Roof Rust on 2005 Interstate

[interstateflyer]

I did a roof inspection yesterday on my 2005 Interstate and discovered extensive rust in the roof seams. Airstream did not paint the roof so it is the original Mercedes-Dodge white paint.

Has anyone else encountered this?

[Kistler]

What is an "interstate"? Is it the trailer or the van?

Kistler

[interstateflyer]

Its the Interstate Touring Coach in my profile photo.

[xrvr]

Interstate---class B motorhome////international---travel trailer, jim

[Kistler]

Back to the roof rust I wasn't aware that aluminium "rusted"!

Kistler

[swebster]

Is it still under warrantee from Dodge/Airstream?

[interstateflyer]

Yes it is under Dodge warranty but they exclude conversions from their paint coverage. Airstream says it is a Dodge issue. I believe that there are grounds to fight both on this. I may just have a local body shop do spot painting. I really don't have the time to deal with Dodge and Airstream. The rust needs to be dealt with now.

Why didn't Airstream paint the roof when they painted the rest of the coach. Sprinter vans have a history of roof seam rust, especially when drilling is done on the roof for add-ons. The metal filings tend to settle and rust if not properly cleaned off. They have been in the US since 2002.

Where else did they cut corners in areas that are otherwise concealed. The coach was painted half vastly I must add....painted it after they installed exterior components....white shows around the edges of outlets etc.

[AZtraveler]

I have a 2006 Interstate. The paint job was not done by Airstream, but rather Carrera Designs and includes the roof. I'm not sure if it was custom, or if Airstream discovered the rust problem and began outsourcing their Interstate painting. Not sure if that helps any, but might give you more ammunition when trying to get them to cover it.

Larry C. in AZ

[interstateflyer]

The seams rusted through both Airstream and DC paint. So beware and keep an eye on your roof.

I'm attaching some pictures. The roof is original Sprinter white with a blue cast from the sky. The Airstream color is champagne.

[SafariSS]

hey there,

While I do not have an interstate I do have a 03 140 Wb Sprinter I use for work. I have rust on the edges of the drip rails and anywhere there has been a scratch. Apparently the body is not very well galvanized or primed well. I think the sprinter platform is fantastic, however I definatley believe that the engine will outlast the rest of the rig.

[lewster]

My '04 Sprinter is showing no roof rust at all. I get up there on a regular basis and clean it with clay, then polish and wax just like the rest of the van. The FL sun and humidity is brutal on finishes, and you have to stay on top of the finish (pun intended!).

I would go after BOTH as your photos show definite rust thru at the seams. Don't get caught in the middle and footballed around!!!! Hire an attorney if you must....................

[AZtraveler]

Wow! That's some serious rust. I went over mine closely and only found a couple scratches that looked a little rust colored, but nothing like those in your photos. Thanks for the heads-up, I'll keep an eye out for any progression.

Larry C. in AZ

[rving42]

I have 2005 Airstream Interstate -and yes I severe rust in roof seems in first year. Airstream reluctantly had repaired. Now 6 months later it is coming back again. Supposedl there is a 5 year warranty on paint.

[HowieE]

Repaint alone wil not solve that problem. There is some contamination in the seam and unless it is ground out it will push up through the new paint again.

I would consider sewing in small claims court whoever built the original van. That may not cover the cost of repairs but it will get thier attention a lot faster than just asking. If the company has any operations in your state you should be able to get to them this way.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by HowieE

Repaint alone wil not solve that problem. There is some contamination in the seam and unless it is ground out it will push up through the new paint again.

I would consider sewing in small claims court whoever built the original van. That may not cover the cost of repairs but it will get thier attention a lot faster than just asking. If the company has any operations in your state you should be able to get to them this way.

The Sprinter is sold by Dodge and Freightliner and built by Mercedes.......take your pick!!!!!

[HowieE]

Lewster

This week it's all the same company. I would go for Mercedes just because that is where the money ends up, at least until GM buys them. I would file before GM gets into the act because they never warranted anything let along problems they bought.