Aluminum trailer cleaning

[ar2stp48]

Finally found a deal on a 20' Tommy's aluminum car hauler. It needs a good cleaning. Anyone have experience with a product that will clean and brighten the aluminum? A google search and search of forum did not result in much. A lot of acid wash cleaners; what results and experience with some by name?

Thanks for any help.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know some guys have had luck using Purple Power, well, let me ask this. Is this an open aluminum trailer and an enclosed trailer ?

 

[Bill's Auto Works]

If I am not mistaken, Tommys used to acid wash customers trailers for free. I do not remember if this was for life or just a year, but you might check with a dealer. After it is clean, use a Mothers Powerball & Flitz to polish it. I use it on my Featherlite with over 1 million miles on it (see pic)

 

[JoeFin]

Any thing with "Ferric Chloride" in it will do the job very nicely to remove oxidation (crust)

If your really industrious and you want a "Bright" finish, after the acid wash you can run "Mother's Power Ball" or any inexpensive buffing wheel on a drill with a descent metal polishing compound. Of course after going to all that trouble you would be advised to clear coat it with a clear lacquer

 

[Chris Stapley]

Go to your local truck stop and run it through the Blue Beacon or whatever they call the local truck wash, let them do the work, worry about the chemical trail etc... And go home in a mere few minutes....

 

[y'sguy]

Yes^^what he said. I did it with my car hauler and it really brightened all the aluminum. they do the aluminum big rigs so yours is no biggie.

 

[In My Garage]

Facto AT34 Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener Concentrate

Würth sells a small spray bottle of the above product what I believe is repackaged and they certainly up the price.

I have used both.

 

[az45]

I know some guys have had luck using Purple Power, well, let me ask this. Is this an open aluminum trailer and an enclosed trailer ?

Purple Power will discolor the aluminum(ive done it), do not use it unless you dilute it and then test it first.

 

[PanelDeland]

I agree with having the pros do it. Strong concentrates of the chemical they use to clean them can be fatal. It leaches the calcium from your bones. They do make it in a less concentrated formula that used to be widely available but I haven't bought any in years. Try your local pressure washer dealer for what works. He's probably supplying the local truck washes.

 

[ar2stp48]

Thanks for the ideas and comments. Trailer is an open 20' car hauler; like the one in link with the fiberglass air dam added. www.tommystrailers.com/production-class

Yes, Tommy still washes them and does a complete check of trailer; I will be heading here later. I want to make it look a bit nicer now. Will check on the nearest truck center for wash.