British weather, road spray and wash-bay chemicals are tough on trailers. Our approach is a layered defence: keep water out at obvious entry points, manage any moisture that does get in, and protect the structure against corrosion. Material choice, seal design and finishing all work together so the trailer stays tight and presentable for longer.
Below we've answered common questions about weather protection on Don-Bur trailers, including corrosion protection, electrical sealing, coatings and moisture management. If you're specifying a build, many of these measures can be tailored to suit the intended duty cycle.
FAQs
How does Don-Bur protect the chassis of its trailers?
Don-Bur uses a variety of protective measures, including spray zincing*. Compared with traditional hot-dip galvanisation, spray zincing allows more controlled application of zinc to targeted chassis areas and reduces the risk of over-coating. Because the process does not involve immersing the entire chassis in molten zinc, it is also less likely to introduce distortion or microcracks into the steel. This helps maintain structural integrity while still providing corrosion protection.
Why does Don-Bur avoid hot-dip galvanisation for chassis protection?
Don-Bur does use a number of hot-dip galvanised components; however, applying hot-dip galvanisation to a manufactured chassis can introduce thermal shock and microcracks, known as liquid metal-assisted cracking (LMAC), into the steel. These microscopic fractures may not be visible during manufacture but can become points of weakness where moisture and corrosive agents penetrate the material. Over time, this can accelerate corrosion and contribute to structural deterioration. Spray zincing helps avoid these risks while still providing corrosion protection.
How does Don-Bur protect the chassis and bodywork?
Don-Bur uses a dual-layer paint system comprising a high-quality base coat and weather-resistant topcoat. The system is designed to withstand exposure to road salt, UV light and varying operating temperatures. To verify durability, the coating system undergoes testing including salt spray and UV exposure assessment. The paint system has been tested to withstand 1000 hours of salt spray exposure to ISO 12944, equating to an estimated lifespan of approximately 15 years.
What is the IP rating of Don-Bur's electrical connectors?
Don-Bur specifies high IP ratings for electrical components, including IP68-rated side marker lights and centre loom plugs, together with IP69-rated rear light clusters. White lithium spray is also applied to connectors to help prevent corrosion.
What additional protective measures does Don-Bur use?
Additional protective measures may include:
- PVC bags over exposed valves and downpipes
- IP67-rated boxes with IP68-rated glands for electrical control boxes and CPUs
- Spray suppression* in front of control boxes positioned behind axles
- Drip loops to divert water away from electrical connectors
- Avoidance of direct steel/aluminium connections to reduce galvanic corrosion
- Drain holes where appropriate, including within the bed plate
- Rearward positioning of C-Bearers
- Copax protective piping around exposed wiring looms
- Pre-drilled chassis holes to maintain paint seal integrity
- Capped chassis box sections to reduce standing water retention
- *Auto-drain valves in air tanks to prevent water build-up
- *Rubberised coating or aluminium alternatives for air tanks
- *Roof skin insulation options to help reduce condensation
* where required / optional
Image gallery
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Trailer Electrics Box -
Chassis Spray Zinc -
Chassis Shotblast -
Dip Galvanised Steel Micro Cracks Illustration
