Community Forums

BBQ Warren · 07-03-2015, 10:47 AM

I have a 2012 Ram 1500 which I bought new about 3 years ago. I live in Northern Virginia but will be moving to Syracuse (no need to remind me I'm going in the wrong direction⛄️) in about 6 weeks. My stepson thinks I should get the truck undercoated before I face their winters. If the truck was new I would think that is smart but my concern is undercoating may seal any rust that is starting to form and I won't know I have a problem before it's a big problem. I'm looking for any insight you may have. Thanks.

2014 Keystone Outback Tavel Trailer
2012 Ram 1500
Retired Navy

JMonroe · 07-03-2015, 11:28 AM

As my entire adult driving life, up to retirement, was spent in Wisconsin I'm familiar with the damage salt can cause and up until about 15 years ago I wouldn't let a new vehicle off the lot until it had been rustproofed (rust proofing and undercoating are two different products. One does as the name suggests, the other just offers some sound deadening). Manufacturers finally decided that corrosion protection had to be made a priority and I haven't spent a dime on it since I purchased the '96 Dodge Ram.

Save your money. Just run it through a full service wash once in a while, one that does a full chassis rinse. Should you decide to go ahead and have it done anyway, be sure they pressure wash the under side before they apply anything (and even then I'd be concerned it wouldn't stick, long term) as three years exposure to road grime will keep most products from properly adhering (they will charge more for doing this and it may affect the warranty - shorten it).

Motor7 · 07-04-2015, 06:25 AM

Ohhhh...get the Tru-Coat...it's the best!
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BBQ Warren · 07-04-2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motor7

Ohhhh...get the Tru-Coat...it's the best!
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That is classic.

2014 Keystone Outback Tavel Trailer
2012 Ram 1500
Retired Navy

palehorse89 · 07-04-2015, 06:49 AM

Just like Jay posted, living here in the northeast we have battled rust all our lives.......
I just up graded both our autos , and studied up on this subject and found this product
FLUID FILM® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor
The rear axle on our F-150 was all rusted when we bought it, after sprayed with fluid film, all the rust stopped and gone. Time will tell..........

lynnmor · 07-04-2015, 07:21 AM

Fluid Film is a big help, however you need to know that it is a real mess when you need to do work where it has been sprayed. Also, you need to wash the underside and reapply about every year. I use it.

Just so you know, things have gone from bad to worse with highway chemicals. Now the idiots are spraying pre-treatment one the roads that will get in every nook and cranny and is impossible to remove. This spray is destroying brakes and brake lines all in the name of safety.

Motor7 · 07-05-2015, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynnmor

Now the idiots are spraying pre-treatment one the roads that will get in every nook and cranny and is impossible to remove. This spray is destroying brakes and brake lines all in the name of safety.

Yep, they spray the stuff here 12 hours before a hint of a storm. I have a 1 ton truck and a curvy 28 degree driveway. Thanks to the crap they spray my brakes went out(of course on the down hill side) and I had a 8,000lb luge run to the bottom. After my heart slowed down to 100 beats a min, I found that two of my front brake lines were completely rusted in two at the plastic clips that hold them onto the frame. My truck is a 2003 and I am changing all my brake lines out for new ones next week to the tune of over $500.