Rust Already?

[chgo_spartan]

I was loading the camper up for it's first trip and happened to look underneath. The axles already have rust on them and so does some kind of pipe under there too? WTH! It's a brand new camper, built on March 5th according to the sticker, so what gives? Needless to say, I'm pretty peeved right now.

[bsmith0404]

The pipe is most likely your propane gas line. As for the rust, sad to say it's normal. They don't use a real good rust preventive paint on these and they don't clean them well before coating them. It's all surface, just get a can of undercoating from your local parts store and spray em, it'll hold up fine.

[JRTJH]

The trailer may have been built on March 5th, but the axles could easily have been sitting on a flatbed trailer outside the assembly line since last March... The "some kind of line" you're talking about is probably the black iron 1/2" pipe that carries propane from your tanks to the appliances in your trailer. It is mounted outside the coroplast and secured along the frame rail. As for rust, there is a certain amount to be expected and really isn't a problem. A slight "rust patina" actually protects the metal from severe rusting and is common. If, however, you have "huge flaky rust spots" that you can brush off with your fingers and that fall onto the concrete under your RV, then you definitely need to contact the dealer before your warranty expires.

FYI, I've got a 2014 Cougar that was delivered from the factory last July, we picked it up 3 days later, did two trips, one about 800 miles and one about 3500 miles last year, then winterized it for the season. We just returned from a 5 week trip of about 3800 miles and we've got the "slight patina rust" on our axles, the brake drums and the underside of the rear bumper tube. Most of the welds on the chassis have rust spots in the voids within the weld runs. I consider that "normal" and nothing to worry about. Your views may differ....

[chgo_spartan]

Thanks! I was freaking out thinking I bought a lemon. I guess I never looked underneath my Rockwood to know if that was rusty.

[cabinfever]

I lightly sprayed the rust on our TT with fluid film, should help control the rust some.

[therink]

It is likely that the trailer was exposed to road salt during transportation from the factory. The metal on rvs is not treated with rust preventative material like autos are.
I would just clean up the areas and coat with flat black rustoleum spray paint.

[SAABDOCTOR]

TRY THIS grab the undercoating spray from the parts store. get on a creeper roll under the camper spray everything then stay there and take a nap. the DW thinks your workin you tail off I do it every year! that is surface rust as everyone has said it has never been an issue! now go campin

[crohill]

If you ever get a chance...stop by your local RV dealer and take a look under all the NEW trailers...you will feel better about yours. No need to worry here..rust is a part of life.

[chgo_spartan]

Originally Posted by SAABDOCTOR

TRY THIS grab the undercoating spray from the parts store. get on a creeper roll under the camper spray everything then stay there and take a nap. the DW thinks your workin you tail off I do it every year! that is surface rust as everyone has said it has never been an issue! now go campin

I am the DW...LOL!!! :-)

[Mark TC]

I have thought about putting the spray can of undercoating on all of my exposed frame and piping. Any draw backs?


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[kguess]

I have rust also on my 2011 hideout, as others say, it's normal. They make a paint that turns rust into primer, if u don't like the undercoat idea. I think undercoat is a great idea, my sons use it on boat trailers and it works great ( in salt water....!)