Rusting

[C130TN]

My guess is that the bare unpainted frames sat out and we're rusty before they had $5.00 worth of paint put on over the already rusty frames.

That may be the case but it wasn't how the process was explained to me. I was told it was in writing and in very clear detail that the trailers must be washed upon arrival in the winter months. I was told the frames do not sit outside waiting to be painted but who knows. My manufacturer date is October 2014 and my frame does not have any rust. The one I looked at in Dallas was November 2014 and looked terrible, frame, axles, and springs had really bad rust which to me is a sign of salt. I looked at a few in person and had photos sent on a couple more and only one had rust.

[GDRV Service]

That may be the case but it wasn't how the process was explained to me. I was told it was in writing and in very clear detail that the trailers must be washed upon arrival in the winter months. I was told the frames do not sit outside waiting to be painted but who knows. My manufacturer date is October 2014 and my frame does not have any rust. The one I looked at in Dallas was November 2014 and looked terrible, frame, axles, and springs had really bad rust which to me is a sign of salt. I looked at a few in person and had photos sent on a couple more and only one had rust.

Hi @C130TN,

the trailers must be washed upon arrival in the winter months.

Correct, the RV is to be washed upon arrival at the dealership in the winter months.

I was told the frames do not sit outside waiting to be painted

Correct, Grand Design RV does not purchase unpainted frames.

If there are further concerns or questions regarding rust and preventative maintenance, please feel free to contact your dealer or our Customer Support directly at (574) 825-9679.

Best regards,
~ Janice

[dirtclod]

Janice, then why do I have so must rust on my undercarriage??????? Are they rusted painted frames???

[C130TN]

Was it rusted or did it show any signs of rust when you purchased it? I'm not trying to answer for anyone else and it may not be your case but I called Grand Designs and discussed this topic before buying our 385. I'd call them and while they might not answer I'm sure they'll call you back within a day or two. They answered all my questions and explained the process pretty clearly. Again, this may not be your case but I think some of the dealers aren't following procedures. I found Grand Designs very open with every question I had and they always spent as much time on the phone as needed to address my concerns.

I will say the dealer I almost bought from was more than willing to fix the issue. There was no question about repairing it, I just didn't want to deal with it and their 385 was missing one option I preferred.

[GDRV Service]

Janice, then why do I have so must rust on my undercarriage??????? Are they rusted painted frames???

Hi @dirtclod,


Rust is naturally occurring chemical reaction that can be caused by different factors singly or in combination including but not limited to environment such as road salt, camping near ocean areas where your RV may be exposed to salt in the air moisture, etc. I cannot advise why you are experiencing rust on your RV undercarriage but it's important to perform preventative maintenance such as rinsing the underside of the RV with clear water immediately after driving through salted roads or rinsing at least once a month if camping near salt water, etc. You are probably already doing this but if you see rust and 1) the area is small, scrub off the rust with a stiff wire brush and then paint the exposed metal with a rust-inhibiting paint but 2) if the area is large you may want to seek professional help from a body shop.


Best regards,
~ Janice

[redram]

Hi @dirtclod,


Rust is naturally occurring chemical reaction that can be caused by different factors singly or in combination including but not limited to environment such as road salt, camping near ocean areas where your RV may be exposed to salt in the air moisture, etc. I cannot advise why you are experiencing rust on your RV undercarriage but it's important to perform preventative maintenance such as rinsing the underside of the RV with clear water immediately after driving through salted roads or rinsing at least once a month if camping near salt water, etc. You are probably already doing this but if you see rust and 1) the area is small, scrub off the rust with a stiff wire brush and then paint the exposed metal with a rust-inhibiting paint but 2) if the area is large you may want to seek professional help from a body shop.


Best regards,
~ Janice

I think we know what causes rust. Don