Corrosive Chemicals used for snow treatment

[JohnT]

I received this pdf from Spartan.
Other than pulling a sprinkler under the coach, any ideas to share?

[Melmoses]

I don't think a sprinkler would be strong enough to remove stuff in all the crooks and crannies underneath, especially in the engine area. You need soap in the mix somewhere. I live in the South so no real snow and chemicals issues so I am probably not the best person to reply. However, we do have mud and road grime issues. I have heavy wood ramps at home that I drive ours up on to raise it high enough to get underneath with my power washer which also has a soap dispenser. It is a Karcher which I keep on a low setting to prevent damage to delicate wiring looms etc. It works great for me.

[Gormleys]

A lot of truck washes will also do motorhomes and have an under carriage spray and cleaning system. That might be the quickest solution, especially when it is at or near freezing.

[DGShaffer]

I took my MH to Key West through a storm that covered NY through to Georgia. The damage that was done was incredible! I'll never do that again. And if I ever do get caught I've found a company that sells a neutralizer that you spray the under carriage with using a pump style pressurized sprayer.

Rinsing the underneath with water won't do the trick, you have to neutralize the chemicals to make them inert.

[Libero]

Originally Posted by DGShaffer

I took my MH to Key West through a storm that covered NY through to Georgia. The damage that was done was incredible! I'll never do that again. And if I ever do get caught I've found a company that sells a neutralizer that you spray the under carriage with using a pump style pressurized sprayer.

Rinsing the underneath with water won't do the trick, you have to neutralize the chemicals to make them inert.

I believe we are talking about salt on the road and that is water soluble, just use a soap solution and lots of water works with my pressure washer, but I help it along with steam and that works. I do not normally drive my RV on salt laden roads if I can help it, What is the chemical composition of the "neutralizer" noted? Just curious.

[targaboat]

The notice from Spartan gives a list. Also, the water soluble statement is problematic. Just water out of a garden hose will not protect your coach.

[t55watson]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I received this pdf from Spartan.
Other than pulling a sprinkler under the coach, any ideas to share?

I have lived in MI all my life and this is not new. I was in charge of those Road Warriors (plow truck drivers) for 16 years. Salt has always been corrosive and the added chemicals are a bit faster acting and can be used at lower temps. Road salt is ineffective below 20 degrees so additives are used.
INMHO..most of this is lawyer talk. CYA
Undercarriage cleaning is a good idea, the next owner will appreciate it.

[DGShaffer]

Originally Posted by Libero

I believe we are talking about salt on the road and that is water soluble, just use a soap solution and lots of water works with my pressure washer, but I help it along with steam and that works. I do not normally drive my RV on salt laden roads if I can help it, What is the chemical composition of the "neutralizer" noted? Just curious.

I've been reading about this product and it seems that truckers use it. After seeing the corrosion caused by my one trip south, to the chassis and the electrical wiring, I decided that if I ever got caught again it would be worth a try.

Eastwood Road Salt Neutralizer Gallon

[Murf2u]

Water, and LOTS of it has always worked well for me.

I'll drive an hour out of my way to drive through a rain storm. That way the water gets to the same places, and the same way as the salt did.

It would be nearly impossible to get as much water up into the undercarriage with a hose, or even pressure washer, as you can just driving down a wet highway. My arm would fall off trying to soak the underside for 1/2 an hour too. I can drive in the rain without any pain.

I'm going to wash the m/h whether it's dirty or salty, I may as well give it as much pre-wetting and grime off as possible first anyways.

[laj]

what their putting in the roads it a totally different compound then salt, although some states are still using salt as well
salt is sodium chloride. what this liquid stuff is, is mag. chloride. way different chemical formula.

[fshrmndave]

I use a product called Salt-Away. It's used mostly for marine use from salt water and I purchase it from West Marine, but it's sold at a number of other retailers.

[khogle2]

Originally Posted by fshrmndave

I use a product called Salt-Away. It's used mostly for marine use from salt water and I purchase it from West Marine, but it's sold at a number of other retailers.

I considered this product because it's advertising claims it won't harm rubber trim or electrical. It seems like a well tested product.

Do you use a paint sprayer or ? what to spray the underside of the coach?

[Ray,IN]

I wonder how many of the OTR bus transportation companies use these products? The corrosion can't be any more active on a MH/bus than it is on your daily driver during winter. I don't know about anyone else, but my RV stays parked when the roads are slick enough DOT uses chemicals and/or salt.

[fshrmndave]

I use a simple spray bottle so it's easy to use in tight spaces and very light weight to handle in awkward positions.