Community Forums

Mntn View · 03-21-2025, 01:22 PM

We have a brand new 19MKS, after first 200 miles, the paint is already chipping off the frame. Just a matter of time before it starts to rust. so wondering if I should just use rustolium spray paint or maybe Fluid film protection and I heard of a third product called POR-15. Anyone have any suggestions.

SafariBen · 03-21-2025, 02:34 PM

Could you post some representative pictures? to see what the cause is possibly. Any of the solutions mentioned are good ones, for various purposes. Another worth mentioning is phosphoric acid rust "converters" as a step after major rust removal and before painting or fluid film.

Flyer15015 · 03-23-2025, 09:07 AM

All the classic car restorer shops I've visited prefer Por-15.
If they can't sand blast the frame, they use a "needle gun" to remove the rust.
In a pinch, Rustoleum has some new paints that will "convert" the rust, so that maybe the cheapest / easiest route if you are doing a large area.

Mike in Colorado

Mntn View · 03-28-2025, 10:29 PM

This is only from dealer to home apx 200 highway miles, already chipping off paint.

Unplanned Tourist · 03-28-2025, 11:01 PM

There's good quality undercoat available in spray cans. We used on new Peterbilts whenever there were places with bare frame areas from doing work for rigging out with add-on equipment. Holds up pretty good as long as you prep the area properly first.

SafariBen · 03-29-2025, 07:09 AM

You did say new, I wasn't expecting that.

I'd probably repaint those areas, then rubberized undercoating on the areas that will get gravel dings around the wheels, and fluid film the back sides that won't get road spray. I don't like undercoating sealing stuff up that's not already rustproofed and sealed, but undercoating is the only thing that will stand up to rock chips like that, so I'd use a some of each in different areas.

Chargerman · 03-29-2025, 07:41 AM

I would suggest putting a couple coats of spray in bedliner. It’s available at many auto parts stores and Walmart. It provides a very durable surface much better than paint for areas that see higher than normal abuse

MORSNO · 03-29-2025, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mntn View

This is only from dealer to home apx 200 highway miles, already chipping off paint.

It may actually have 100's or 1,000's of miles on it when taking delivery from the factory to the dealer. I live along I-84 which is a major RV delivery interstate highway (going in both east & west directions), and see trailers being towed by truck. Only the small RV trailers are on hauled on a large trailer, the rest are pulled by hot shot dually pickups.

d23haynes57 · 03-29-2025, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mntn View

This is only from dealer to home apx 200 highway miles, already chipping off paint.

In my opinion, this is not acceptable. The surface was not properly prepared, and the choice of coating was not ideal. However, this is common in the RV industry. I would begin with putting in a warranty claim and document. See what they will offer. The only way to get manufacturers to improve their products is to inform them. Probably the main driver of this is the frame is flexing, and the coating did not have to adhesion and flexibility to stay in place. Once you start on this maintaining the under carriage is part of ownership.
I would not use undercoating as the main rust deterrent. That can peel or open up and actually trap water and road salt underneath. Use a good quality paint, and then you can use undercoating over that. You also want to get paint inside those spaces between sections and seal them off My 04 Tropi-a had a lot of the square tube steel rust form the inside out.