Some of the RVs use a nubby, carpet-like liner. There is a lot of black oxidation starting to show on mine. Some are distinctly riviets and others seem like exhaust areas from ac or around ceiling lights. I suppose it is related to the clear coat breakdown up top - 11 years old now.
Has anyone else encountered this and would you have any tips on cleaning it?
Sounds like what you are seeing is evidence of loose interior rivets and with the "trunk carpet" attached to your interior skins the aluminum dust is simply filtering through to where it is visible. The other streaks are just showing channels where air flows thus depositing dirt or possibly aluminum dust. Not really sure how to fix it, to replace the loose rivets you would have to remove the interior carpet to gain access. I am sure Andy from Inland will get on here soon and scold you for "unbalanced running gear" which could well be a contributing factor, especially in your Excella.
Chas your response sounds right on but it seems to me the rest of the story would have something to do with some serious leaking if the rivits are indeed that loose.
The interior skin rivets have nothing to do with the exterior rivets. They can get loose enough to create the black aluminum dust. An Airstream has an inner skin and an outer skin with their own different style of fasteners attached to a common framing member. If he were having water leaks as well then I would take a look at the exterior rivets.
You are right !!!!
I've had to replace a few and should have realized or remembered since I had a hard time finding the right rivit and finally had to mail orded from AS dealer.
Thanks for the correction while I wasn't offering a solution to the problem the last thing I ever want to do is steer someone in the wrong direction.
Thank you for a most logical answer and "inside information". There is no water leaking, hence rules out the exterior rivets. Removing that "trunk lining" does not sound like fun.
I haven't tried vacuuming yet, so if it is a dust I am going to start there. I have had a little luck with Oxy stuff.
Has anyone realized that group of us recovering from the Airstream owner's afflication, "aluminitis" may be known as...
the Aluminati. lol
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rivet oxidation showing through head liner
aluminium oxide spots from interior rivets
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