Rust Rust and More Rust

[mhbell]

I have read several posts on people worrying about Rust on the underneath of Motor Homes. What is the big deal? I would expect most undersides of motor homes 10 years and older to have lots rust underneath, especially if based in northern areas where they use salt on the roads and in coastal areas. The under carrage of my motor home has lots of rust on frame and some of the parts. It was based in Tacoma Wa for 8 or 9 years before I bought it. I have owned 18 RV's in the past 40 plus years of rving and 9 motor homes and everyone of them had rust after a couple of years. The rust on the underside of my present motor home is not flaking kind of rust, but the frame and other parts are rusty colored. I don't feel it is anything to really worry about. If it had been in a flood that would be another story. Anyone care to comment.
Mel

[LINADR]

Surface rust is going to happen, every couple of years, I crawl underneath, and use a rattle can of neutralizing paint to slow the process. Makes me feel better.

[mhbell]

Originally Posted by LINADR

Surface rust is going to happen, every couple of years, I crawl underneath, and use a rattle can of neutralizing paint to slow the process. Makes me feel better.

yep I understand that, but what rust are they talking about in the forums when they warn people to look for rust and not to buy a certain RV because of rust. Fiberglass does not rust and if one has been in a flood there would be other signs besides any rust. I am still wondering what Rust they are warning people against. I have had RV's over 20 years old and they all had rust. But never caused any problems.
Mel

[exrench]

Rust cost me a transmission oil cooler when my 2004 unit was 9 years old. The tubes were just rotted out on the ends. Rust does matter.

[mhbell]

Originally Posted by exrench

Rust cost me a transmission oil cooler when my 2004 unit was 9 years old. The tubes were just rotted out on the ends. Rust does matter.

I have crawled under mine several times in the past 3 months doing various mods and repairs. my brake lines are not rusted nor are any hose ends or coolers. my big concern would be steel brake lines. none of mine are rusted so far. since I crawl under mine and inspect things, several time a year. I won't worry about it.
Mel

[FIRE UP]

Mel,
Rust, as you know, has different stages. Surface rust is the first and, is nothing in terms of needing to worry about it. Between surface rust and, structural rust, is what most folks on this forum and, specifically many Winnebago owners, have more than just "surface rust". I've seen more than a few Winnes and Itascas that are my year or, even a year or two newer, with compartment door frames, COMPLETELY GONE. In the picture(s) below, you'll see my oil pan on the C-7.

I didn't even think I was going to pull off the restoration job I did on it, without going right through it. My fuel tank looks pretty much the same as well as some of the structural support brackets and braces. Winne and Freightliner have had this relationship over the years whereby Winne purchases quite a few chassis at a time.

Well, those get delivered and, sit. And they sit through harsh winters and summers etc. And that means some are basically covered in snow. Now, that's not salt but, just snow. But, it still starts the process.

And, as you said, many of them, including ours, spent much of their adolescent life, roaming around on salted roads. That can take a serious toll on improperly prepared metal. Now, I don't think I've read of any differentials falling out from under any Winnes or Itascas due to rusting out of the frame but, there really are some nasty undercarriages out there.
Scott

[Mr_D]

CAT has for years, had a known problem with rusting out of the oil pan. Some have even rusted completely through.

[Lault]

I had a cat oil pan rust though and had to be replaced. It was a 4 year old unit. I bought it used so never knew where it was driven before I got it.

[mhbell]

Thanks for the pictures Fire Up, That is the kind of info I wanted. I can see now why they would say look for rust. Mine does not even come close to looking like that. of course mine is a gasser engine in front. Of the 18 RV's I have owned some over 20 years old. None ever looked or had rust on them like that. My present rig has rust, but it is surface rust and the rig is 10 years old. see my sig.
Mel

[GREGORYJ]

I have Rust Check applied to our vehicles at home here in Manitoba Canada.
Rust Proofing Products in the United States & Canada
It's a thin liquid like penetrating oil that the Rust Check dealer sprays inside door panels,fenders, door pillars, frame, etc or anywhere rust could occur. If rust has already started, it stops it. I haven't used it on the RV as I wash it underneath when I return home, especially if I had to drive in salty conditions. Rust Check in Winnipeg says the city buys it in bulk and applies it themselves to the city trucks that are used to salt the streets and highways in winter.

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by mhbell

Thanks for the pictures Fire Up, That is the kind of info I wanted. I can see now why they would say look for rust. Mine does not even come close to looking like that. of course mine is a gasser engine in front. Of the 18 RV's I have owned some over 20 years old. None ever looked or had rust on them like that. My present rig has rust, but it is surface rust and the rig is 10 years old. see my sig.
Mel

Your certainly welcome Sir. Now, I showed the CAT oil pan on our coach and, as you can read, CAT apparently had some bad prep on some of the oil pans they sent out but, not all. Those pics were just some representation of what is under our coach. Although it's not that bad throughout the entire undercarriage, I do have some like that on the fuel tank and a few other spots. But, nothing that's structurally compromised.
Scott