Aluminum Trailer - Washing the Floor

[SuckerForHorses]

I apologize in advance for yet ANOTHER trailer thread, but please help a gal out! This is my first aluminum trailer (its a 2004 but new to me) and my head is going to explode.

I understand that acid washing the OUTSIDE of the trailer is not necessary unless you want it to look new again, and that Guilherme’s point about removing the oxidation is just basically removing a protective layer on your aluminum. I don’t need the trailer to look brand new, and can use a polish to shine it back up again if I wanted to.

But, regarding the urine on the floor situation…

I pulled the mats yesterday to pressure wash with water, just to get it cleaned out and check it over. There are a few spots that have minor rough texture pitting, but nothing alarming. I want to get it acid washed to stop this corrosion process.

What do I use?

How do I do it?

How often should it be done?

What should I wash the mats with to also get the urine out of those?

Please be specific, I have limited knowledge in this area so details are super helpful! :lol:

TIA!

[Guilherme]

You might not have to do anything but pressure wash (or after use just flood with water). Here are two references. They are from the marine world but are relevant as salt air is a very corrosive environment.

http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/design-support/aluminium-corrosion-resistance/

http://www.boatlife.com/blog/remove-pitting-from-aluminum-on-boats/

G.

[SuckerForHorses]

[QUOTE=Guilherme;8705214]
You might not have to do anything but pressure wash (or after use just flood with water). Here are two references. They are from the marine world but are relevant as salt air is a very corrosive environment.

http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/design-support/aluminium-corrosion-resistance/

http://www.boatlife.com/blog/remove-pitting-from-aluminum-on-boats/

G.[/QUOTE]

Thanks!

Should the rubber mats be removed before flooding with water EVERY time and the floor dry before putting them back in? I would think yes, but I don’t know for sure.

[SuckerForHorses]

AND…if the horse doesn’t pee, is it still necessary to pull mats and rinse every time? Or just when you know they’ve peed in the trailer?