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Cavdogs · 08-29-2021, 08:09 PM

Hello: I'm looking at an 03 Centurion with 112K miles. Most everything appears to be in good shape except these areas of the undercarriage. Am I correct in believing that these are sheet metal plates covering the undercarriage? Is the rust that shows in the photos of a superficial nature or should I be concerned about what's also going on behind it? Thanks for your comments.

jacwjames · 08-30-2021, 06:19 AM

That's quite a bit of rust, my 2002 has some but not nearly this much. Not sure if this can be treated to slow the advance. Hopefully someone can comment if they've fixed something like this.

Do you know what the one cable/tube feeds. This is a poor way to route anything as it is susceptible to damage.

Jake21 · 08-30-2021, 08:09 AM

I agree. That is a lot of rust. I would plan on replacing that area in the near future. The only way to tell how bad it is is to start digging at it and see how far gone it is.

FYI i had a battery bay that was rusted out. 1500.00 repair to cut it all back to clean metal, weld in new cross members and floor. It came out great.

vito.a · 08-30-2021, 09:53 AM

The seam in the first two pictures is compromised. It should be replaced or braced. Remember, everything is repairable if you find the right people.

barmcd · 08-30-2021, 04:03 PM

That’s a lot of rust and probably expensive to fix. I don’t know how you can replace that without getting into the basement structure.

barmcd · 08-30-2021, 04:08 PM

Here’s what my 2000 looks like.

rikadoo · 09-07-2021, 07:49 PM

Seek out a person who does mobile bead blasting, turn them loose on that entire area then i would use this undercoating, its a bit pricy however it really has held up in EVERY situation i put it in.

Analyte · 09-07-2021, 08:23 PM

Answering the first question, those are metal panels that cover the frame under the basement. I've looked at one with similar rust on it, but the rest of the frame structure just had surface rust.

Not a bad repair. Cut the plate off and then blast underneath as mentioned earlier. I suggest using Ospro first to neutralize, and then spray your protective coating. That will be my plan if I buy the one I've looked at as the rest of the coach is super nice.

JJTL · 09-08-2021, 08:52 AM

That looks to be the extra belly pan which is under the water bay compartment. I believe I see one of the tank drains sticking through. If it's just the sheet metal, than it might not be too bad. If some of the structural tube steel needs replacing than that is a bigger job for sure.

I think it also comes down to the condition of the rest of the coach, and also where you are located. If you are looking at this coach in Phoenix, AZ, than that may be too much rust. There are likely other options available with less. If you are looking at the coach in the north east, or up here in Ontario, Canada, with all the salt we use up here. That could be in great shape! You will find way worse up here.

Just some thoughts.
Josh