Powder coated trailer VS. Galvanized

[hmdomn]

I have a guy who is looking to sell me his boat trailer. It is a 'powder coated' paint. I was actually looking for a galvanized because of the rust issue. The guy said powder coating a trailer makes it look like ' galvanized paint', colored and won't rust like traditional paint. Anyone know if this is true? I saw the trailer and it doesn't look like regular paint, almost like a flat/satin smooth sheen to it, but it has some superficial rust around the edges/bolts. Is this normal for powder coat?

Thanks for any input, I don't want to buy it and realized I screwed myself by listening to a used car salesman!

[SalmonBum]

I do know once you chip powdercoat, it keeps coming off.

[coverdog]

Must have been a awful big oven to fit a boat trailer in for powder coating.

[DangerDan]

powder coating a trailer makes it look like ' galvanized paint', colored and won't rust like traditional paint. Anyone know if this is true?

True and Not true. You can get a powder coated finish that will look like a fresh galv. job colorwise and powder coating wont show the eventual rust bloom that paint will but while the powder coating is more durable than paint, it too will eventually give in to corrosion. Especially around the bolted connections and fixtures or welded joints where flex cracking will eventally occur. In time the moisture will work it's way into these cracks or dilled holes and weaken the bond between the coating and substrrate material.

A galvanized coating is much more durable than paint or powder. Through the hot dipped galvanizing process zinc is actually impregnated into the surface of the steel. Another thing to consider is that most galvanized coatings are hot dipped which will coat the interior of any tubing that may be used on the trailer.

[hmdomn]

I guess I'm geared more towards the galvanized after reading the posts....is there any advantage to the powder coating, other than looks?

[Joeker51]

True and Not true. You can get a powder coated finish that will look like a fresh galv. job colorwise and powder coating wont show the eventual rust bloom that paint will but while the powder coating is more durable than paint, it too will eventually give in to corrosion. Especially around the bolted connections and fixtures or welded joints where flex cracking will eventally occur. In time the moisture will work it's way into these cracks or dilled holes and weaken the bond between the coating and substrrate material.

A galvanized coating is much more durable than paint or powder. Through the hot dipped galvanizing process zinc is actually impregnated into the surface of the steel. Another thing to consider is that most galvanized coatings are hot dipped which will coat the interior of any tubing that may be used on the trailer.

Dan is correct. After being in the powder business for a number of years the galvinized is the better option for this intended purpose. E-coat and powder would be a good combination as a second option if there were an e-coat tank large enough to handle a trailer. Coating the inside of the tube is where the e-coat would come into play. Third option is to powder over the galvinized and it can be done under the right circumstances.

By the way ..there is a powder coater capable of coating a trailer in the metro Detroit area.

[droppin lines]

I agree with the other statements on the powdercoating. I work at a place that can accomadate up to a 24' piece and all thought it looks great when you take it off the hangers you will still have rust form in any places that their is a bolt that can rub. If its an Aluminum trailer I would go with powder coating for looks but I dont think thats the case here. Powder coating will also fade in the sun after awhile unless a clearcoat is applied. I guess it depends on the price and what the condition the trailer is in to begin with. The galvanized will last forever but the powdercoating will still last a very long time.:fish:

[SalmonBum]

I have a galvanized for my 28 ' and it still looks like new.

[hmdomn]

Thanks for the input, I think I'm going with galvanized.