Skin damage near steps.

[jasmith58]

After towing my Safari 2300 miles this summer, I noticed this problem a couple of days before getting home. I’m not sure what’s causing it and more importantly I need to know how to repair it. attached are some photos. Any information how to address this problem is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim

[arktos55343]

It looks like corrosion has taken over and caused a weakened area of the aluminum wrap, which then caught on the edge of the stair and tore. I would get in there and sand the step cavity and then POR 15 to prevent further rusting. As for the aluminum, a temporary patch could be a simple as some duct tape. Or you could rivet a patch on to stabilize it. Or you could cut out a larger section, and rivet in a patch. Or you could replace the entire wrap.

[Kevin245]

It looks like bimetallic (galvanic) corrosion. I would power wire brush and paint the steel then apply an aluminum patch.

[TG Twinkie]

If the license plates in your state are made of aluminum. They make great patch material.
The rust on the outriggers appears to be surface rust. You can clean it up and paint it. But it will only make a cosmetic difference. The backside of the outriggers will still be rusty. Unless you remove the sheet metal to gain access.