Trailer care

Hi
I have an enclosed car trailer and have not done anything in the last five years other than wash it with car wash soap and hit it with a pressure washer. Was thinking about having it (detailed? ) but wasn’t sure what should be done or what I’m asking a detailer to do ?
Wax it ? Rub it? . Not sure what the finish is and want make sure whoever is doing it has a clue . So I need a clue !!
Gary

I treat my open trailer pretty much like a nice car, keeping it clean - pretty easy for me, as it mostly lives indoors except Summer, when it's covered outside when not in use.
There's generally not a lot of paint on the enclose trailer panels, so a detailer shouldn't attack the painted areas like he would an old car.
What it needs cosmetically depends on existing condition: paint smooth or not, aluminum cloudy or not...
I'd start with a good look underneath to make sure it's decent, not rusty, and undamaged. Check welds & panel integrity, too.
Wheel bearings, tires, electrical, power tongue jacks & such deserve an inspection and whatever servicing/attention they may need.
Polishing the paint & aluminum, and having a good coat of wax on everything is a good idea, IMO.

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I have maintained it mechanically, just think it’s looking a little dull . I’m thinking these panels may be powder coated ? Doesn’t look like paint, unless it’s some kind of thin baked on deal .
Gary

I just wash mine with soap and water and power wash clean. As mentioned above the paint on the panels is rather thin. Best to not rub on them too much. Mine is a 2006 from Arizona, so it is showing some sun wear all over.

Mine is a 2003. its sets outside thru snow, rain, sun. Theoutside was getting pretty dull.So I rubbed it last year. waxed it good. Took every screw out of the panels and replaced with new afterwards. If it's still pretty nice just wax it. The $25 drill master polisher from Harbor Frieght is the ticket. Buy 4-5 of the terry cloth covers for it. Wipe on Harbor Freight off. Stays nice. Washes way easier. Diesel soot doesn't stick to it. I also keep the tires covered out of the sun.
Doug

Thanks . Sitting home recovering from back surgery so thinking of getting a price for someone to do it this time around. I’m thinking like you said just a good waxing should do it

My trailer is an '02 that stays outside. Has been washed and waxed many times, but the last time I did it I compounded it before waxing. Made night and day difference.

Don't know why it came out sideways, but you get the idea.

Looks good . I have the sideways problem too!,

If the file is too large the board does funny things with them.

Does anyone oil/undercoat their trailers that live in the rust belt? Typically race car trailers aren't used in the winter but I have occasionally used my open car trailer in bad weather. I know mine looks good on top but the underneath is showing it's age.

Open the pic, roate 90 degrees, save / close and post

if possible I think putting them under a lean to would like do wonders and extend the life substantially. tarping may be another option

oil undercoat has worked wonders for my 99 caravan.
it came from Arizona, and the only rust showing was on the lower part of both front fenders where the foam is stuffed in from the factory.
i have oiled it up every year. when i get it done, i pull all the factory rubber plugs on the door pillars, as well as multiple 1/2" holes i drilled extra in the doors, gate, and dog leg areas.
there are also multiple taped over plugs in the rockers from the factory. those are removed, and oil is blasted in there, saturating the factory foam.
i also pull the tail lights and have the quarters blasted good. the underside is blasted as one would expect
it leaks like a sieve when done, and is a little [?] messy to work on when needed, but if the rust monster is kept away [and has been for the last 8 or 9 years], it's well worth the expense and aggravation.
i would recommend doing this to your trailer as well, even though it may not be used during the winter.
just moisture in the air [humidity] can cause rust if there is not enough air circulation/towing down the road to dry it off.
just one old guy's observation/opinion/life experience being thrown out there for discussion or dismissal.
your mileage will vary.

If the trailer sits outside it would be really good to get tire covers to keep UV rays off of the rubber to help get a little more life out of the rubber. How many times have any of us seen travel trailers or any trailer beside the road with blowouts? I change my tires every 5 years no matter how much tread is on them as I don't want to change a tire on the interstate system anywhere.

I do use the tire covers .

Rather than use tire covers, I use a piece of plywood leaned up against the top of the tire at an slight angle. It blocks the UV and lets air flow around the tires. I think tire covers can bake the tire in extreme conditions.

I started using plywood also after I have had a couple of tire covers blow away on really windy days.

Hmm .

Living at the gateway to he77 itself (desert sw) about May I pull the wheels off my trailer and store them in the shop. The investment in G rated tires has us on our forth season on our tires over the usual two.