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Greenbeans · 08-18-2015, 05:59 PM

Hi, could anyone advise me if the rust on this coach chassis is considered superficial or or more serious? This is a 2004 Itasca Horizon. The pics are of the front - the rest of the chassis is relatively rust free. Appreciate your help. Thanks!

Tom_ · 08-18-2015, 07:40 PM

I don't see any pics but I'm originally from Vermont and have seen allot of rust. It's not too unusual to see surface rust on the frame of an 11 year old vehicle. If metal is flaking off things are getting more serious. Usually it's things like brake lines and cables that go first. Check those, especially around any connections. Check sheet metal under doors and around hinges. If you see places the paint has been compromised by rust then the vehicle has probably seen winter roads. If the sheet metal looks ok after 11 years it probably hasn't been overly exposed to the elements of winter driving.

Good luck

Tom

Greenbeans · 08-19-2015, 08:44 AM

Thanks Tom, let's see if the photo posts this time...

Greenbeans · 08-19-2015, 08:50 AM

Hope it works this time.

FIRE UP · 08-19-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenbeans

Hi, could anyone advise me if the rust on this coach chassis is considered superficial or or more serious? This is a 2004 Itasca Horizon. The pics are of the front - the rest of the chassis is relatively rust free. Appreciate your help. Thanks!

Hey Greenbeans,
Another '04 Horizon owner, yahoo. Ours is also a the Horizon only it's the 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT. I see that yours has the IFS suspension so, I'm pre-supposing it's a 40' unit, correct? Now, from what I can gather at looking at the pictures, you have rust, but, it's not all that bad. We have rust too but again, while it's eventually going to need some attention, it's not to be alarmed about.

Our coach, has had four owners. We're the fourth set. Based on the limited knowledge we've acquired, that coach spent the first year or so of its adolescents in and around, back east some place. Hence, the amount and depth of the rust we have. Again, about 95% ours, is not quite as in depth as yours.

Winne, like other manufactures, purchases multiple chassis's at one time. And, I don't know if you know, where they're located but, it's in Forest City IA. And, as you more than likely know, THEY GET SNOW THERE AND, LOTS OF IT!! So, they store, those brand new chassis's, OUT DOORS!! Well, that's the beginning of the end for any un-protected metal.

I've seen another '04 40' Horizon here in Lake Havasu City AZ that, when you opened some of the compartment doors, THERE WAS NO FRAMING LEFT!!!!!!!! YEOW!

There are products on the market that, turn rust into something other than rust, when applied. POR 15 comes to mind but, there's plenty more. As with anything that you want to turn out good, it's labor intense. So, if you are thinking about rectifying your rust situation BEFORE it gets any worse, take a look at that product and, a few others and see what it takes to use them and remedy your situation.

Other than that, move out here in western desert, that stops rust instantly. Of course WE melt but, the rust stops. Good luck.
Scott

rodz · 08-19-2015, 01:44 PM

Watch the storage compartments. My 06 Journey had some rust. The sheet metal is very thin and will rust through in no time. I would wire brush and coat with black rust stop every year. Last year the brush went through in a few spots. I made some repair panels for it. Several other places were almost through. Gave me an excuse to get a newer one.

Greenbeans · 08-19-2015, 11:59 PM

Thanks guys - we are feeling better that this isn't a major issue. We'll work on cleaning it up with a wire brush and re-painting it.

Yep - ours is the 40'. Our compartments are clean and rust free but we'll keep an eye on it. The rust is isolated to the front end - the rest of the chassis is relatively rust free. Not sure why - maybe the way it was stored??

BTW, we are in AZ now and we definitely are MELTING! 116F is hot!!! Looking forward to traveling around the country in our new Horizon.

Thanks again,
Greenbeans

Nana25K · 08-20-2015, 08:12 AM

We just had ours brushed and treated. Our research led us to using good old Rust O Lium product. We will see how that works. We did the entire undercarriage. Don't forget to open side panels which are clipped and screwed shut.