Was about to jump on a new fw today, got to the dealer late, and couldn't immediately find our salesman. No matter as i wanted to give it a thorough inspection before deciding on it, as we are waffling between 2 different units..They started locking units on the lot so i was set on going, and while the wife was still inside the camper, i decided to peak under the slides.Well, it was a bit disappointing, the leaf springs were certainly rust colored, not to the point of any pitting or flaking, but literally rust colored over essentially 100% of them. Also the underside of the front axle was in the same condition.Upon further inspection, the bolts on the self leveling system are minorly corossive. Its as if it was introduced to a salty road, and not cleaned.I went and inspected an '18 they had, this was nicely fresh paint, and new looking condition, as well as the bolts on the leveling system.My question is, given that situation, is this unit something that should be passed on?Talked to the salesman, of whom ive bought 2 other units in the past, he looked it up, and said that a '17 is something that could very well been sitting on the lot, quite some time as the '18's are out.My fw sits in a gravel lot most of the time, i would bet it appears to have better looking condition leaf springs than this.I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures, but we will either purchase this tomorrow or Wednesday pending the input i hope to receive from some of you professionals. Also, the unit is brand new, and we are in Nebraska, so no salt water. It is however safe to assume, in the winter they treat the hell out of the roads.

It was probably exposed to road salt in Indiana. I was told that these units that were built in the winter and pulled over the salt treated roads are supposed to be neutralized when they get to their destination.I have a 2015 that has the same problem. I have neutralized all of the rust on the frames and the bolts and repainted them. I have not done anything to the springs yet.I don't think the rust is anything serious but it does look bad and it will spread if it is not addressed.If you don't mind a little manual labor maybe you can get a deep enough discount to make it worth your while.There are rust neutralizers that you mix with water and spray on the rust and it does a good job of stopping the rust but you also need to paint it.Good luck on your decision.

Nothing is going to fall apart. The brand new shiny one will look like that after a year. They don't put any primer on most of the parts just some cheap black paint. You can touch it up with a spray can of Rustoleum ever couple years if you like. It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying it. If you really want to see rust look under a trailer that's a few years old..B.O.

When was the mfr date of the Columbus? Like AP said, more than likely it was made during the winter or early spring and shipped/ran on roads w/ salt on them. It may look horrible, but doubt very much the structural integrity is compromised. Being a '17 they want it off their lot in worst way. So see about a further reduction in price as pointed out by AP for both the "age" and rust. Can't hurt.

I appreciate the quick help guys.

Mine was built in Dec of 15, and I have no rust underneath. Maybe Dealer ACTUALLY DID clean underneath when they received the unit??Jim

2017 Columbus, bit of suspension Rust/other Corrosion

17 Replies

ChuckV1
Explorer
Jul 02, 2017
I'm with others, that is not anything that can't be fixed by putting on so Rust converter and a little cleaning ... I'd tell the dealer to knock off a couple of $1000 and have the trailer frame cleaned and painted...

As far as it looks like the exhaust tube for generator that can be replaced...

As someone said the dealer wants it off the lot, if you really like it you can get them to do just about anything to do so.

You can also say that you won't sign on the dotted line till it's cleaned an re-painted to your standard an inspection ... Holding back your money makes them work faster bring up their standard and you get the 5th wheel you want not option number 2 which you sort of like but not really :)

One other thing is it will be under warranty for at least a year, make sure the paper work if you buy this unit dozen't have any statement on it "BOUGHT AS IS" thus you can always go back on the MFG ...
Dano1955
Explorer
Jul 01, 2017
This stuff works wonders, i use it on tools, truck and the underside of my rig. Stops rust and turns black.

Rust converter
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
I helped work on a MH once and it was from Minn. It was rusty or worse than the pictures above.

chevman
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
I helped work on a MH once and it was from Minn. It was rusty or worse than the pictures above.

chevman
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 29, 2017
NC Hauler wrote:
Mine was built in Dec of 15, and I have no rust underneath. Maybe Dealer ACTUALLY DID clean underneath when they received the unit??

Jim

That's because everything under your DRV is painted as is mine. In laws Big Horn looks very rusted compared to MeAgain's similar unit.
ACZL
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
Who's not to say that this unit wasn't built sometime in '16 as a '17 coach? That is an awlful lot of rust and corrosion for a '17. Can't tell me that the dealer "didn't see it or aware of it".
minnow
Explorer
Jun 29, 2017
I think I'd pass. That's a lot of corrosion. That last picture, to me shows that it would take more than a wire brush and a rattle can of paint to fix.
thirtydaZe
Nomad
Jun 29, 2017
Ok, hopefully some of you see this. Got some pics today, and talked to them at the dealer.

This is definitely salt damage, on a '17, and although i forgot to check the build date, i can imagine it's been sticking to the lot for quite a while.

Anyhow, i pointed out the fact of the rust, and had them take a look, which they admitted, it didn't look good. They said in situations like this, they send the units to a shop who cleans, and neutralizes them, and then coats the frame work as well.

Still though, to buy it new like this is disheartning, but still looking for your opinion.

Here are the pics, and since this dealer has done nothing but taken care of us in the past, i do feel i can trust them on the work.

Have got to have some serious opinion as tomorrow is the day, and we also have another unit in mind, this one just fits the wish list more complete.

The white flakes are salt, or treatment in this pic.

The galvanized is especially bad, I know.

....And, no, i'm not stupid, i'm afraid to purchase at the surface, i'm just looking for your opinions.

Thanks if you can help.
Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
lee_worsdell
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
You get use to up here. Every trailer I have ever bought was covered in surface rust. Try power washing then just paint with rust paint. It wont come back unless you drive with salt on the roads again. Up here there using a liquid form talk about a mess it gets into everything. Replacing brake and fuel lines after 6-8 years
golf_bears
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
Perhaps this unit was recovered from a flooded area where the water rose high enough to cover the areas you're concerned about.