Corrosion problems with new Airstreams

[tpi]

What should Airstream do?

1. Disclose. Indicate cosmetic corrosion is possible with current design and it is much more likely when trailer is used in corrosive evironments such as seaside or salted roads. Upfront about warranty coverage for corrosion issues.

2. Ensure trailers are not driven through corrosive conditions prior to delivery, or coat the trailer with protectant prior to delivery.

3. Get much more vigorous about preventive care schedule and effective products to reduce corrosion. If no appropriate off the shelf product exists, develop an anti corrosion rinse. Recommend monthly corrosion inspections, with application of product on corroded areas to halt or reduce the rate. Recommend 6 monthly applications of ACF 50 (or similar) to rivet lines in corrosive environments. Research cleaning products for corrosive potential, and have an approved list. Recommend immediate washing after seaside use or driving on salted roads.

4. Develop the best possible repair procedure for the corrosion and conduct dealer training. Ensure goodwill measures for those who purchased trailer before corrosion disclosure.

5. Offer heavy duty package (as in my post above) if sufficient demand.

[ROBERT CROSS]

50 to 100k= heavy duty package. WAYK

[tpi]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

50 to 100k= heavy duty package. WAYK

Unfortunately we can't have it all..clear coated riveted aluminum bodies and best possible corrosion protection (in my opinion). Some people may not like painted trailers. Therefore a package.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by tpi

Unfortunately we can't have it all. Therefore a package.

You settle for it.............. a "package" isn't needed QC is.

[tpi]

QC isn't the main problem with the corrosion. What you're expecting is impossible. A clear coated riveted aluminum body will corrode in corrosive conditions.

Airstream should help put a halt to unrealistic expectations. Hence disclosure in sales literature and at the point of sale.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Oh! I see....you get what you expect. If it ain't quality control it must be Fate

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by VIKING

Thank you Jack. It doesn't look near as shiny as I thought it would. I wonder if it was intentionally brought to a dull shine, or if that is as much shine as it can get. Perhaps P&S can let us know more about this.
Thanks, Rich

That's as good as it gets Rich. They didn't hold back. It's just a different aluminum composite than the product used on the older trailers.

Jack

[Silvertwinkie]

I'd be open to almost any real solution outside of the factory's current solution to gently sand the spider lines and put clear nail polish on it that didn't cost me another arm or leg.

Do I have the best answers? Nope, I'm no metallurgist or engineer. I am simply a customer who spent a significant amount of money on a trailer that has sorely fallen short of even the most basic of expectations....as a matter of fact so did the '03 I bought new. I thought that this is what I was paying for....their engineering team to have solved or come to some acceptable solution to this and other issues.

The thing is, we'll never hear of a found solution and most likely, for we owners that already have it, little real hope of a fix that a number of we more technically and mechanically inclined folks might consider and end to justify the means. Of course, if my unit looked like the poster child posted on page 49, I might feel differently. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that a visit for a strip and re-seal is in my future at some point. Not that I am really happy about that thought for a roughly 5 year old trailer.

[elolson]

I wonder if we could get them to use Hexavelent chromium. We'd all get back that gold look and no more corrosion.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by elolson

I wonder if we could get them to use Hexavelent chromium. We'd all get back that gold look and no more corrosion.

Yes but wouldn't that create a larger label in my trailer saying that this is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.

Hexavalent chromium - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[elolson]

Less surface area to corrode with the big old hazmat sticker . My unit is a 2000 and I starting to get some pull-up of the clear coat in spots and the ensuing corrosion. So this thread peaked my interest. I store out in the sun so I have a feeling that I am going to get real familiar with this topic in the next 5 years.

[SRW]

The following is a product that claims to help control filiform corrosion:

LPS 3 00316 Heavy-Duty Inhibitor 11oz. Aerosol*::*Corrosion Inhibitors*::*HeavyDutyStore.com

The add says:

-Stops exfoliation of filiform corrosion of aluminum -Stops rust and corrosion; protects steel up to 2 years -Penetrates to displace moisture -Resists moisture, sand, dirt, dust and vibration -Does not contain chlorinated solvents or silicone -Nonconducti

Does anyone have experience with this product?

SRW

[ROBERT CROSS]

I use tapered end of wood clothespin and WD40 to break through filiform and retard spread. Works pretty good til satisfactoory repair is found.

Clean WELL and re-seal.

[denellen]

[denellen]

I'l try again. Unfortunately I can't attachthe rest of them.

I can't seem to make it happen.Take my word for it. This one is really really really bad.

[denellen]

I guess I can send a couple @ a time.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Wheels and door hinges can be delt with....Filiform on panels, not so much.

denellen,

It sure looks very sad, sorry you had to join the club

[Al - K4GLU]

Every once in awhile I try and convince myself I'm making too big a deal out of this. I'm in the market for a new trailer. I'm fulltiming in a 20' Safari and I want something with dual axles. Was even considering biting the bullet and getting a 23' Flying Cloud.

Then someone posts pictures like denellen which makes my problem look mild.

NO WAY!

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

Every once in awhile I try and convince myself I'm making too big a deal out of this. I'm in the market for a new trailer. I'm fulltiming in a 20' Safari and I want something with dual axles. Was even considering biting the bullet and getting a 23' Flying Cloud.

Then someone posts pictures like denellen which makes my problem look mild.

NO WAY!

I can completely understand this..... I feel very similarly. I wanted to upgrade to a 31 footer.....guess where that plan wound up?!

If I ever do upgrade, it will be for a pre-owned unit. I will never pay top dollar for another brand new unit with this issue lurking out there. You can't convince me that Danellen's pics and the pics posted on page 49 of this thread don't devalue the unit beyond it's normal depreciation, let alone the costs involved in stripping and re-coating the trailer, and for trailers this young for that matter. What Danellen is seeing is really only the tip of the iceberg. It is going to get progressively worse as time goes on. When that unit hits it's 5th birthday, it's is going to be completely marred with this stuff all over and the bad spots now, will most likely be so bad that there will be no choice but to do something-- of course at the owner's cost.

I would continue to encourage folks to post pics of their issue if they have not.

[dmac]

Originally Posted by SRW

The following is a product that claims to help control filiform corrosion:

LPS 3 00316 Heavy-Duty Inhibitor 11oz. Aerosol*::*Corrosion Inhibitors*::*HeavyDutyStore.com

The add says:

-Stops exfoliation of filiform corrosion of aluminum -Stops rust and corrosion; protects steel up to 2 years -Penetrates to displace moisture -Resists moisture, sand, dirt, dust and vibration -Does not contain chlorinated solvents or silicone -Nonconducti

Does anyone have experience with this product?

SRW

LPS is commonly used in the aircraft world... I use LPS-3 to lube rod ends, bushings, and bearings on flight controls and retractable landing gear components. LPS-3 also prevents corrosion. However... LPS-3 is thick and waxy, and will not wick under clearcoat to stop filliform corrosion.