is this fixable?

[pitbulljoe]

The nose of my new trailer has a huge rust hole in it. A buddy says it could be fixed but that with the trailer being old and metal, I may want to start saving for an aluminum trailer instead of fixing this one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: is this fixable?

sure it's fixable, with a new tougue.. i hope you haven't been towing it like that.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: is this fixable?

Well, it's sure not safe like that. Depending on the rest of the metal on that tongue, a welding shop can probably cut out the bad section and replace it. But...from the look of it, I'll bet you have internal corrosion elsewhere on the tongue.

How is the rest of the trailer? Lots of rust? If so, it's time to junk it and get a new one. If the rest is sound, just have the tongue replaced or a new section welded in, with bracing.

The welding shop can advise you best after seeing the situation as a whole.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: is this fixable?

Need to see how far back the bad area goes and determine from there if it is worth it to repair. Without seeing the entire trailer it is difficult to make a proper determination.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: is this fixable?

That's only rust what you CAN see. Hammer around your spring hangers and you'll fine more soft/rust. What you can not see maybe in a much more structurally dangerous spot. I would not tow anything with it. Get a new trailer!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: is this fixable?

Is that the only "box" channel on the trailer? I would be suspect of any enclosed box channel on the trailer.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: is this fixable?

Repairs, welding, buying new steel box sections..... will always be cheaper than a new trailer. Just have it fixed or do it yourself.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: is this fixable?

Alumimum trailer isn't much better if you use it in salt water.

 

[pitbulljoe]

Re: is this fixable?

Thanks for your inputs, I will inspect it more as soon as possible.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: is this fixable?

Alumimum trailer isn't much better if you use it in salt water.

WHAT????
Unless you can buy a stainless steel trailer the preffered choices for saltwater trailers are:
#1. Aluminum
#2 Hot dip galvanized
#3 Painted steel as last resort.
all of the above with as much SS hardware as possible.