Will Steel And Aluminum Trailer Components Corrode When Introduced To Salt Water

Question:

Need to lift a boat trailer 3” . The trailer is all aluminum and I am wondering about effects of incompatible metals— steel lift and aluminum trailer— in salt water. Any issues with this? Thanks.

asked by: Joe F

Expert Reply:

Hi Joe,

When aluminum and steel are in contact with each other and are introduced to water galvanic corrosion can occur. That being said, your going to have both steel and aluminum on a boat trailer no matter what and the amount of time you'd have the trailer sitting in the water to load/unload the boat wouldn't be enough to cause a lot of damage. Over time you'll start to see corrosion, but some paint can easily buy you more time.

The Lippert Lift Kit # LC382741 you were looking at is designed to fit Lippert square torsion axles with a 3,500-lb capacity. If yours differs then let me know what you have and we can look for a suitable replacement.

expert reply by: Kevin C