Rust Problems with Blue Ox TruCenter

[Gadget Man]

I purchased a Blue Ox TruCenter last year and I love the way it works. The device's metal surface however has me concerned. In less than a year, it has developed a substantial amount of rust, as you can see in the attached photos. I live in drought-ridden Southern California, so we see very little rain. I sent Blue Ox these same photos. They had no idea why I am seeing so much rust in such a short period and have kindly offered to replace it for me.





Has anyone else with a TruCenter experienced this?

Craig

[tranquility]

I just installed a tru-center this week. Keep us informed on what you decide to do. I will keep an eye on mine. Possibly just a poor paint job just on yours. Built on a Monday?

[pcurt23]

And why were you inspecting the True Center? As long as mine is working I have really no need to inspect it for cosmetic rust. I can tell you they do not like to be under water. A few years ago we were stuck in a 4 foot flood in a camp ground. True Center was repaired without hassle.

[Gadget Man]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I just installed a tru-center this week. Keep us informed on what you decide to do.

Blue Ox has kindly offered to replace mine, so that is what I will do. I will keep an eye on my new one.

Originally Posted by pcurt23

And why were you inspecting the True Center? As long as mine is working I have really no need to inspect it for cosmetic rust.

Seriously? I inspect all of my chassis components as part of my annual spring maintenance, something everyone should do at least once a year. As far as just forgetting about it, even Blue Ox agrees that cosmetic rust can become destructive rust, which is why they offered to replace without my even asking.

Craig

[wstrace3]

I'll check mine this afternoon when I leave the office. I'm curious now.. if yours looks like that in CA I need to check mine with all of the rain we drive thru in the south.

[Gadget Man]

Originally Posted by wstrace3

I'll check mine this afternoon when I leave the office. I'm curious now.. if yours looks like that in CA I need to check mine with all of the rain we drive thru in the south.

Please let us know. Thanks!

Craig

[dpinvidic]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

I purchased a Blue Ox TruCenter last year and I love the way it works. The device's metal surface however has me concerned. In less than a year, it has developed a substantial amount of rust, as you can see in the attached photos. I live in drought-ridden Southern California, so we see very little rain. I sent Blue Ox these same photos. They had no idea why I am seeing so much rust in such a short period and have kindly offered to replace it for me.


Has anyone else with a TruCenter experienced this?

Craig

It looks to me that most of the rust is on the lower forward facing surface.
It might be getting sandblasted while driving.
If it is made of steel, any minor damage to the protective finish will result in rust spots.

You could wrap a section with clear shipping tape. After your next trip, see if there are pits in the tape from sand or small rocks.

Do you live near the beach?

Dan

[Gadget Man]

Dan,

I agree that it looks like it got sandblasted, but I haven't driven in any such conditions since the installation. If I had unknowingly, I probably would see similar signs on other areas in front of the TruCenter. I live way inland, so salt air from the beach definitely isn't an issue. All good ideas though, thanks.

Craig

[dpinvidic]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

Dan,

I agree that it looks like it got sandblasted, but I haven't driven in any such conditions since the installation. If I had unknowingly, I probably would see similar signs on other areas in front of the TruCenter. I live way inland, so salt air from the beach definitely isn't an issue. All good ideas though, thanks.

Craig

Hi Craig,
I was talking about the sand and rocks that the tires throw up during normal travel. Same reason we have rock guads at the rear of the coach.
What does the back side of the True center look like, that would be important.

Dan

[Gadget Man]

The back side is clean as a whistle, so you must be correct Dan.

This totally caught me off guard as the 8 year old steering stabilizer that the TruCenter replaced, had no such pitting/rust.

Craig

[wstrace3]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

The back side is clean as a whistle, so you must be correct Dan.

This totally caught me off guard as the 8 year old steering stabilizer that the TruCenter replaced, had no such pitting/rust.

Craig

just checked mine and zero rust spots.

[Gadget Man]

Originally Posted by wstrace3

just checked mine and zero rust spots.

Thanks for the reply. How old is your TruCenter?

Craig

[wstrace3]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

Thanks for the reply. How old is your TruCenter?

Craig

I would say about 18 months and 10k miles. And alot of wet weather