Winter road de-icer (salt?) corrosion on TC hardware

[FreebirdFlies]

We traveled south through Salt Lake City in December during below freezing temps and rain/snow mix. Whatever they use to de-ice their highways was on the road pretty thick, and caused quite a bit of corrosion on the rear end of my TC's hardware.

Just a word of advice to avoid travel when you can at such times in areas where they use corrosive de-iced (I'm figuring salt since it is abundant there). If you HAVE to travel at such places and times, fresh water rinse thoroughly as soon as possible.

Washington state (home) uses a fairly non-corrosive de-Icer, so I did not expect such a significant and quick reaction by my metal parts/pieces/hardware/latches/etc.

This is a chance to learn from someone else's mid-adventure....

[covered_wagon]

I've heard it's good to park over a lawn sprinkler for awhile to help the trucks undersides.

[CAJW]

FreebirdFlies wrote:
Well, I did say "fairly" non-corrosive. All things are relative, and the Salt Lake City/Utah de-Icer results was way beyond what I have experienced on WA highways.

Not saying I'm an experienced expert. Just trying to give any folks out there with a brand new pride n joy rv/camper a heads up on what to expect and possibly avoid with prudent planning.....

Another reason for the post is I haven't seen this discussed on the forums. Maybe I just have missed it....?

Good advice, thanks for the heads up, especially for us anal retentive types. 🙂

[tsetsaf]

Just drove US 80 over Donner in CA. Apparently they are using saline now. It was raining hard causing the road surface to become frothy (like seafoam). Just finished doing a complete scurb down and cleaning to try and get that crud off.

[Bionic_Man]

Colorado uses a magchloride mix. The state says it is non corrosive, but I have a friend that works for a local city. Since magchloride use started, their signs and street lights have begun to rust.

Anytime you drive in winter weather you should rinse off your gear.

[32_Chev]

I know that Idaho uses salt and salt brine, eastern Washington use salt.

[FreebirdFlies]

Well, I did say "fairly" non-corrosive. All things are relative, and the Salt Lake City/Utah de-Icer results was way beyond what I have experienced on WA highways.

Not saying I'm an experienced expert. Just trying to give any folks out there with a brand new pride n joy rv/camper a heads up on what to expect and possibly avoid with prudent planning.....

Another reason for the post is I haven't seen this discussed on the forums. Maybe I just have missed it....?

[jimh406]

I was going to mention that you shouldn't trust the WA deicer either, but Bedlam beat me to it. I wonder if Sharkhide would work for the metal parts ... hmmm. For those of you not familiar with it. http://www.sharkhide.com/mpinfo.html It's commonly used for those who boat in saltwater with aluminum boats.

[Bedlam]

My Arctic Fox shows the signs of WA deicer that is supposed to be non-corrosive. It has ruined my desire to go skiing because of junk that gets sprayed down in the name of highway safety. I used to go weekly up to the slopes with my TC and this year will probably end up going only twice.

[Kayteg1]

I guess you have no experience with boating on salt waters?
Anything not tipple-chromed will corrode next day after contact with salt.
Washing right after is the best you can do and protective coat of wax will help.
Speedy protection is Formula 303, but that will wash away if you drive in rain.