use 50;50 mix turps and two stroke oil, turps to burn out the water and the 2 stroke seeps in the joints to keep it from seizing up , especially on the springs and shackles

In another thread lanolin comes up, as does bitumen paint on the spring leaves.

When you need to replace your springs buy single leaf ones with the same rating and stainless or galv pins and shackles.
Have found over many boats and trailers whatever you do to preserve the life of springs costs more than what you are trying to save. New galv springs cost a heap more than painted yet only last something like 10% longer according to our local supplier. Attempts over the years have included boiling in sump oil, wrapping in denso tape, turps, diesel you name it and all it does is make a mess on the driveway.

A few people claim the single leaf springs are much less progressive than the single leaf ones. How have you found them Carnarvonite?

The trailer I've got now has normals as they were at a bargain price lots cheaper than the singles but have found no difference between them.
As long as your rollers are set up properly with all the weight being carrier by the keel rollers and not the side ones nothing can go wrong.
Once I tried the rubber mounted posi torque ones on a tandem trailer going for a ton on each one instead of the half ton needed. When we finally got in to Gnaraloo 3 of the 4 were knackered, the dealer sent up 4 new 2 ton sets and 2 of those were buggered when we returned and the track was one of the best out of some twenty trips up there.

the only way i know of to avoid rust is to avoid the water .. and we all know that aint happening ... ive got the single leaf springs on the tinnie here and i love em

I swear by chainsaw oil painted on all the springs and bolts etc.This oil is sticky like honey and does a good job preventing rust.Re oil every 2 years. My trailer is 26 years old and i can undo every nut and bolt (no rust)
It is vitally important to give the trailer a thorough wash down after every use though. cheers Pete

what was the go with the units they brought out for cars a few years back. Puts a small electric current thru your chasis or something? Maybe can be used in boat trailers.

best way to stop rust on it is paint it in killrust paint. best thing we ever did it doesnt rust at alll now all u got todo is put it on nice and thick. the best stuff is the wattyl because it is primer killrust and topcoat all in one and when you finish it looks a treat

Am overhauling my trailer now, had to cut off every nut and bolt. The service guy who did work on the trailer previous put the wrong rocker arms on the suspension, result 3 bent springs.

Lots of elbow grease, grinding and rotary wire brushing. It's a galvanised trailer made in 85. Beware, the corrosion (salt) from galvanising (Dust) can make you ill, I found out.

Have used paint from a company in O'Conner, Phoenix paints, specialize in rust treatment. Paints made here in WA, and is water based. Recomend the undercoat/rust converter, but not the top coat.

Am reading your ideas of preserving the springs, interesting ideas.

thanks for the tips guys.

I will have to have a look around and get it sorted.

I like the idea of covering them in grease or oil, but not sure about how much of a mess it will make on the driveway and over the boat as we are towing... but will definately be looking into it.

Cheers,

Scott

hi guys,

I bought a product today that looks quite promising. It is made by ICT (Industrial Chemical Technologies) and is a Rust Converter. Locally made in Morley. I gave them a call just then and was given some pretty good tips on how to get the best results.

I will take some before and after photos to see if it works... will keep you informed.

Also got some lanolin spray to coat in after. when we get back from holidays I am going to pull the whole lot apart and give it a spray with cold galv too...

cheers,

Scott