Maintenance Tips For Aluminum Flatbeds
The nice thing about aluminum is that, unlike steel, it doesn’t need much when it comes to maintenance. It’s not prone to rust like steel and is considerably lighter, which makes it the perfect metal for flatbeds. It’s no wonder that custom aluminum flatbed orders are rising in number by the day!
To keep your aluminum flatbed gleaming for years to come, we at Truck Defender Bumpers have some maintenance tips. You don’t have to do much, but if you follow these steps at regular intervals, it’ll go a long way! To get yourself a custom aluminum flatbed, visit us at our location in Vale, South Dakota. We ship to all of North America!
Regular Cleaning
As with anything else, your aluminum flatbed requires regular cleaning to keep it looking fresh and new. Ignoring build-up will make it grungy and dull. Cleaning is also recommended because it gets rid of stray particulates that could scratch the bed. First, rinse your aluminum flatbed with a power hose to remove any debris and then scrub it with a mild soap and smooth sponge. Rinse off the suds and let the flatbed dry completely.
Polish and Buff
To prevent oxidation and dulling of your custom aluminum flatbed, you should polish and buff it after cleaning. The polish acts like a protective covering and prevents the sun and the air from dulling the aluminum flatbed. Use a buffing pad to apply the polish in a circular motion to avoid streaks. If you find this step tedious, consider getting your flatbed painted to prevent damage from elemental exposure.
Lubricate Hinges and Latches
Remember that your flatbed is constantly exposed to the abrasive effects of weather and cargo. This has a more adverse effect on the movable parts of your truck that are tucked away in hard-to-reach corners. If your custom aluminum flatbed has any hinges or latches, you have to lubricate them at regular intervals to ensure that they function smoothly and without any screeching sounds. Make this a part of your regular aluminum flatbed maintenance routine.
Get a Bed Liner
To prevent your custom aluminum flatbed from becoming scratched when loading or unloading cargo, you can get a liner to cover it. This liner acts as a barrier between your flatbed and any harmful or abrasive items you may need to haul. To install a liner, you have to use spray foam, which can be a complicated process. If you need professional help, bring your truck over to Truck Defender Bumpers and we’ll take care of it for you!
Things to Keep in Mind
We know that your aluminum flatbed does a lot of hard work, which is why it gets dirty and requires thorough cleaning on a regular basis. You should, however, avoid using any harsh cleaners to get the job done, as they can damage the metal instead of cleaning it. This means you have to avoid soaps with detergent in them and instead use gentle, eco-friendly cleaners without any acid or detergent. One of the best ways to keep your aluminum flatbed clean is to sweep it out regularly, as this limits the amount of debris and grime that can accumulate. Don’t let water sit on your flatbed for a long time since this leaves water spots behind.
We hope these aluminum flatbed maintenance tips help you keep your custom flatbed in great shape for years to come! For any additional information or to get yourself a sturdy and durable custom aluminum flatbed, come to Truck Defender Bumpers today. We proudly serve all of North America!