Rust preventative

[wrvond]

This is what the entire underneath of my old TT looked like:


I want to prevent the same from happening to my new TT. I saw some photos of a camper that the owner used a product called fluid film. It looked really nice. However, after watching a few youtube videos, I'm not convinced that fluid film is the best product for rust prevention.
So the question is what do you guys use on your campers? What are the pros and cons of the different approaches?

Thanks!

[DarthMuffin]

I've used POR-15 on a car chassis before (frame-off restoration of a muscle car). It's great stuff and not too hard to use but be warned it is messy and does not wash off. Wear clothes you don't mind getting trashed. Wear rubber gloves (it won't even wash off of skin). Put down a drop cloth. Don't expect to clean your brush either, but the cheap foam brushes from Home Depot work pretty good.

If you need to re-seal the can, clean out the lip as best as possible and put some plastic wrap in-between lid and can if you ever want to get it open again.

[wrvond]

Eastwood does have a dizzying array of products to deal with rust. I think I'll have to get some to use on my truck. Since the camper is new, and as yet does not have any rust, I'm thinking that POR-15 will be the simplest treatment.

Thanks to all.

[westend]

I haven't done my frame, yet, but will probably get to it in the Spring. My frame is older so I'll use some mechanical means to remove most of the rust, initially. After that, I'll treat the steel and rust with diluted Phosphoric acid. The cheapest source I can find for the acid is dehumidifier cleaner or water softener cleaner. I apply the acid with a handheld spray bottle. Give it some time to react with the rust, respray with the mixture and rinse. Any rust spots will be white when dried. On a trailer frame, I'll put on a coat of primer and then topcoat with a good enamel.
If I parked on the beach or lived close to the Coast, I'd probably use an industrial primer specific to a paint system and topcoat with a urethane or other polymer like POR-15.

[JBarca]

Here is an option to POR 15.

http://www.eastwood.com/paints/rust-solutions.html

Eastwood I see now also sells POR 15... They changed their web site over the years and use to have several technical papers Rust Encapsulator verses POR 15. I cannot seem to find that right now.

I have the Eastwood rust converter and the Rust Encapsulator. The converter for hard places to even attempt to get a sander on. And will chase the last coat with Rustoleum Professional paint. I do not want to do this again… It is a spring time project, I missed this year, Too busy.

Some just use the Rust Encapsulator. All depends on how many years you want to keep the camper.

Whatever product you pick, read all the directions, some need to be applied to bare metal, some are not UV stable and need a top coat. Others need primers.

Good luck, this is a painful job crawling under to go and a real good one to do to help save the camper for long term. Do it right with whatever product you pick or you can do it over again is several years. Again back to how long are you going to keep the camper?

As FYI Jeg’s High Performance also sells Eastwood products. I’m sure other auto restoration places do too. Or buy it direct.

Good luck

John

[NJRVer]

ScottG wrote:
There's nothing I've ever found that works like POR15. Amazing stuff.

X2!!
I have a rim that I used it on back in 2000. After 13 years in the weather still no rust!

[ScottG]

There's nothing I've ever found that works like POR15. Amazing stuff.

[path1]

wrvond wrote:

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I saw a product once called POR-15 it was made by the navy to paint on ships. I have no idea what it costs.

I've used POR-15 on the inside of rusted motorcycle fuel tanks. Never saw it on a ship, though.
Good stuff, nonetheless. Thanks for reminding me of it.

Yes, good stuff POR or POR 15. (Paint Over Rust) Cost a lot but quart goes a long way. If you use this stuff make sure when you put lid back on there is none of that stuff around lid groove. Sticks so well next time you take off lid, it will be a hassle. And worked wonders on hitched. Use disposable brushes and gloves. At first I thought I messed up as it was not drying as I thought it should. But couple days really looked great. I was really impressed with it. Used to be several youtubes that clued me in.

[wrvond]

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I saw a product once called POR-15 it was made by the navy to paint on ships. I have no idea what it costs.

I've used POR-15 on the inside of rusted motorcycle fuel tanks. Never saw it on a ship, though.
Good stuff, nonetheless. Thanks for reminding me of it.

[CavemanCharlie]

I saw a product once called POR-15 it was made by the navy to paint on ships. I have no idea what it costs.

[Bumpyroad]

WD40 has a new product designed to spray on and prevent corrosion. small aerosol can for about $11.50.
bumpy

[therink]

I just hit it with Rust Oleam flat black as needed on my rig. Of course this is assuming that there is no scaling or heavy rust to be removed first.