Community Forums

Delacroix · 01-09-2021, 09:32 AM

Under my coach it is sealed with what appears as thin aluminum. Seemed as if road rock and salt was eating it up. I sprayed rubber sealant and used the coach. I now have 3 compartment areas that are sagging down about 4-5 inches. They are about 5 feet in front of tandem wheels. I now have no idea what to do. I thought about removing what’s there and putting some galvanized metal over area and screwing it to the metal areas. Any ideas and do others have a similar pro

ptw · 01-09-2021, 10:07 AM

Be certain that water is not accumulating on top of that pan that encloses the frame. Water that gets through the seams, water that enters from the wheel wells into the bays above, water from line leaks or frame seal water leaks can accumulate in those pans. The water and dampness can then cause your frame above the pans to rust.

The pans can be removed and replaced if necessary. The frame can be repainted and the insulation inside can be replaced. It is not a small job.

Mr JP · 01-09-2021, 10:24 AM

Post up some Pics so we can get a better look at what's happening

dav-cle · 01-09-2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delacroix

Under my coach it is sealed with what appears as thin aluminum. Seemed as if road rock and salt was eating it up. I sprayed rubber sealant and used the coach. I now have 3 compartment areas that are sagging down about 4-5 inches. They are about 5 feet in front of tandem wheels. I now have no idea what to do. I thought about removing what’s there and putting some galvanized metal over area and screwing it to the metal areas. Any ideas and do others have a similar pro

Same thing happened with my 2011 MADP. I put galvanized metal and sheet metal screws to existing frame work and then put a run of 1" box tubing midway of panel to support the weight of the fresh water and waste tanks above it. Do note that I had to get 1" plywood and a floor jack to get the compartment back to proper height!

stang37 · 01-09-2021, 06:40 PM

I have a travel friend who has a 2013 MA. He just finished removing the floor under the fresh water tank and replacing everything. His was leaking from the rear passenger wheel well. Where the sheetmetal goes behind the angle brace.

Firedog3722 · 01-09-2021, 07:45 PM

I purchased a 2011 Essex from a couple that lived in Tampa this last August. After a pre-purchase inspection by a certified inspector and getting the coach home I also discovered a sagging floor that had been supported with a piece of lumber. I took these pictures today, 1/9/21. I'm in the process of fixing the complete wet bay. I removed the floor yesterday and some of the particle board from the back wall, the wall that is next to the drive wheels, and this is what I found. You can see that is severe aluminum failure of the back skin that allowed water intrusion into the wet bay. The wood layer of the floor, also particle board, was all removed just using my hands it was so rotten. I’m documenting the repair and will post a complete write up when complete. My suggestion to all who travel along the coastal area with a salt environment, repair early and you can save the supports making the repair a little easier.

Chargerman · 01-09-2021, 07:52 PM

Looks like much of the initial corrosion occurred from electrolysis between the steel and aluminum sheet. Not a very smart idea by the manufacturer

RonLC · 01-09-2021, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chargerman

Looks like much of the initial corrosion occurred from electrolysis between the steel and aluminum sheet. Not a very smart idea by the manufacturer

As a long time boater my vote is electrolysis.

arcaguy · 01-09-2021, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chargerman

Looks like much of the initial corrosion occurred from electrolysis between the steel and aluminum sheet. Not a very smart idea by the manufacturer

I don't think there's any doubt it's electrolysis, it stops just above the steel. Steel + aluminum + water = electrolysis, every time, and you don't need much if any water.

gatorb8 · 01-10-2021, 06:51 AM

and accelerant : salt

stang37 · 01-10-2021, 07:21 AM

Firedog3722 coach issue looks just like my friend 2013 Mountain Aire. Lots of work to fix

Maik · 01-10-2021, 11:08 AM

I have the same problem with my 98 American Eagle. Yours is not as bad. Looks like your steel frames are largely intact. Best to install stainless sheet to the bottom using stainless blind rivets. Use SM insulation board to fill the thickness of the framed metals. Glue that into place. Use FRP sheets (fiber reinforced plastic) to cover the SM insulation.
For my coach I have to replace everything. mine is totally rotted out.

Dav L · 01-10-2021, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maik

I have the same problem with my 98 American Eagle. Yours is not as bad. Looks like your steel frames are largely intact. Best to install stainless sheet to the bottom using stainless blind rivets. Use SM insulation board to fill the thickness of the framed metals. Glue that into place. Use FRP sheets (fiber reinforced plastic) to cover the SM insulation.
For my coach I have to replace everything. mine is totally rotted out.

Home Depot has FRP sheets in the paneling dept. Cheap, 4x8, and White dimpled on one side, smooth on the other (that can be painted).

RKins · 01-11-2021, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firedog3722

I purchased a 2011 Essex from a couple that lived in Tampa this last August. After a pre-purchase inspection by a certified inspector and getting the coach home I also discovered a sagging floor that had been supported with a piece of lumber. I took these pictures today, 1/9/21. I'm in the process of fixing the complete wet bay. I removed the floor yesterday and some of the particle board from the back wall, the wall that is next to the drive wheels, and this is what I found. You can see that is severe aluminum failure of the back skin that allowed water intrusion into the wet bay. The wood layer of the floor, also particle board, was all removed just using my hands it was so rotten. I’m documenting the repair and will post a complete write up when complete. My suggestion to all who travel along the coastal area with a salt environment, repair early and you can save the supports making the repair a little easier.

I am trying to orient myself - I see a support piston in the 1st pic, are the doors of the Essex propped open at the bottom?
Did you remove all the wet tanks from that bay? I assume so but again, trying to orient myself.
I have rot at the very end of the aluminum bay "Skin" on the very bottom right in front of the rear tandem tires. I was thinking of epoxying the metal back to the steel and also to the foam. I might rethink this as I watch what you do.
It looks like if a rodent can get into the area below the "floor" that you removed, they have free rein to get anywhere. The "Floor" should keep them out but....