I completely gutted/removed the axle, springs, clamps, and mounts from under the chassis. I just cannot believe that 8 seasons have completely rusted out everything. Maybe I shouldn't name names of the Karavan trailer.

Anyhow, all new is going back in underneath. How would you paint, spray, coat, or otherwise treat these parts before they get their first salt water dunk?

It really doesn't matter
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CRC Instant Galvanize and/or CRC Rust Inhibitor

It really doesn't matter
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Unfortunately he's pretty much right.

I think it's more important to give the trailer a good rinse, even a soapy water scrub, after salt water use.

Rebuilt my Karavan a couple years back, axle, larger springs, hardware , bearings, race, seals , fender w/ support brackets , not cheap! :-(
I found Karavan service for parts pretty darn good, ( got lucky?)


Alan, I have extra tire, axle, u bolts and fender you're welcome to if they fit...

Fresh water rinse after each dunk and it all looks like it's about to fracture .... I don't think anything will slow it down...

FYI axles have an up and down side (camber)

Just keep grease in the bearings
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Thank you all for the pessimistic, but accurate replies.

A trailer source confirms that anything I do will not prevent another RAPID rust out. He states that he rust out trailers equally fast on even a duck boat, which never hit salt water... but gets all the salt exposure it wants just from road salt.

Total replacement of the undercarriage, from hangers, to springs, to axle, hubs, and bearings is about $310.

Done.