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Post Info TOPIC: Galvanised chassis problem.
KAYOS


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Galvanised chassis problem.
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I have a problem with the hot dipped galvanised coating cracking and falling off some sections of my caravan chassis. I think I now know the cause of the problem and what the fix would have been had a quality control inspection been conducted by the galvaniser or chassis manufacturer or even the caravan manufacturer prior to building the caravan.

The issue now is the van is built and the box can't be removed from the chassis. Therefore a proper fix can't be done and because of this the chassis life is now compromised.

It would be easy enough to protect the visible steel from rust, but it would be like painting a black steel arch bar or lintel in a brick building by the sea. You can keep rust off the bit you can see by painting it but rust build up will eventually separate bricks from the mortar where the steel can't be reached . Likewise rust will form between the chassis top and van floor in effected areas.

I am hoping forum members may know of a company or person who is qualified and willing to write a professional report on the galvanising quality for a fee. I am having trouble finding such a company or person in the Sydney area.

I found the problem one month after purchase and the van has travelled less than two thousand kilometres and is now three months old.

 

 

 

 



-- Edited by KAYOS on Saturday 21st of July 2018 04:08:37 PM

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Peter_n_Margaret


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What does the dealer/manufacturer say?
Almost any decent consulting engineer could prepare a report, as far as recommending one, we have little idea where you are...
Unless it is very extensive, I would not be too concerned personally. Galvanising is a sacrificial coating and nothing like paint in your example. I expect that it will outlast you.

Cheers,
Peter

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Possum3


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Contact Colin Young at the Caravan Council of Australia he would most probably be able to recommend an engineer to you;
CARAVAN COUNCIL OF
AUSTRALIA
3 Margaret Street

Parkdale VIC 3195
T: 0409 865 399
F: 03 9587 1828

caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au

Also download many free technical articles at www.caravancouncil.com.au/


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Possum3


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Also consider utilising a sacrificial zinc anode to protect your chassis from corrosion.


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KAYOS


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Thanks to Peter & Margaret and Possum3.

Have been in contact with Colin Young at the Caravan Council and through him have been advised where to look for suitably qualified engineers in the Sydney area.

Areas of delamination are anything up to 75mm x 50mm and a rust is now forming, to me that is a significant problem.

Thanks again for your thoughts.



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MikeL


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Sounds to me like the manufacturer needs to replace the van or remove the box and fit to a new chassis. Once the problem is sorted, anode protection sounds like a good idea.

How about electronic corrosion protection instead/as well? There's a few around

www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELECTRONIC-RUST-PROTECTION-CORROSION-CONTROL-MODULE/352412970597%3Ag%3AE90AAOSwal5YLmvg&_sacat=0&_nkw=electronic+corrosion+&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313



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Peter_n_Margaret


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Check what "Choice" has to say about electronic rust protection before you spend your hard earned.

Cheers,
Peter

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Tony Bev


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Sorry to hear of your problem, KAYOS

If you can let us all know, the final outcome, it may help others in the future

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Jaahn


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MikeL wrote:

Sounds to me like the manufacturer needs to replace the van or remove the box and fit to a new chassis. Once the problem is sorted, anode protection sounds like a good idea.

How about electronic corrosion protection instead/as well? There's a few around

www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELECTRONIC-RUST-PROTECTION-CORROSION-CONTROL-MODULE/352412970597%3Ag%3AE90AAOSwal5YLmvg&_sacat=0&_nkw=electronic+corrosion+&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

 Hi Mikel smile

From a technical viewpoint they have no backing. Neither does a zinc anode. There are a lot of these electronic devices for sale but "a fool and his money are easily parted" is a well know saying from years ago. While there are well documented circumstances where they can work this is not one of them. Neither are normal vehicles suitable. Sorry to disappoint those who swear by them biggrin

Jaahn 



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Aus-Kiwi


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Other option is to treat it yourself with cold gal., . Then oil,grease it once a year . And ENJOY it ! A mix of linseed and Kero .

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PeterInSa


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AK re Cold Gal.... and Re ( Likewise rust will form between the chassis top and van floor in effected areas)

Maybe a bead of silicon between the top of the chassis and the van Floor after the Cold Gal. Still a poor alternative to a good Gal job in the first place.

Peter

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Aus-Kiwi


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Pack area with chassis grease . Itâs thick and sticks like s to a b.. I find trying to seal ? Tends to make corrosion worse ., There are Aus coatings out there Iâve used on old bus over treated areas . Must say 7 years on its still all good .,https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F222274945928



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Sunday 29th of July 2018 12:29:10 PM

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PeterInSa


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If you cannot get any satisfaction from the Dealer/Manufacturer and decide to keep the van, rather than cold Gal would also consider POR15 and still use a bead of silicon between the top of the chassis and the floor.

www.youtube.com/watch

Peter

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Aus-Kiwi


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Better link . This is the Aust equivalent to Por 50 . https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F222286323268

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