Motorhome underbody (1 Viewer)

OG1

Dec 9, 2013
173
63
Sutton on Sea camping
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29,329
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RAPIDO 7066F
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Since 2008
I am contemplating painting the underfloor of out Swift Gazelle 61 with either Sadolin (wood Protection) or a wood preserver. does any body have any thoughts on the subject
 
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hilldweller

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Dec 5, 2008
605
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It's definitely been debated many times on here, as usual many conflicting answers. Do a search.
 

Brian Hewitt

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Oct 12, 2016
23
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Llandysul
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A class
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13yrs
Some time ago my wife was talking to a fellow smiley Hymer owner(that's the fella and the van and he mentioned a problem he had with rust on the underside of his van, just behind the front offside wheel. We did not think too much about this as we put ours through the MOT every year and it has sailed thro'(except) for the aforementioned headlight problem. We took our van down to have it's MOT last October and, though it failed on the light problem(since rectified) nothing else was mentioned. However, when we took it to a local garage(recommended in MMM) whilst fixing the lights and re-testing, they found,YES, rust behind the off, front wheel. They took pics. and informed me, and I went down to inspect. What a mess. The more they poked about, the bigger the scale of rotten metal. Thankfully it is now all nicely welded and back on the road.BUT WHY DID THE ORIGINAL TESTING GARAGE NOT FIND THAT RUST???. I was going to inform the D>O>T but learned that the garage is closing down anyway. Lesson learned. The garage in question? Chuley Road Garage in Ashburton, Devon. Happy Xmas everyone, and look out for that rust. Brian.

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Feb 22, 2011
9,641
19,821
Newcastle under Lyme
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15,397
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Hymer B544 A Class
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Since 2015
Maybe the rust was not critical to the strength and integrity of the vehicle ? just a guess, not sure of requirements for mot.
Others are sure to know
 

Brian Hewitt

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Oct 12, 2016
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Llandysul
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Yes, the garage assured me that they could not pass the van because of the rust, so it was an integral part of the MOT.
 

CWH

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Jan 29, 2014
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The garage in question? Chuley Road Garage in Ashburton, Devon.
Is this the garage that DID find the rust or the one that DIDN'T?

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Brian Hewitt

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Oct 12, 2016
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Yes, the one that DID find the rust. They had fixed the light problem(lefthooker) and then proceeded to re-test and that's when they found the hole in the chassis.
 

TheBig1

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Nov 27, 2011
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dont paint over rot..clean thoroughly and treat any rot or rust. when thoroughly dry give a good coat of waxoyl. that will add years of protection to your motorhome
 

Brian Hewitt

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Oct 12, 2016
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Hi Big1, Thanks for the advice. The garage has treated the new metal with a wax oil solution, and I am thinking about having ALL of the underside done. However, I have read in the Hymer handbook that I should NOT use any underbody protective as they have already applied same. It actually says "On no account should any underbody sealing be carried out by the owner". Your thoughts????. Brian. Any recommendations for companies that specialize in wax oiling??.

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Jul 29, 2013
9,048
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Salisbury
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27,215
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Hymer B678DL A class
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since 2011
When our Exsis has its hab check and warranty damp check they apply a spray to waterproof any vulnerable areas perhaps that's what the mean it didn't cost much to have done.
 

TheBig1

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Nov 27, 2011
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Hi Big1, Thanks for the advice. The garage has treated the new metal with a wax oil solution, and I am thinking about having ALL of the underside done. However, I have read in the Hymer handbook that I should NOT use any underbody protective as they have already applied same. It actually says "On no account should any underbody sealing be carried out by the owner". Your thoughts????. Brian. Any recommendations for companies that specialize in wax oiling??.
any under body sealing has a finite life. scratches, abrasions and any damage or holes need immediate repair. I have owned a great many motorhomes over the years and see waxoyling as a way to protect my investment. there are a few companies about that specialise and provide a warranty for their work. however I have always done the work myself or paid a friend to do it under my supervision. assuming the underside is clean and free from issues the job can be done in 2 hours. just ensure you avoid spraying it on the exhaust or engine
 

Brian Hewitt

Free Member
Oct 12, 2016
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MH
A class
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13yrs
Thanks Big1 for that. Must have a look at ways of doing this. My local garage did the underside of my car recently after spotting some slight rust signs. I'll have a chat with them. Cheers, Brian.

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TheBig1

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its easy diy just buy the pump up sprayer and some cheap dust sheets...oh and a disposable boiler suit
 

Allanm

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Jun 30, 2013
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Cotes d'armor, France
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Burstner Harmony TI 736 G
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Since 1987
Hi Big1, Thanks for the advice. The garage has treated the new metal with a wax oil solution, and I am thinking about having ALL of the underside done. However, I have read in the Hymer handbook that I should NOT use any underbody protective as they have already applied same. It actually says "On no account should any underbody sealing be carried out by the owner". Your thoughts????. Brian. Any recommendations for companies that specialize in wax oiling??.
The fact that you and others have found rust in the same place on the underside would encourage me to ignore the warning from Hymer. They are obviously unaware that their vehicles rust.
 
May 8, 2016
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silver coast, portugal
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Boatie for 20 years
The fact that you and others have found rust in the same place on the underside would encourage me to ignore the warning from Hymer. They are obviously unaware that their vehicles rust.
Yeah, you can always trust the Germans to give you the full picture (thinking fondly of the VAG group fiasco)

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