Electrolysis on new camper

raztec wrote:
This is becoming a PIA. I didn't expect this on a new camper.

To be fair, it isn't a "new" camper just because nobody has owned it before. Being out in the weather for a few years makes it a "used" camper though maybe not technically one. That was one of the risks of buying old stock.

Sorry for your problem, though. I hope you get it worked out.

The manufacturer says it's likely water damage caused by a leak from the outside due to improperly maintained seals, which is the dealer's responsibility. That's why they've denied the warranty claim. However, that still doesn't adequately explain the speed at which this damage occurred - a mere 2-3 weeks! That's why I'm thinking it might be an electric short as well.

Bottom line is that the dealer and manufacturer disagree on who is responsible. However, they both have agreed to fix the problem at no cost to me if I bring it to them. So the dealer is going to have a go at it first, because they are local. If it resurfaces I'll take it to the manufacturer though they are 2000 miles away.

This is becoming a PIA. I didn't expect this on a new camper. But I really want to address this problem right away before it becomes a huge can of worms.

Thanks all for you input.

...

While we are discussing electrolysis, it might be worth mentioning that any wood repairs done to a camper using "green treated" board, will also erode touched, moist aluminum sheathing and several types of fasteners, including galvanized. The reason is that "green treated" is a copper based compound.

Don't ask me how I know this.

Wes
...

Manufacturer should do it so it lasts longer than sitting on a sales lot.

An honest builder would admit to it needing a better job and seal it properly.

I am a hardware mounting and sealant expert and know there are ways that last a long time. I've seen all the other ways of improper sealing problems.

Like I said, it's leaking from above somewhere and then pooling water inside the camper in that corner. A marker light perhaps or the water fill pipe connection above.

It is the dealers responsibility to maintain the seals on the camper until it is sold, then the responsibility shifts to the owner. It is obvious that the dealer didn't do this so he should fix at n/c. The manufacture can't be held accountable when the camper was on the dealers lot, out in the weather and not maintained.
I owned this brand of camper in the past, always did the required maintenance and never had 1 problem. I know who bought my camper, when I traded it, and they are also enjoying a problem free product.This manufacturer builds great campers and stands behind their product.
The OP bought this unit at a substantial discount or he would have bought new. Pick your poison.

RonWSl wrote:
If it truly is electolysis, I would try and ahve the dealer/mfg exchange the unit and take that one back - as noted it is a sign of a very bad problem and may never get fixed and keep recurring (voice or experience here).

Or, a more positive take, with that gapping hole there now, the water is bound to not pool there anymore. LOL!

raztec wrote:
As an addendum: The manufacturer has denied the warranty claim. However, the dealer has accepted that this is a defect of some sort and will fix the problem at their cost. I will keep you guys posted on the progress, but am now tempted to reveal the manufacturer's name since I believe that such a problem should not be apparent on a never before used camper, even if it's been on the lot for almost 3 years.

A simple search of your previous posts reveals the manufacturer anyway so why not just tell everyone?

If it truly is electolysis, I would try and ahve the dealer/mfg exchange the unit and take that one back - as noted it is a sign of a very bad problem and may never get fixed and keep recurring (voice or experience here).

raztec wrote:


FYI, this is a brand new, unused camper. However, it is a 2010 model that's been on the lot for a while. However, this problem was not apparent when I bought it mid September, but only after using it for 3 weeks

Thanks for verifying the real age of the TC. Doesnt speak too well for the manufacturer not standing behind their product.

So, what IS the wire for. It does look like romex from the pic, it looks out of place.