Technically this is not a TT question , but it is a trailer question. I have an enclosed cargo trailer being used to carry a motorcycle and camping accesories. Most of the time it will sit on the side of my house. The underneath is a steel frame with a 3/4 inch plywood floor. It has brakes. Right now it is on grass. The grass will probably die off soon, leaving dirt . Question is , whats my best option under the trailer to minimize corrosion? Leave the dirt? Or I could put cement blocks under the trailer. The soil drains well so standing water isnt an issue.
I think this is actually a two-part question; prevent corrosion of the trailer frame and tire rot.
For the rot you could put the trailer on concrete blocks to get the weight off the tires and, possibly, remove the tires and store them.
For the corrosion spray the frame with something like Corrosion X.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
DE88ROX wrote: I just bought 8 of those 12"x12" patio pavers from Lowes and laid them out end to end. 4 on each side and just park my TT on those.
Just measure the wheel base and get how ever many you need to cover it.
I sorta did that, but put them under entire CT to cut down on moisture. took lots more than 8. Level area by digging down 2", install pool liner, install pavers, brush pavers with sand to fill cracks. Be sure pad is wide enough you can just line up a tire on each side on a crack, and that you put it so pool liner drains when it rains. You're trying for DRY and no weeds under CT. I also got blocks used for edging, and put them sticking up where I wanted wheels to stop. Sure helps when backing in, follow block cracks with tires until I hit edging blocks, which stick up about 2 or 3" above pavers. Chock in front of tires, disconnect, and I'm off.
One other idea. I mounted a $20 solar battery maintainer on a sloped board. Made a cord that plugs into CT cord. When stored it keeps battery topped up. Works great.
I had a left over top from a lift station, kind with metal loop handle thru round thick concrete circle. I installed it level with pavers up near coupler. When stored the tongue is chained to that. Also have a trailer ball, with nut welded to threads, which I lock in coupler. Maybe somebody will go to the trouble to steal my CT, but at least they will need to work at it, LOL.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Chuck&Gail wrote: . Also have a trailer ball, with nut welded to threads, which I lock in coupler. Maybe somebody will go to the trouble to steal my CT, but at least they will need to work at it, LOL.
I like that idea!!
As far as the others, I'm limited to what I do where I store the TT. I keep it at the in-laws along the side of an outbuilding. Don't really want to tear up a lot of their property. It was all I could do to talk them into letting me park where I do to keep the TT out of direct sunlight.
DE88ROX wrote: I just bought 8 of those 12"x12" patio pavers from Lowes and laid them out end to end. 4 on each side and just park my TT on those.
Just measure the wheel base and get how ever many you need to cover it.
I sorta did that, but put them under entire CT to cut down on moisture. took lots more than 8. Level area by digging down 2", install pool liner, install pavers, brush pavers with sand to fill cracks. Be sure pad is wide enough you can just line up a tire on each side on a crack, and that you put it so pool liner drains when it rains. You're trying for DRY and no weeds under CT. I also got blocks used for edging, and put them sticking up where I wanted wheels to stop. Sure helps when backing in, follow block cracks with tires until I hit edging blocks, which stick up about 2 or 3" above pavers. Chock in front of tires, disconnect, and I'm off.
One other idea. I mounted a $20 solar battery maintainer on a sloped board. Made a cord that plugs into CT cord. When stored it keeps battery topped up. Works great.
I had a left over top from a lift station, kind with metal loop handle thru round thick concrete circle. I installed it level with pavers up near coupler. When stored the tongue is chained to that. Also have a trailer ball, with nut welded to threads, which I lock in coupler. Maybe somebody will go to the trouble to steal my CT, but at least they will need to work at it, LOL.
Some good ideas here. Im thinking I'll do the blocks all they way under the trailer, but maybe the weed blocker fabric under the blocks instead of the pool liner, because moisture will drain instead of pooling under the liner. I wasnt even thinking about the tires, now I am.
The ball with welded nut for security is a great idea, its on the list.
I already have a 12 watt solar panel which will charge a battery to power a security alarm and vent fan.
Well off to Depot for some blocks thanks for the tips.
Park the trailer wheels on 2x10 boards (very low cost) or park the wheels on 12x12" patio stone. Something to keep the tires off the ground. Note: reduce ground moisture rising up (into the under belly of the trailer), simply put down a thick plastic tarp (under the trailer). Then, put a 2x4 around the outside to hold the tarp to the ground.
Higher cost:
Simply level and pour cement pad (or black pavement pad) beside your house. If doing this method, one might want to install a 110/120-30A outlet at side of the house as well. Thus, having power outlet on side of house or perhaps on a service post - beside your cement pad.
Also… One cannot stop natural moisture and natural brake hub rust. One can slow it down but never stop it. In the spring, simply remove each wheel hub and using steel wool, wipe away the natural rust (on the inner drums). Since one is suppose to re-fresh wheel bearing grease and inspect brakes every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), one must pull the hubs off anyway. While brake hubs are off, simply use steel wool to wipe away the natural surface rust (on the brake pad contact area). For more details about trailer axle maintenance schedule, surf: http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/Serv........_Resources/Maintenance_Schedule_1-12.pdf
If wondering, I have a simple pad made of 18"x18" patio stones beside my house. Its floats up in the spring frost and floats back down soon afterwards. But 11 months of the year, it remains level. And, looks nice as well. And best of all, very lost cost - since 90% of these patio stones were free. For picture, see below…
Offline
thanks for the tips.
