Filiform/Entry handle, 2014 FC 20

[idroba]

I just thought I would post these two photos of the Filiform Corrosion on the entry handle of my 2014 FC 20'.

The trailer was purchased in late June 2013. I traveled about 7000 miles with it last summer. It has never been near salt, either road or ocean varieties. It is stored under an open carport next to a fresh water river in Idaho.

I winter in AZ. When I left November 1, there was no indication of any problem. When I returned on April 2, I found what you see in the photos. There is no other indication of Filiform any other place on the rig. What you see on the handle is near the center, not where the handle attaches to the wall. There are rubber gaskets between the handle and the wall aluminum.

Of course I will bring this up with my dealer but I am not expecting any resolution of the problem. I find it strange that it should appear only on the handle in the center part, and while undercover, although in a location where condensation can occur on the rig.

Any comments are welcome.

[dkottum]

Probably got the salt and moisture from your hands. Seriously.

Should be easy to clean up though. I wipe ours with some CorrosionX as well as other accessories and exposed edges on the trailer. No corrosion so far.

We have been in the Southwest three winters now with this Airstream.

[Rich W]

I was thinking scratches from rings or keys, then salt from the hands. They look like all the little surface scratches around the door handle on a car.

[subfan1]

Ours has the same crap on it. All corrosion. I would sand it, maybe steel wool and then reseal it.

[idroba]

Originally Posted by richw46

I was thinking scratches from rings or keys, then salt from the hands. They look like all the little surface scratches around the door handle on a car.

Nope, not scratches. It is little worm tracks of corrosion. I am single, wear no rings and unlock the door, drop keys back in my pocket, then use the handle to assist entry most of the time. Also, it was not there on Nov 1, but occurred during the 5 months I was gone this winter.

[kscherzi]

Is there a reason to expect this won't be covered by warranty?

[dkottum]

You guys been sitting outside dipping into the potato chip bag getting that salt and oil all over your hands?

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

Is there a reason to expect this won't be covered by warranty?

I think corrosion is specifically excluded under the warranty but not unusual for them to fix such things in "good faith".

[JFScheck]

Same on my 2013, bad batch?

[kscherzi]

I think refusing to replace the handle (what, $25 max?) is just wrong. I've camped most of the past year with my 2013 and don't have any corrosion. Your handle, just months old, is obviously defective. Seriously, if they (Airstream) don't replace it I'd take them to small claims court just to make them spend $$$ on someone to travel out and defend their position.

[dkottum]

I think replacing the handle involves taking it to the dealer, removal of the interior cabinet and drilling out the rivets to pull back the interior aluminum? I would just tape it off, clean it up and refinish it with some clear acrylic.

[idroba]

Yes, corrosion is specifically excluded in the warrantee statement. I read it again this afternoon. I have some other dealer work that needs to be done, it will be interesting to see what they say about the handle. As someone has said, it is not an easy replacement item. Now, the lower door hinge is loose, and that also is not an easy repair, but one which is critical, no matter how difficult the job.

But a 400 mile round trip, so I don't just run to them at a drop of the hat.

[idroba]

I re read my original post and now see that I didn't make it clear that the trailer was in Idaho all winter, untouched, under the carport storage area. I did not use it for 5 months. The corrosion was not there when I left, but was when I returned home.

[Steve & Mary]

They just don't make them like the use to. We have had to deal with small corrosion issues the whole time we have owned our trailer. You have to stay on top of it and make sure you keep CorrosionX around the house. My parents have a 1990 model and my dad does little more than wash it. His trailer shows NO signs of what I have to deal with. But with that said.... we still use and enjoy the trailer. Just takes a bit more to keep it up :-)

[dsaxon22]

My handle was actually worse, 2013 model. Had it replaced under warranty. Our dealer had to contact Airstream for approval. Our previous Airstream was stored and used under the same conditions and never had an issue.

If you want it replaced they should do it.

[scamp]

I have a 2012 19 foot flying cloud and has had no exposure to road salt or salt in the air and I have had my bumper,tail light bezels,outside grab handle,replaced under warrantee ,also they polished the outside door hinges, they also replace the plastic range vent (outside) and the outside plastic shower door due to paint pealing, when I got home I notice spider web corrosion on my wheel rims, and the lower chrome belt moulding started to flake off (plastic chrome part )when I washed the trailer, I really think airstream needs to bump up there quality ! As for your outside door handle the inside panels didn't have to come off on my trailer, just one trim around the door and the lighting switches and the 12 volt store or use switch I believe this is how they accessed the outside fasteners, I did however purchased corrosion x and treated my rims,tail lights bezels ,door hinges,bumper and some other parts of the trailer,also the wheels nuts were all replaced because there chrome caps split and were rusty under caps ,

[gdod25]

I have just purchased a 1970 globetrotter which has such a bad case of filliform in one area there are pin holes in the aluminium. Is there a way to neutralize this?

[scamp]

I'm no pro at this aluminum corrosion but keep the trailer clean that is wash it down just in case you live near the ocean and if you take it out early spring and if they use road salt in your area, and use corrosion x on a rag and wipe it over the affected area or any area to protect agains future corrosion .

[Andrew T]

The Corrosion on the handle is easy to fix. This is different than corrosion on the skin as it is solid aluminum that can be polished indefinitely.

It is relatively simple to strip the clear coat off of it, polish it and respray it. This is better than replaceing the handle, it should be quite simple for your dealer to look after.

Andrew T

[Howard L.]

"""I just thought I would post these two photos of the Filiform Corrosion on the entry handle of my 2014 FC 20'."""

You are going to have this problem on all cast AL pieces---handle, door hinges, tail light castings. You can do the dealer thing, or sand the (very poor quality) clear coat off those items with 2000 wet/dry sandpaper and re-clear-coat. I use Nyalic. It's a polymer clear-coat and unaffected by UV. It is thin and flows well, so can be sprayed or brushed. Google Nyalic and but direct. For your use, to save $$, I would buy a couple of spray cans and for the brush work on the small items, like your handle, spray some into the lid, and paint from there.