Forum Discussion

mrad's avatar
mrad
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2020

Oxidation question now with pics

Over the weekend I posted this question but did not have pics. I have not attached the pics

My wife and I are looking for our first 5th wheel. We have found two that we are very interested in. However, one has an issue that we are not sure how concerned we should be. 5th wheel one is a 7-year-old Jayco Pinnacle. We like everything about it EXCEPT, it has some moderate oxidation taking place on the front and rear caps. it is priced at 6,500 below low retail and 13,000 below high retail.


Would/should the oxidation on the Pinnacle be a concern? Especially if we would be looking to sell it in 5 years and are trying to sell a 12-year-old unit with some ugly looking oxidation.

Looking for some opinons from those with more knowledge on the oxidation issue than we have.


Click For Full-Size Image.


Click For Full-Size Image.


Click For Full-Size Image.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2020
    Works as well as the 35 dollar tipoff restorers...

    Any motor oil and 0000 steel wool.


    Go for it...
  • Bert_the_Welder's avatar
    Bert_the_Welder
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2020
    Chum lee wrote:
    The front cap doesn't look that bad in the photo (reflections of the photographer)
    Chum lee


    ....and we thank him for having cloths on......;)
  • Chum_lee's avatar
    Chum_lee
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2020
    Once the factory coating is "gone" usually through UV degradation, there are no "genie in a bottle" products that will restore the factory finish other than a professional repair. (refinish the surface) They will only prolong the inevitable.

    The front cap doesn't look that bad in the photo (reflections of the photographer) but the oxidation at the BOTTOM where the sunlight (UV exposure) is lower is puzzling. As Doug mentions, could this be a previous factory warranty repair? There is no vehicle history.

    The rear cap clear coat is clearly "gone." Only a professional refinish will fix that.

    Chum lee
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2020
    Well, with the savings you could have a professional touch up those areas, after which a good waxing would keep it looking nice. Otherwise, the Jayco Pinnacle is a higher end, quality made unit that should give you many years of use. Although it can be true that older RVs are more difficult to sell as it pertains to financing, with good credit and a little research there are options available.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 17, 2020
    The oxidation is cosmetic. You CANNOT buff/Wax or apply anything that will restore it. The products advertised just work for a month or so, then the problem comes back. IF you get the RV at a good price, the oxidation should not be a big concern. Doug
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2020
    The trouble with that used unit and you selling it at 12 years of age is that it will be difficult to sell. Banks, credit unions are not willing to lend on 12yo trailers no matter the condition you'll need cash buyer or finance yourself.
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2020
    That clearcoat is pretty well shot. Unless you have some experience wet sanding and re-coating, you might want to let a professional have a go at it. Then, be sure you keep the whole thing well-waxed to slow the breakdown of the clearcoat in the future.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2020
    That's a clearcoat. Looks aren't everything. Wax and buff.

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