Xzilon Coating from Sutton RV

[flyingcloud]

Hi all -

We just ordered a 2012 Flying Cloud from George Sutton RV. They are recommending that we get a Xylon exterior sealant that they apply to the trailer at the dealership. Apparently they're the only dealer that does it and it prevents corrosion.

Does anyone have this on their trailer? Are you happy with it? More information would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[Al - K4GLU]

Correct spelling seems to be Xzilon.

Looks like it's expensive - how much are they asking to do the Airstream?

[Mike Leary]

Hmm, if you Google either spelling, you'll sure get some varied opinions. Wonder what Andy's experience is? That being said, Sutton DOES have a good reputation.

[flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

Correct spelling seems to be Xzilon.

Looks like it's expensive - how much are they asking to do the Airstream?

$1400 for 27 feet...

[vswingfield]

Pretty useless website: Xzilon® Molecular Adhesion

Example from FAQs:

"What is the Xzilon® Limited Warranty term?

If you have already purchased Xzilon®, review the Xzilon® Limited Warranty that you received from the selling dealership. Otherwise, ask your authorized Xzilon® selling dealer for more information."

The rest of the website is just as informative.

[Mike Leary]

Cripes, how would you warranty something like that? If someone is hyping it as a way to prevent scratches, I call bull.

[Jammer]

The aluminum surface is clearcoated prior to assembly. Usually the clearcoat fails due to filiform corrosion between the aluminum and the clearcoat rather than due to degradation of the upper surface of the clearcoat. Adding more clearcoat will not prevent it.

[Moflash]

I have a good feeling that when you read the fine print you will find out that if the product fails that the dealer will reapply the product again at no charge to you.They will not repair any damage caused buy corrosion.Most customers fail to read the warranties.

[blmitch5]

Id save my $$ for something else.

[Dave Park]

If you coat the lacquer on the aluminum, the coat bonds to the lacquer but does not change the bond of the lacquer to the aluminum. Any coating is as strong as the weakest electron-bond.

This will do nothing for your airstream, long term.

[thecatsandi]

Additional dealer profit comes to mind.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Dave Park

If you coat the lacquer on the aluminum, the coat bonds to the lacquer but does not change the bond of the lacquer to the aluminum. Any coating is as strong as the weakest electron-bond.

This will do nothing for your airstream, long term.

You're not even coating the aluminum, you're coating the plasticoat that coats the aluminum. The only benefit would be along the edges where the plasticoat has been compromised, like around lights, windows, and seams.

[CanoeStream]

I fully agree with every single negative opinion voiced on this product. Day in/ day out solar ultraviolet will eventually degrade the aluminum-plasticoat bond. I store inside and I still can't bet that I'll have better results at the 10, 12 or 15 year point.

For example, the ultraviolet protectors in spar varnishes are sacrificial; ie, they are destroyed as they do their job. Therefore spar varnishes have to be renewed every year. Is the warranty dependent on reapplication? You'll not want to be spending that kind of $$. Spend it on storage under cover in my opinion.

[UAPachyderm]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Spend it on storage under cover in my opinion.

I agree

[JStanley]

Read 2Air's opinion from 2006 here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f441...num-26573.html

[wendywoods]

I emailed Leigh some links as well, which may be of some use. Cheers! Wendy

[Aerobling]

Originally Posted by UAPachyderm

I agree

The real xzilion is made from a company called Granitize. They make it for auto and aerospace. There is formulas for paint and formulas for aluminum. It normally takes 3 coats depending on the type of formula you purchase. It's great for keeping oxidation and salt spray from the aluminum. Thus reducing the need to polish metal or paint frequently. Most applications will only last 1 year not the 5 years as claimed by some. Applying the product correctly is key or you will end up with smears that are really hard to remove. Beware of imitations on the market. They are sold frequently on eBay. I use this product on aircraft frequently and have found it to do it's job. It's not a miracle, just reduces overall long term work load and the fight against corrosion and oxidation. I have a stockpile of kits if anyone wants the real stuff. I get them at a contractor price. Contact me if you have any questions about Xzilion or would like to purchase some. I am a polished aluminum master. It's my job to make it shine.