Protection For Your Don-Bur Trailer: A Comprehensive Guide

Q: Why does Don-Bur avoid hot-dip galvanisation for chassis protection?

We use a number of hot-dip galvanised components; however, hot-dip galvanisation on manufactured chassis can introduce thermal shock and microcracks (liquid metal-assisted cracking, LMAC) into the steel, risking distortion and weakening. Microcracks are hard to detect at manufacture, can admit moisture and accelerate corrosion, and may grow over time, compromising structural integrity. Spray zincing avoids these risks and supports long-term durability.

Q: How does Don-Bur protect the chassis and bodywork?

A dual-layer coating with a high-quality base coat and weather-resistant topcoat, designed to resist salt, UV and temperature extremes. The paint system is tested with salt spray and UV exposure; it has been tested to withstand 1000 hours of salt spray to ISO 12944, supporting an estimated lifespan of approximately 15 years.

Q: What is the IP rating of Don-Bur's electrical connectors?

Side marker lights and centre loom plugs are specified to IP68, and rear light clusters to IP69. White lithium spray is used on connectors to help prevent corrosion and maintain performance.

Q: What additional protective measures does Don-Bur take to protect its trailers?

Measures include: PVC bags over exposed valves and downpipes; IP67-rated boxes with IP68 glands for electrical control boxes and CPUs; spray suppression* ahead of control boxes behind axles; drip loops to divert water from connectors; avoiding steel/aluminium connections; drain holes where appropriate, including the bed plate; positioning C-bearers rearwards; Copax protective piping around exposed wiring looms; pre-drilling chassis holes to preserve paint seal; capping chassis box sections; *auto-drain valves in air tanks; *rubberised coating or aluminium air tanks; *roof skin insulation to reduce condensation. * where required / optional.

Q: How does Don-Bur ensure the durability of its trailers in all weather conditions?

By combining the above protective strategies, Don-Bur trailers are built to withstand varied climates and provide reliable long-term service.

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 the most common questions about weather protection on Don-Bur trailers—from roofs and rear door sealing to corrosion coatings and day-to-day care. If you’re specifying a build, treat these as options you can tailor to your duty cycle.

FAQs

How does Don-Bur protect the chassis of its trailers?

Don-Bur uses a variety of protective measures to ensure the durability of our trailers, including spray zincing*. This process offers several benefits over traditional hot-dip galvanisation. Spray zincing provides a more controlled application of zinc, allowing for precise targeting of specific areas on the chassis. This reduces the risk of over-coating, which leads to other issues. Additionally, spray zincing is less likely to cause distortion or microcracks in the steel, as it does not involve immersing the entire chassis in a molten zinc bath. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of the trailer and reduce the risk of long-term damage. By carefully selecting spray zincing as a protective measure, Don-Bur is able to balance the need for corrosion protection with the importance of maintaining structural integrity.

Why does Don-Bur avoid hot-dip galvanisation for chassis protection?

We do use a number of hot-dip galvanised components; however, hot-dip galvanisation on manufactured chassis, while effective for corrosion protection, can introduce thermal shock and microcracks, known as liquid metal-assisted cracking (LMAC), into the steel. This can lead to distortion and weakening of the chassis, potentially compromising its structural integrity. Microcracks are often difficult to detect at the time of manufacture, making them a potential safety hazard. These microscopic fractures can act as points of weakness, allowing moisture and corrosive agents to penetrate the steel and accelerate the corrosion process. Over time, these microcracks can grow, leading to more significant structural damage and potentially resulting in catastrophic failure. By opting for spray zincing, Don-Bur avoids these risks and ensures the long-term durability of our trailers.

How does Don-Bur protect the chassis and bodywork?

Don-Bur's paint system is rigorously engineered to provide exceptional durability and protection against the elements. We employ a dual-layer coating process that includes a high-quality base coat and a weather-resistant topcoat. This system is designed to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to salt, UV rays, and a wide temperature range. To ensure the highest level of quality and performance, our paint system undergoes extensive testing and quality control measures. This includes salt spray testing, which simulates exposure to corrosive environments, and UV exposure testing, which evaluates the paint's resistance to fading and degradation caused by sunlight. Our paint system has been rigorously tested to withstand 1000 hours of salt spray exposure, to ISO 12944, which equates to an estimated lifespan of approximately 15 years. This ensures that Don-Bur trailers maintain their appearance and protection for many years to come.

What is the IP rating of Don-Bur's electrical connectors?

Don-Bur specifies high IP ratings for all electrical connectors, including IP68 for side marker lights and centre loom plugs, and IP69 for rear light clusters. Additionally, we use white lithium spray on connectors to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance.

What additional protective measures does Don-Bur take to protect its trailers?

Don-Bur takes a variety of additional protective measures, including:

PVC bags over exposed valves and downpipes
IP67-rated boxes with IP68-rated glands for electrical control boxes and CPUs
Adding spray suppression* in front of boxes containing controls behind axles
Drip loops to divert water away from electrical connectors
Avoiding steel/aluminium connections to prevent galvanic corrosion
Introduction of drain holes where appropriate, including the bed plate
Positioning C-Bearers rearwards
Copax protective piping around exposed wiring looms
Pre-drilling chassis holes to ensure paint seal
Capping off chassis box sections to prevent standing water
*Auto-drain valves in air tanks to prevent water build-up
*Rubberised coating or aluminium alternative for air tanks
*Roof skin insulation option to prevent condensation

* where required / optional

How does Don-Bur ensure the durability of its trailers in all weather conditions?

Don-Bur's commitment to quality and durability is evident in the comprehensive protective measures we employ. By combining these strategies, we ensure that our trailers can withstand the challenges of any climate and provide reliable service for years to come.