If the motorcycle trailer that you own has small rust spots around the hardware that secures steel panels that make up the unit's exterior, remove it with the following steps. Once the trailer's appearance has been restored, adding a rust-inhibiting agent to the steel and keeping the trailer maintained properly will minimize damage to the trailer's exterior again.

Materials

• vinyl tarps
• face mask
• rubber gloves
• rust dissolving agent (spray form)
• stepladder
• scrub brush with natural bristles
• extension handle
• industrial-strength detergent
• bucket
• water hose
• can of corrosion inhibitor (clear)
• mixing stick
• tray
• paint roller
• roller frame

Remove Rust With A Dissolving Agent

Tow your trailer to a flat surface on your property, such as a driveway. Place vinyl tarps along the ground so that they surround the trailer. This will prevent chemicals from the rust dissolving agent from coming into contact with surfaces that could become stained from the chemicals in the agent. Put on a face mask and rubber gloves. Inspect the trailer's exterior. Spray a liberal amount of the rust dissolving agent on any rust spots that you see.

If you have trouble reaching rust spots near the top of the trailer, set up a stepladder next to the trailer before applying the agent. After a few minutes have passed, move a scrub brush with natural bristles back and forth over the corroded areas. Apply more of the rust dissolving agent to the trailer's exterior if you cannot get all of the rust off of the steel during the first application.

Clean The Trailer's Exterior And Apply A Corrosion Inhibitor

Pour a small amount of industrial detergent into a bucket of water to make a cleaning solution. Scrub the surface of the trailer's exterior from top to bottom. Rinse the trailer off with a steady stream of water afterwards and wait for the steel surface to dry.

Stir a can of corrosion inhibitor that is clear until the product has an even consistency. Pour the inhibitor into a paint tray. Use a paint roller that has an extension handle attached to it to apply a coat of the inhibitor to the trailer's exterior. Move the paint roller from top to bottom until the entire steel exterior has been covered. Wait for the trailer's surface to dry before moving it.

Maintain The Trailer

Although the corrosion inhibitor will prevent moisture from penetrating the trailer's steel surface, which could lead to the formation of rust spots, it is still a good idea to take additional measures to keep the trailer maintained. Park the trailer underneath a canopy or inside of a garage when it is not being used. Inspect the unit's exterior at regular intervals throughout the year.

If you notice that hardware pieces that are attached to the unit are becoming corroded again or if they need to be replaced altogether, call the automotive dealership where you purchased the trailer to inquire if they can replace damaged parts or recommend enclosed motorcycle trailer sales items that will help keep the trailer's steel surface further protected from damage.