Is The Steel Enclosed Trailer Transition Plate Painted Or Raw?

Updated 11/26/2025 | Published 11/19/2025

Question:

Is the steel version painted or raw? I live in Michigan and don’t want something that’ll rust through the first winter.

asked by: Sandra

Expert Reply:

Hey Sandra! The M-3 steel transition plate # M368FR comes matte black powder-coated, so it’s fully protected against rust and road salt. It’s also welded all the way across the hinge, which keeps moisture out of the seam. You can add a quick spray of rust-inhibitor once a year if you want to be extra safe in salty conditions. It's also good to spray it off every now and then if it gets dirty; that's something I keep forgetting to do on my car hauler trailer.

Do you keep the trailer indoors or outside most of the time?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Sandra

11/26/2025

Thanks Andrew! My trailer stays outside all winter so I’ll probably hit it with Fluid Film once in a while too.

Andrew N.

11/26/2025

@Sandra Yes, Fluid Film’s perfect for that. It’ll creep into the hinge pocket and help prevent any salt buildup or corrosion. Let me know how the install goes!