I’m tired of my galvanized steel water troughs rusting and was considering purchasing a 100 gallon Rubbermaid trough. I have a 50 gallon size that I used with my mini’s and still use today that is still solid. However, reviews on the larger size said they cracked, they leaked, they did not last a year. Have you all found that to be true? Is there a secret to rehabbing a galvanized steel trough?? Thanks for any tips or ideas.
I have two of the 100 gallon Rubbermaid troughs that are going on at least 5 years old. One has a tank heater in it, the other does not. I have not had issues with cracks or leaks with either.
Have a Rubbermaid 100 gallon trough been going strong for 8 plus years. No cracks no leaking. There is a similar looking trough that I think is called a Freeland…they crack and leak.
I have two 100 gal Rubbermaid stock tanks that must be close to 10 years old and they’re in fantastic shape. I live in New England and the weather here runs the gamut, I use the stock tank heaters in the winter. I know plenty of people who use them and have had them for years as well.
Okay thank you both for you imput. I’m going to go ahead and get one. Again, thank you!
i have a two 6 or 7 year old 100 gallon rubbermaid tubs, no issues.
No problems with my Rubbermaid tanks, either. You DO have to be a little…cognizant if you’re banging on them hard when it’s really cold. My farrier told a hilarious story about putting a foot through one trying to kick some ice loose in sub zero weather. Probably wasn’t funny at the time… :lol:
I have one that is 12 years old now and still going fine. We don’t deal with much super freezing weather nor do I use tank heaters. It has stood up to the horse that likes to tip it, step in it, drag it around his paddock, sit on it, etc. Seems pretty darn tough to me.
we have had one of the 100 gallon tanks for about fifteen years, but it rarely ever get cold here… this Thursday is supposed to be the coldest night in over two years and it is only dropping to about +25F
Also when icy we just add water to de-ice so am not out there banging on it (moved from Kentucky to keep from doing that)
I’ve three Rubbermaid 100 gallon tanks. The oldest has served for 20 years (bought when we moved here), the other two about 10 years or so. Be sure they are genuine Rubbermaid. The plastic is foamed poly. Other brands are just molded poly. AND don’t kick them when it’s cold. :yes:
I have a few that are 12 years old and doing fine. The darker colored ones (black as opposed to gray) get slimier faster in the summer.
Believe it or not I use muck baskets for water troughs in summer - and the muck basket sized heated ones in winter. One per horse - lined up side by side near hydrant/hose/electric outlet right outside pastures.
They are easier to keep clean than a big single trough - and remarkably, my nosy parker horses leave them alone. Haven’t destroyed a single one.
But I had to put them up on a wood platform (in mare pasture) because one mare insisted on putting her feet in them - dirtied the fresh water every day.
umm if you back a skid steer into them they may crack :uhoh:
Luckily it cracked up high so I have about a 75 gallon tank.
Rubbermaid ones are pretty dependable. I have a 300 gallon one out in the field in the summer and the water buffalo like to stand in it. Still holding up!
Like any plastic they will become brittle in severe cold but as long as you aren’t banging on them they will last 10+ years.
[QUOTE=RoughOut;8962656]
Luckily it cracked up high so I have about a 75 gallon tank.
![/QUOTE]
aquarium caulk can be used to seal the crack, it is flexible and non toxic … it is used to seal glass joints of aquarium tanks … normally available at hardware or big box stores
[QUOTE=SLW;8962120]
Okay thank you both for you imput. I’m going to go ahead and get one. Again, thank you![/QUOTE]
I have had no issue with Rubber Maid troughs, but I would save the receipt just in case there was a defective batch.
Old galv troughs make wonderful planters for folks who can’t bend over a ground level garden.
If you are not going to use the old galv troughs yourselves, see if your local Master Gardeners ( a public service org that works thru your Ag Extension Office) can use them.
I know a couple of people who used spray on [truck] bed liner inside galv troughs to block rust.
I’ve had one for over 13 years. I did manage to crack the top 3 inches of it many years ago, can’t remember how I did it, but I still use the thing and have had no more cracks.
Nine are about 21 years old and spent 6 years in Colorado before moving to Texas. No problems with tank heaters.
Our Rubbermaid cart is about to be replaced, also 21 years old, as the wheels
need replacing. They are about $60 each and can get a new cart for another $30.
The cart itself is in great shape.
PS … Don’t grab the edge and tip a full or nearly full tank. You’ll risk cracking it, in handling or when it falls to the ground. Instead use a bucket to reduce the water level.
And keep powered equipment (Tractors & skid steers, etc) away from them. Horses standing in, chewing on, or pawing them are bad enough. :eek:
I have 2 100 + 1 150 gallon tank that are about 20 years old. I rock and crash them over when they are about 1/2 full to empty. The 150 gallon, I did have a crack at the top (6-8" down) - can’t remember why, but not from regular use. My husband repaired it about 5 years ago with a bonding patch. Still in daily use, and yess, I still crash it over to dump.
