Need paint for Trailer fender

[brianct12]

Guys, I have to replace rusted fenders on my tandem axle trailer. I found some new fenders for $45 a piece - just the right size and just 20 min down the road from me. But, they are bare steel. No paint or galvanize on them. What would be the best way to protect them ??? I have some Awlgrip 545 epoxy primer left around from priming the V20 hull. Would this make for a good basecoat ?

[reelapeelin]

Brian, especially if you're launching into saltwater, I'd pass on the steel fenders...the price is great, but it'll come back to haunt soon...no matter how well you paint...JMHO... ;) ...

[parishht]

If you have a powder coat facitlity near by,
and you really want to use the steel in salt water,
that would be the way to go.

We powder coat our heavy truck frame rails and they are
spec'ed to last for 500+ hours of salt spray testing in the lab, which translates on the road = however long the truck lasts.
Just think of the road salt and other nasty chems that are on the road
and trucks going 1,000,000+ miles.

[willy]

If you go with the steel, buy the galvanizing paint, they have several different brands in each area, they actually work pretty good. I've used them to dress up rusted areas on trailers for years and they seem to hold up well. Clean the rust off, naval jelly or grind depending on thickness of material and degrease and paint. Not as strong as galvanized but lasted for years for me.
Best bet is find a shop with the heavy plastic versions. If you do, do not buy the cheap plastic go with ABS. Cheapies crack apart from UV and cold along with not being able to handle any weight or stress from bangs.

[brianct12]

Thanks for all for the advice.
Had to go with steel - total cost was just $80 for the pair. I am thinking alike with Willy. Am thinking about a first coat of galvanize spray - then I think followed by a few roller coats of Line-X or Tuff-Coat or similar product on the underside to give some toughness protection from road debris. Maybe I'll even coat the topsides with that stuff.

[Skools Out]

you could spray bed liner them with the spray can type before bolting them on.

[willy]

don't forget to hit the mounting tabs good. Thats where they go first ;)

[LESTERUS]

SALT WATER + STEEL + DANGEROUS COMBINATION
DO NOT USE THEM

LESTERUS

[Skools Out]

hey guys what are your trailers made out of, STEEL right for the most part. so steel fenders will out last you keeping the boat if you coat them.

[parishht]

I have an Eagle aluminum, but my buddy has a steel trailer.
Steel is fine, but you just have to take care of the surface rust, just like an old car or truck.
There are a lot of chemicals out now that make rust maintenace easy.
The chemicals mix with the rust and neutralize it and
some even turn it into a protective coating.
I think the old days of wire brushes and patch welds could be gone.
I just learned from our metalurgist about a steel that has copper in it, his words:

"Corten in the US steel version. It uses copper additions to impact oxidation rate and adhesion"

They are starting to use this stuff in buildings and bridges.

[LESTERUS]

OUR TRILERS ARE MADE OUT OF "GALVANIZED" STEEL,
THAT'S A DIFFERENT ANIMAL, IF THAT IS THE CASE YOU DON'T NEED TO PAINT IT OR ANYTHING, JUST A GOOD WASH WITH FRESH WATER WILL DO. MY TRAILER IS
28 YEARS OLD AND STILL KICKING.

I HAD TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS (I USE 1 BLADE GALVANIZED SPRING NOW) THE AXELS, WITH SOLID GALVANIZED AXELS, AND ALL THE HARDWARE I'VE REPLACED WITH STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE LITTLE BY LITTLE, NOW IS ALL DONE AND NO HEADACHES.

LESTERUS

[brianct12]

Thanks for the info guys.

Lesterus. The "galvanize" you speak of is not an inherent part of the solid "steel". It is just a surface coating applied by a hot-dip method. Steel is steel. If it has anything "added" to its metallurgical composition to prevent corrosion - then you would be talking about stainless steel. "That" would be a sweet trailer ! Spraying galvanize from a can onto the steel surface is doing the same thing - though probably not quite as effective.

[TheTinMan]

(I USE 1 BLADE GALVANIZED SPRING NOW)

Is that a leaf spring?? Nevr heard of galvanized leafs???

[76GMC1500]

As long as it doesn't chip, the fenders will never rust with the Awlgrip 545 or any other epoxy primer on them. The trouble is, the water usually finds a way under the primer eventually and then the corrosion starts. Go ahead and use the 545, it will last you a while.

[parishht]

Sorry guys, looked at my trailer closer this weekend.
Galvanized steel, please don't shoot me. :(