Re: Draining V cross members

I don't think that is what he meant. How is the water getting into the tubes? Are they open on top...or past a weld...etc?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Draining V cross members

V,,,,Duhhhhhhhhh, you said that. I don't think a hole in the center will hurt anything. I would keep it small though, maybe 1/8 or 3/16.

 

[DC20]

Re: Draining V cross members

The ends are open, they are at the bottom of the trailer so the water stays in the V part.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Draining V cross members

If the ends are open won't the water just run out going down the road as the trailer tilts from side to side?

 

[w2much]

Re: Draining V cross members

My two cents worth. When rinsing at home water will stay in the cross member. No driving after it is parked. Good question as I have wondered that myself. I actuall run water into the crossmember on purpose to get the salt out. If left in it will rot out the metal (aluminum).

 

[DC20]

Re: Draining V cross members

I have been running the hose in the ends when I get home.
I went ahead and drilled an 1/8th inch hole in the center of each one, I bet at least a half gallon of water came out.
Thanks for the input guys.

 

[SWD]

Re: Draining V cross members

Now that you mentioned it, I went and took a look at the crossmembers on my trailer. They have 3/8 drain holes in the bottom.