Removing electrolysis white corrosion

[rvgary]

I just got a 2006 Bambi 16 and it was stored within a few miles from the ocean. It is showing some white corrosion in a few places around the seams. Does anyone out there know a way to spot treat the corrosion without refinishing the whole exterior. It has got under the clear coat plastic and is lifting it up in spots. Any help would be appreciated...thanks Gary

[dznf0g]

Use the search function and the search words "filiform corrosion". There are many posts and threads about it. Basically, you can't get rid of it without a refinish of the clearcoat, but you can slow it down.

Oh, and welcome to the Forum.

[1010]

Our trailer is not an Airstream but it is an aluminum sided trailer that has developed electrolysis (found you by googling electrolysis & RVs), your pictures look similar to what has happened to ours. Have you found any solutions? According to our insurance our trailer is not repairable and since electrolysis is a manufacturing defect it probably will not be covered. Any help on slowing down the process would be appreciated.

[Bluto]

Use the "search button"as mentioned above. Lots of info.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 1010

Our trailer is not an Airstream but it is an aluminum sided trailer that has developed electrolysis (found you by googling electrolysis & RVs), your pictures look similar to what has happened to ours. Have you found any solutions? According to our insurance our trailer is not repairable and since electrolysis is a manufacturing defect it probably will not be covered. Any help on slowing down the process would be appreciated.

Filiform is not electrolysis....there is no electricity involved.

ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis is similar to corrosion, in the fact that it is the process of deteriorating metal by a reaction process. Although the results are the same, corrosion and electrolysis differ by the time required for the process and what usually causes the process.

Electrolysis is a reaction between metal and electrical energy. Electrolysis occurs when electrical current is "leaking" into the water and can come from a variety of things such as improperly grounded electrical devices and power circuits, old electrical devices in contact with the water, batteries in boats, etc. Also, since this process includes a stronger reaction agent (electricity), the process is much quicker than corrosion.

The Sacrificial Zinc Anode does offer some protection against electrolysis. However, a Sacrificial Zinc Anode can be completely deteriorated and damage to the unit can occur in as little as a couple weeks or less. This is largely dependant on the amount of electrical current in the water and how well the current travels through the water. Electricity uses particles in the water to travel, not the water itself, so the more minerals, such as salt, the further and quicker electricity can travel through the water to attack the unit.

There are basically two options to protect your equipment from electrolysis. One is to keep replacing the Sacrificial Zinc Anode as often as needed. Two is to find the source of the stray voltage and eliminate it. Option two is a much more effective and reliable option than option one since damage can occur before an Anode can be changed and it becomes costly to continually change the Anode.

Bob

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 1010

Our trailer is not an Airstream but it is an aluminum sided trailer that has developed electrolysis (found you by googling electrolysis & RVs), your pictures look similar to what has happened to ours. Have you found any solutions? According to our insurance our trailer is not repairable and since electrolysis is a manufacturing defect it probably will not be covered. Any help on slowing down the process would be appreciated.

Filiform is not electrolysis....there is no electricity involved.

ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis is similar to corrosion, in the fact that it is the process of deteriorating metal by a reaction process. Although the results are the same, corrosion and electrolysis differ by the time required for the process and what usually causes the process.

Electrolysis is a reaction between metal and electrical energy. Electrolysis occurs when electrical current is "leaking" into the water and can come from a variety of things such as improperly grounded electrical devices and power circuits, old electrical devices in contact with the water, batteries in boats, etc. Also, since this process includes a stronger reaction agent (electricity), the process is much quicker than corrosion.

The Sacrificial Zinc Anode does offer some protection against electrolysis. However, a Sacrificial Zinc Anode can be completely deteriorated and damage to the unit can occur in as little as a couple weeks or less. This is largely dependant on the amount of electrical current in the water and how well the current travels through the water. Electricity uses particles in the water to travel, not the water itself, so the more minerals, such as salt, the further and quicker electricity can travel through the water to attack the unit.

There are basically two options to protect your equipment from electrolysis. One is to keep replacing the Sacrificial Zinc Anode as often as needed. Two is to find the source of the stray voltage and eliminate it. Option two is a much more effective and reliable option than option one since damage can occur before an Anode can be changed and it becomes costly to continually change the Anode.


Gary,

Welcome Aboard,

Get a cold brew or a tall vino.....

I'll start you with one of my first posts on the corrosion thread... you can work forward or back from there.

Another filiform option....



Bob

[1010]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Use the "search button"as mentioned above. Lots of info.

I want to reply to Bob & Gary, thanks for providing me the information I have be trying to locate. Both of you have been a great help. I am researching the info now. Thanks again