Questions about adding a step to trailer frame

[Mark42]

I would like to add a step to the frame (2x3 galvanized box) of my trailer behind the wheels on each side. Something I can put a foot on to raise myself enough that I can reach stuff in the boat. I cannot find a ready made galvanized unit that will bolt on. If you know of one, please point me to it. <br /><br />I do have some 2x3" angle iron that I can cut about 12" long and attach with a nice galvanized U bolt so it sticks out about 8" from the frame (but not past the fenders). I know it will be strong enough to support my weight. If I do this, I am thinking of using the cold galvanize spray in a can to protect the angle iron from rusting. Do you know how well this stuff holds up?<br /><br />Any suggestions on this topic are appreciated.<br /><br />Mark.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Questions about adding a step to trailer frame

A couple of suggestions:<br /><br />The thought I have about welding something to a galvanized trailer is that the new part and the weld won't be galvanized and therefore will rust. Possibly not a big deal? I have a friend who had some side guides welded on his galvanized trailer and it's butt ugly because they get rusty. I had bolt-on side guides on my old galvanized trailer and it looked much nicer. I'd go with your bolt on/spray painted idea, sounds good to me.<br /><br />I had a similar issue with my trailer and replaced the metal fenders with plastic ones. The plastic ones have molded steps, front and back. My metal ones were beat up and needed replacement, but I picked the plastic ones specifically because they had steps and a textured, non slip top. I found some "leftovers" in a local boat shop's warehouse for fairly cheap (I'm thinking around $15 each?). They were too scratched up to sell with a new trailer, but just looked broken in to me (my whole rig isn't all that pretty).

 

[Mark42]

Re: Questions about adding a step to trailer frame

D,<br /><br />My trailer has a flat top on the rounded plastic fender that the dealer said was a step. Works for the kids, but my 200lbs bends it so bad I am afraid that the plastic will break. Thats why I want to add something more substantial. <br /><br />If I can't find one, I will make them. Just hope the cold galvanize spray paint holds up better than regular rust preventative paints.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Realgun]

Re: Questions about adding a step to trailer frame

I heard that if you heat up the metal a bit with a hot air gun then spray the galvanzing in a can it stcks better. I saw it on a website that has that stuff.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Questions about adding a step to trailer frame

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> My trailer has a flat top on the rounded plastic fender that the dealer said was a step. Works for the kids, but my 200lbs bends it so bad I am afraid that the plastic will break. Thats why I want to add something more substantial.

Mine have been plenty strong both on the top part and the textured steps at the bottom of the fender, front and back. The brackets which support the fender provide the support for the lower steps. If you're interested at all, my fenders and mounting hardware aren't exactly the same but are very similar to what Cabela's sells - look at their "plastic fenders" under boat trailer stuff.<br /><br />But your idea of u-bolting the angle iron, might be the most satisfactory solution, of course.<br /><br />

If I can't find one, I will make them. Just hope the cold galvanize spray paint holds up better than regular rust preventative paints.

I painted the ends of a galvanized tongue I had to cut off on a previous trailer with this cold galv. stuff and it seemed to hold up pretty well, but I sold it after a couple of years and don't know the long term.