Rusty Heat Strip In Coleman Mach 3--Any Solutions?

[Andy Anderson]

My five year old trailer has a Coleman Mach 3 that recently began blowing small bits of blackish grit out of the vents. Of course, the heater is directly above a white countertop!

Upon disassembly, it appears that the radiant fins on the heat strip have rusted. This rust vibrates off of the heat strip when the trailer is in motion, and then blows out of the vents when the Mach 3 is started up.

I know that I could merely replace the heat strip, but have others encountered this before--and come up with a cheaper solution?

Maybe sandblasting and then leaving the fins bare or coated with something that can take the heat?

I hate to replace a working strip!

Thanks in advance.

[Andy Anderson]

My five year old trailer has a Coleman Mach 3 that recently began blowing small bits of blackish grit out of the vents. Of course, the heater is directly above a white countertop!

Upon disassembly, it appears that the radiant fins on the heat strip have rusted. This rust vibrates off of the heat strip when the trailer is in motion, and then blows out of the vents when the Mach 3 is started up.

I know that I could merely replace the heat strip, but have others encountered this before--and come up with a cheaper solution?

Maybe sandblasting and then leaving the fins bare or coated with something that can take the heat?

I hate to replace a working strip!

Thanks in advance.

[Ray,IN]

Perhaps strips of foam filter like the intake vent uses,taped inside the ceiling dress cover in front of each exhaust vent will trap the particles. Ducted AC requires more thought.