Rust - how bad can it really be?

[ardi]

Question to my future fellow RV'ers

I have been looking at buying a used class A, 1998-2003 range. Most of the units that I have seen have rust underneath. Seems that is the rule rather than the exception. So if one does decide to get a unit and it passes all the other criteria, such as the engine, generator, interior etc it seems to me that you will not really find a unit that has NO rust at all. So what is acceptable, where do you draw the line?

I am looking for constructive advice, no blanket statements!

Cheers!

[et2]

Ours had a little rust on it the day we bought it new. It's turning two years old now and there are some area's on the sheet metal that definitely need some touch up. I plan on attacking that this summer with a rust converter ( spraying those areas I can reach) and then rust preventative paint.

The chassis frame, axles and mounting brackets should be fine. If I can spray those with the RP I will. I don't believe there are too many MH that don't have some rust someplace. Like others indicated surface rust is acceptable, but if it's eating holes in the metal, that would raise flags.

[ardi]

They actually live in a nice gated community neighborhood, paved, clean. I have not been completely under the rig which I will do this Sunday and see the extent of it. Will keep you guys updated. Any tips on what to look for would be great!

(thanks for the initial tips Pitch)

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

This is going to sound odd - but do the sellers live on a gravel road? The reason I ask (and I'm going to assume that NY is similar to Michigan): anyone who lives where snowy/icy roads are treated with salt, is going to have rust. Most of our vehicles endure this very well, actually.

The popularity of Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking), has oil/gas drillers needing to dispose of the waste fracking fluid....and since it contains salt, it's been getting used to keep dust down on gravel roads. It's commonly called "well brine". The problem is that it contains more than salt - quite often it contains acids, that help break open the rock the drillers are trying to go through. Here in Michigan, a few townships have banned the use of well brine, because vehicles and farm machinery seem to be rusting out a lot faster than normal. We have a used-car lot, and have seen what drilling-construction site trucks look like: I can attest to the level of damage (to the point of structural failure) brine can do.

So it's just something to put in the back of your mind as you look at the RV....

[ardi]

The RV is actually far from the coast, 200 miles inland so Hurricane is not the issue. It is north from NYC so the cold winter and horrible weather we have had this past season would have had some effect on it. I am meeting them this weekend again for an inspection, likely will go wit the purchase unless I find something else concerning.

[RVcircus]

ardi wrote:
can't afford a new rig! it would be nice.

rust appears to be on the surface, mostly underneath, but then again I'm not a pro at evaluating the extent of it. I do like the rig, everything else looks top notch, well taken care of

If it's surface rust on the frame I wouldn't worry about it, but would treat it after purchasing. You may be able to use your concerns to get them down on the price as well.

[westend]

Where was the Class A parked during hurricane Sandy?

That's a consideration for folks around NYC. Flooding with saltwater can do some very bad things with wiring and plumbing.

[pitch]

Take it from a northeasterner who has rust on every thing.
Rust on the frame axles and like is no big deal. Rust on the sheet metal you cannot stop.
If the rig has sat for a long period of time (Over a year) rust may be a problem on brake lines fuel lines and tank. The exhaust will almost certainly need replaced if it has sat very long.
If the rotors are rusted to the point of being pitted,walk away.

[pira114]

If you can get it to flake off with a mild scrape from your pocket knife, it's bad. If it doesn't, it's most likely surface rust and not a big deal

[old_guy]

my FIL bought a TT from a guy who lived on the Oregon coast. a lot of rust even on the axles. I thought that was bad enough until after he bought we found the floor was ready to cave in. so not only look at the rust check for wood rot too.

[Old-Biscuit]

ardi wrote:
can't afford a new rig! it would be nice.

rust appears to be on the surface, mostly underneath, but then again I'm not a pro at evaluating the extent of it. I do like the rig, everything else looks top notch, well taken care of

Have an RV Inspection done...........chassis and coach.

Worth the monies spent for professional inspection.

Check with this company for an inspection.....LINK

[westend]

My '71 has rust on the underside.

[ScottG]

free radical wrote:
I'd buy new rig and properly undercoat it,,problem solved

Undrcoating has nearly gone by the wayside. It held in more moisture and caused more corrosion than it saved us from.

[ardi]

can't afford a new rig! it would be nice.

rust appears to be on the surface, mostly underneath, but then again I'm not a pro at evaluating the extent of it. I do like the rig, everything else looks top notch, well taken care of

[free_radical]

I'd buy new rig and properly undercoat it,,problem solved