Scarab trailer hidden brake line rust

[Joatmon]

I store my boat and trailer out of the water, but when in the water it is salt water. I wash down the boat and trailer after each outing. I noticed the OEM Scarab trailer brake lines were getting rusty. I purchased the GatorHyde over galvanized coating, but it just means the trailer rusts under the coating and it is not as noticeable.

Anyway, I checked the brake line that runs inside the trailer tubing from the brake actuator to the rear axel. It is inside of a nylon mesh sleeve. When I checked the brake line crumbled and fluid poured out. An accident waiting to happen. Apparently the mesh sleeve retains water and accelerates the rust process. Especially salt water.

I replaced all the brake lines with nickel/copper tubing. Too bad Scarab did not use for the Gator/Hyde trailer upgrade.

Just a note. If you have a Scarab trailer you might want to check the brake line running inside the frame tubing. Easiest place to check is where the tubing comes out of the frame near the axel where it has formed into a circle.

 

[MD23679]

Joatmon , saltwater is harsh and no matter what you do , its gonna rust . I had my scarab for almost 6 years . The same year , I customized my trailer (galvinized inside out) . Never had any rusts since then .

 

[Joatmon]

Joatmon , saltwater is harsh and no matter what you do , its gonna rust . I had my scarab for almost 6 years . The same year , I customized my trailer (galvinized inside out) . Never had any rusts since then .

Thanks. I used nickel copper brake line so being non ferrous it will not rust. I would have expected Scarab to do the same when fabricating the trailer since I paid extra for the Gator coating over the galvanized frame. Even with extra protection the trailer frame is rusting through. I would assume poor raw material preparation before galv dipping and or the Gator coating traps water.