Extended Oceanside Stay

[Me.Bikes.Dogs]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about staying at an oceanside (100 yards away) campground for a year or more and I'm concerned about rust. Anybody with experience in this area?

I'm thinking that if I keep my RV washed/waxed and the undercarriage rinsed and maintained (painted, etc.) I can safely stay without taking years off my trailer.

What do you think?

[JoeofNSB]

Having been in Florida for 30 plus years now and within a mile of the beach and salt spray, I can tell you that it will be work but you can do it. Obviously, the closer to the beach and salt spray the more work and people who live on the ocean will tell you that metal railings etc take a beating from the rust. I think the key is constant maintenance and fixing the little problems before they become big problems is the key. If you end up in the East Central Florida area let me know - we'll see if we can't get together!

[hankaye]

Me.Bikes.Dogs, Howdy;

Did Aircraft corrosion control for the Navy for more years than I care to count.

Freshwater washes are excellent. Wax is good also, Extreamly nit-picky inspections are MANDITORY!!! I you find some corrosion use the mildest means possiable to remove it. Throughly clean the area, use a good primer, then a topcoat. I like the Rust-ol-ium (sp?), brand is geared for this.
Pay particular attention to your fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts all of that stuff.
Brightwork (chrome and anything else that reflects light), can also use a coat or 2 of wax.
I was once in an F-14 Squadron and we had 14 aircraft. They were on a 14 day corrosion inspection cycle. Never a day off.....

Figure out how often you think you will have to look over the entire RV. Front to Back, side to side, top to bottom, inside and out. Break it up, like Front, Driver side and Bottom 1st. week of the Month. Rear, Passengerside and top the next week. Do the inside as you do your housework, if you have a DW have her help out with the inside stuff, note areas or just take care of it herself.
Give yourself some leeway or it 's a job and ain't fun..... then ya start blowin' it off and that's when the crud wins.

Just a few thoughts off the top of my head.....

hankaye