How to Correct Rust on Horse Trailers

Trailer maintenance is an important--and often overlooked--part of a horse owner's job. You should always check to make sure that your trailer is in good working condition and correct any rust or other issues before you transport your horse in it. Periodically, you should have a mechanic examine the trailer to make sure that it is safe for the road. When not in use, be sure to store your horse trailer properly to minimize rust risk and extended its life.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper
  • Rust remover
  • Paint
  • Primer
  • Rust preventative
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash and dry the horse trailer.

    • 2

      Remove rust spots with sandpaper. Rust in easy-to-access places can be sanded away with automotive sandpaper. Sand in a circular motion until all of the rusted metal is gone and only metal remains. Try your best not to sand any areas that are not rusted. Sanding removes layers of metal.

    • 3

      Apply a chemical rust remover to deeply rusted areas, holes and other hard-to-sand spots on your trailer. Spray or paint the rust remover on according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow it time to chemically remove the rust (anywhere from two minutes to 24 hours, depending on the product). Then rinse, wash or wipe the chemical remover away.

    • 4

      Coat the exposed steel parts of your trailer. The only way to prevent rust from forming is to protect the steel from exposure to oxygen and moisture. Spray or paint on a rust remover or apply a coat of steel primer followed by two coats of paint approved for outdoor use.