New 2012 Knight rust issue

[printernot]

Hi Guys!

We picked up our new 2012 Knight back in December. After further inspection of the back compartment {where the coolant is located} I discovered quite a bit of rust on the painted angle braces....looking further, I found a lot more under the coach on similar painted metal braces, etc. Took pictures, sent them to the dealer, he sent on to Monaco, and still haven't heard anything from Monaco....dealer suggesting calling customer service in Oregon, I did, and went through voice mail hell until I got tired of hanging on and hung up..... anybody have any suggestions?

[CaptBill]

We looked at the new Monaco Knight at a dealer show in Florida last month, and saw the same thing; lots of rust. I also saw very jagged edges on sheet metal on both sides in the rear engine filter service area. The sheet metal was cut with tin snips in a very unprofessional way, and sooner or later, someone will get a very nasty cut, while working back there. You'd think that since every one of these models is the same back in that area, that they would have had the metal pre-punched, before installing. But not so.

Re your rust issue, I would keep pressure on the dealer and Monaco. Log your complaing with both of them in writing.

[tallen]

Buy rust converter from Gemplers online and paint on, turns rust to primer.
tallen
03 camelot

[deSanford]

I use a lot of Rust Oleum paint under my coach. deSanford

[dieselbeaver]

You are not alone. I just found out tonite that the restriction gauge was never hooked up. The funny or sad part is that it was because the air filter housing was installed wrong from day one in 2003. I'm a mechanic so I look at things a little differently than most. I found my issue when I was checking to see if the oil leak I'd fixed before the last trip was ok.... That was a loose oil pressure sender that was probably there since new as well.

So back to the housing issue. I had dropped the rock guard to get a better look and I was wedged up between the engine and frame doing what I do-- looking. I was following the different hoses just to see what and where and I ground what I thought should be the line to the restriction gauge, and I found it was loose as I followed it. It was never installed because the air filter housing was bolted to the wrong side of its mounting brackets and to force it into the necessary position it was pushing then the back of the housing inward thus blocking access to the quick coupler fitting for the gauge. This also has let dust in from day one---- I'll live with that at this point. Simply put I noticed the whole filter assm had room to come out further in the compartment whilst still not hitting the door. So thats what I did, it took me 1/2 hour to undo 7 years of wrong, and it also got the fresh air inlet elbow off the frame rail.

Kinda long winded, sorry. But the jest is that everywhere you look you may find things you don't like. Especially under the coach. Loose wires, jagged edges, foam all over, taunt wiring and hoses, and it goes on. The outside and the interior is what sells and that's what the Quality Control primarily look at. I'm pretty picky, so I have spent quite a bit of time "adjusting" things to my liking.

If I had bought a new coach, I'm afraid I would be known as "that guy" to the service dept. don't be afraid to be that guy though... You paid for the right. Just remember there is a limit. The manufacturer is hopeful you won't notice anything except the glaring issues during the warranty period. And further more they may deem alot of things to be an "adjustment" that is only covered for a limited time. No broken part, no repair. Good luck, but in some cases some paint is just easier.

Allen

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by dieselbeaver

Good luck, but in some cases some paint is just easier.

Allen

Yep, that's what I'd do although I'd use some of the rust changing stuff, then paint or undercoat it.

[Traps90]

Unfortunately this seems to be a fairly common problem with most of manufacture's. Anything to save a buck

[orpco]

our dealer undercoats everything. I guess that's why to coverup all the rust!

[demoon]

I think it is rather strange that your dealer has not stepped forward more on this. I don't understand why he is not calling Monaco - after all it is his reputation as well that is on the line here.

[tjy]

Same here on ours the rust was standard..didn't order it. My wife asked the dealer if the coach was in a flood. We had a prob.with the selonid that runs the full length slide, when a mobile repair guy opened the door over the a/c condenser then pulled the same condenser out of the way,Hello mister rust!

Tom

[printernot]

Originally Posted by printernot

Hi Guys!

We picked up our new 2012 Knight back in December. After further inspection of the back compartment {where the coolant is located} I discovered quite a bit of rust on the painted angle braces....looking further, I found a lot more under the coach on similar painted metal braces, etc. Took pictures, sent them to the dealer, he sent on to Monaco, and still haven't heard anything from Monaco....dealer suggesting calling customer service in Oregon, I did, and went through voice mail hell until I got tired of hanging on and hung up..... anybody have any suggestions?

Update, many months later....Monaco told dealer to get it looked at.....they had a body shop guy over, took many pictures, sent to Monaco, said they'd take care of it....long story short, Monaco only covered part of it, my dealer (Stoltzfus RV of West Chester, PA) really stepped up to the plate and took care of the balance, which was a hefty sum. I wasn't sure of them until now, but I really recommend their customer service!

[Tony Lee]

I guess as long as 6 owners fix the problem themselves and only one owner makes the dealer and/or the manufacturer fix it, there is no incentive for the manufacturer to do anything different.

My RV is only a humble old Airstream Cutter, but I was amazed to notice that the two chassis rails at the front end were just hacked off freehand with an oxy torch. Out of sight out of mind philosophy instead of good workmanship. Must check to see if the back end of the rails is the same.

Still, not all bad. No rust.

[Bruce C]

If you want a good company that has plenty of rust control products look at www.eastwood.com I have used them for many years and they have whatever you want. Good luck.

[Dutch Star Don]

I keep a couple cans of the spray on rubberized undercoating in my garage. Whenever I'm under the coach doing service or repairs, I spray any spots that look like bare metal is exposed.