Trailer and Chassis Protective Coatings
The Critical Role of Protective Coatings in Trailer and Chassis Longevity
Written by: Baril Coatings USA
Posted: December 2021
In December 2021, a major logistics company in Chicago faced an unexpected crisis. During a routine delivery, a 53-foot trailer experienced a catastrophic chassis failure, causing the trailer to partially collapse while being unloaded. Investigation revealed that road salt and chemical exposure had severely compromised the chassis's structural integrity over just five years of service. The estimated losses, including damaged cargo, repairs, and downtime, exceeded $180,000. Most concerning? This trailer had passed its annual inspection just two months earlier.
The transportation industry loses an estimated $5 billion annually to corrosion-related trailer and chassis damage. With the average cost of a new commercial trailer exceeding $50,000 and chassis replacement costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, protecting these assets isn't just about maintenance – it's about business survival. Every mile traveled exposes trailers and chassis to a perfect storm of corrosive elements: road salt, de-icing chemicals, acid rain, and constant moisture exposure.
Consider the daily challenges faced by a typical trailer and chassis:
- Continuous exposure to road spray and debris
- Chemical assault from de-icing agents and road treatments
- High-speed wind and particle impact
- Extreme temperature variations
- Constant vibration and flexing
- Regular exposure to loading dock impacts
- Contact with corrosive cargo materials
The pattern of deterioration in trailers and chassis is particularly treacherous because it often begins in hard-to-inspect areas. Critical failure points typically develop in:
- Cross-member connections
- Support beam joints
- Landing gear mounting points
- Suspension attachment areas
- Floor support structures
A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute revealed that corrosion-related repairs account for nearly 30% of all trailer maintenance costs, with chassis issues representing an additional 25%. More alarming is that these percentages have been steadily increasing over the past decade due to increased use of corrosive de-icing chemicals on highways.
Take the case of a regional delivery fleet in Minnesota. After losing three trailers to severe corrosion damage in a single winter season, they conducted a fleet-wide inspection. The results were startling: 40% of their five-year-old trailers showed significant structural deterioration that wasn't visible during routine inspections. The root cause? Inadequate protective coatings that allowed corrosive de-icing chemicals to penetrate vital structural components.
Modern Protection Strategies
Modern trailer and chassis protection requires a sophisticated approach that addresses multiple challenges:
- Exceptional adhesion to different metal types
- Impact resistance for loading dock operations
- Chemical resistance against road treatments
- Flexibility to prevent cracking during operation
- Abrasion resistance for long-term durability
- Self-healing capabilities for minor damage
At Baril Coatings USA, we've developed specialized coating systems specifically engineered for trailer and chassis protection. Our advanced coating technology creates a comprehensive barrier system that significantly extends asset life while reducing maintenance costs.
Our Protection System
Our protection system involves a carefully engineered three-layer approach:
- A specialized primer that provides superior adhesion and initial corrosion resistance
- A high-build intermediate coat that delivers exceptional barrier properties
- A durable topcoat that resists impact, chemicals, and UV damage
Real-World Results
The real-world effectiveness of proper protection is clear. A major national fleet implemented our coating system on their new trailers and saw remarkable results:
- 70% reduction in corrosion-related repairs
- Extended service life from 7 to 12 years
- 45% decrease in annual maintenance costs
- Significantly higher resale values
- Reduced out-of-service time
- Lower insurance premiums due to improved safety ratings
Conclusion
At Baril Coatings USA, we understand that every trailer and chassis represents a significant investment in your business's future. Our protective coatings are designed not just to prevent corrosion, but to ensure your transportation assets maintain their value and reliability throughout their operational life.
Contact us today to learn how our advanced coating systems can protect your trailer and chassis fleet while reducing your long-term operational costs.