Bondo on my Slide Out?

[2012Coleman]

Washed the TT this past Sunday and observed what appears to be bondo coming apart on the slide out underneath the vinyl graphic. Here is what it looks like:


Click For Full-Size Image

My TT is aluminum sided. After more inspection, I see this on the side of the slide out - this panel does not seem to be made of metal, but looks like it is rusting out:


Click For Full-Size Photo

Anyone experience this? Any ideas on what to do about it would be appreciated.

[chr_]

Perhaps there is some steel flashing or bracket behind that aluminum that is rusting...

[Fiverwheel]

A magnet will not determine whether this is aluminum or not as aluminum is a non ferrous metal.
This appears to me to be galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. sch911 has it right.

[JJBIRISH]

The slide end walls on the ones I have seen were a thin plastic like that used in the shower surround… not metal or a wood backed product… but I haven’t see that many either…
But that sure looks like some form of corrosion… both pictures seem to be experiencing the same problem but the one is under the vinyl…

[Tequila]

Looks like moisture to me, aluminum will pit and look like that if there is water behind it. I speak from experience.

[Boxerslave]

Had the same issue with mine, pulled the panel and found there was luan up against panel that was damp from the fridge drain. There was contact cement spilled on the inside of the panel in a small area and that is where the corrosion was. Had to replace the panel. Lived on the beach at the time and always wondered if salty air contributed. Dave

[sch911]

When aluminum comes into contact with a dissimilar metal there will be galvanic corrosion. This effect can be intensified if there is an electrical potential between the two metals. That looks like what you could have there...

[2012Coleman]

ScottG wrote:
Is there a battery anywhere near there?
It looks like acid has gotten on it.

No battery - this is a small - 18 inch I believe, slide out. The first picture is showing the front of the slide out and is a close up of the issue. I can take a picture farther out if helpful. The second picture is the wall of the slide out. I should have tested it with a magnet before posting, but if anyrhing, it would be made of aluminum. Aluminum corrodes into aluminum oxide which is powdery white in color, but it does not rust like ferrous metal.

[spoon059]

I can't really see the top picture too well, but the bottom picture looks like aluminum corroding to me. Unfortunately I have a couple of similar looking holes in my camper. I had a whole in the roof when I bought it used and fixed the hole and most of the rotted wood. Apparently I didn't get it all when I fixed it. The wet wood eventually caused several rot holes in the aluminum up in the top corner just under the drip rail. I only found the holes when I stripped EVERYTHING out of the corner to rebuild and saw daylight coming through.

[Gale_Hawkins]

Please update us when you learn more.

[ScottG]

Is there a battery anywhere near there?
It looks like acid has gotten on it.

[2012Coleman]

donn0128 wrote:
You have a serious water leak that has rusted out the side wall from the inside.

As I stated, I don't think the side panel in the second picture is made of metal. Will check with a magnet - aluminum would not rust like that, and there is no evidence of water underneath the slide, or inside the slide. Besides, it has been sealed as in not extended for months. Gaskets are well maintained by me.

[donn0128]

You have a serious water leak that has rusted out the side wall from the inside.