Just got home from a short trip. Saw a piece of aluminum sheet metal underneath that was dragging on the road. Pulled it out and investigated. There is a similar sheet of aluminum underneath the fresh water tank that is rusted on the edges. The bad sheet was under the black/gray tank and fell out due to rust. Trying to find out the purpose of these aluminum sheets. If they are for protection, they are very thin and don't seem to be heavy enough. Taking the RV to a repair shop to see what needs to be done. Also noticed that the liquid tanks bulge some at the bottom....just wondering if that is normal and why they would not brace them better....any comments...

AikenRacer wrote:Just got home from a short trip. Saw a piece of aluminum sheet metal underneath that was dragging on the road. Pulled it out and investigated. There is a similar sheet of aluminum underneath the fresh water tank that is rusted on the edges. The bad sheet was under the black/gray tank and fell out due to rust. Trying to find out the purpose of these aluminum sheets. If they are for protection, they are very thin and don't seem to be heavy enough. Taking the RV to a repair shop to see what needs to be done. Also noticed that the liquid tanks bulge some at the bottom....just wondering if that is normal and why they would not brace them better....any comments...The exact same thing happened to us this past weekend on a trip. I didn't think twice and pulled the rest of it off. I am not sure I am going to replace it, but will crawl back under there and take another look. It happened to be under the compartment with the water drains and sewer pipe, so not an easy quick fix, will need to due some custom cutting.

I think mostly to keep dust, dirt, water, etc. from being kicked up while driving also probably helps keep wind from freezing tanks in colder weather also help keep critters from getting into your motorhome. The bug and critter thing is still a battle even with all the flashing in place.

And this is on a 2012 DP. There is a 1/4" 2ply alum sign board 4X8' sheet that I would use to replace these areas.

My guess is that it is mostly to keep mice and bugs out, they probably won't chew through flat aluminum, also it provides some protection for the subfloor and it looks nice. I had an '87 Itasca and now a 2001 Brave, neither one had that problem with the aluminum sheeting, maybe they are making it thinner??

olfarmer wrote:My guess is that it is mostly to keep mice and bugs out, they probably won't chew through flat aluminum, also it provides some protection for the subfloor and it looks nice. I had an '87 Itasca and now a 2001 Brave, neither one had that problem with the aluminum sheeting, maybe they are making it thinner??Mine that I pulled off was thin as paper, was actually tearing as I pulled it off. it came off in strips and had to pull numerous pieces to get it all off due to tearing.

Underside shielding on motorhome | Good Sam Community

crasster
Explorer II
Jan 04, 2017
Are they anything more than some kind of shield from road hazard? Don't see how such thin material would block much other than perhaps deflect some stuff.
lakebum
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
olfarmer wrote:
My guess is that it is mostly to keep mice and bugs out, they probably won't chew through flat aluminum, also it provides some protection for the subfloor and it looks nice. I had an '87 Itasca and now a 2001 Brave, neither one had that problem with the aluminum sheeting, maybe they are making it thinner??

Mine that I pulled off was thin as paper, was actually tearing as I pulled it off. it came off in strips and had to pull numerous pieces to get it all off due to tearing.
olfarmer
Explorer II
Jan 04, 2017
My guess is that it is mostly to keep mice and bugs out, they probably won't chew through flat aluminum, also it provides some protection for the subfloor and it looks nice. I had an '87 Itasca and now a 2001 Brave, neither one had that problem with the aluminum sheeting, maybe they are making it thinner??
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jan 04, 2017
And this is on a 2012 DP. There is a 1/4" 2ply alum sign board 4X8' sheet that I would use to replace these areas.
ets1996
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
I think mostly to keep dust, dirt, water, etc. from being kicked up while driving also probably helps keep wind from freezing tanks in colder weather also help keep critters from getting into your motorhome. The bug and critter thing is still a battle even with all the flashing in place.
lakebum
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
AikenRacer wrote:
Just got home from a short trip. Saw a piece of aluminum sheet metal underneath that was dragging on the road. Pulled it out and investigated. There is a similar sheet of aluminum underneath the fresh water tank that is rusted on the edges. The bad sheet was under the black/gray tank and fell out due to rust. Trying to find out the purpose of these aluminum sheets. If they are for protection, they are very thin and don't seem to be heavy enough. Taking the RV to a repair shop to see what needs to be done. Also noticed that the liquid tanks bulge some at the bottom....just wondering if that is normal and why they would not brace them better....any comments...

The exact same thing happened to us this past weekend on a trip. I didn't think twice and pulled the rest of it off. I am not sure I am going to replace it, but will crawl back under there and take another look.

It happened to be under the compartment with the water drains and sewer pipe, so not an easy quick fix, will need to due some custom cutting.

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