Hondo Garage's New Thing

Thanks for wading through the BS and providing actual constructive comments.

I'd be worried that would just add places for water to get stuck. I think a couple drain holes on the bottom, a thick coat of paint, and the occasional spray of WD40 or better would be sufficient. It's not unlike the rear tube where there's already slots cut in it for the latches. I guess I'll have a close look over that one and see how the inside of that tube looks too, but I did spray some Ballistol in there a few times.

 

Once it starts rusting it’s over. The cancer has begun

 

Are you sure you know what you're talking about? Whoops, I shouldn't feed the troll.

 

That's what, a 4' section of tubing? Not a huge deal to replace if need be.

I have no reason to believe any of the other tubing is experiencing the same issues.

 

I wouldn't spray any foam inside the tube, won't block water intrusion and would be a nightmare to completely dry out. I'd remove all the bolts and blow some compressed air in all the holes to try and dry it out. Then spray the heck out of it with some Boeshield or something similar. Drilling in some drain plugs probably a good idea. Keep us informed as to what you do and if you ever find the root cause of how the water got in. Good luck.

 

I’m on the dry, clean and coat with a rust preventative agent team. I went and looked at mine and can’t see any obvious way for water to get in. Did removing the two allen head bolts on the ends of that tube expose the picture you took? I’d like to open mine up to check since we live in somewhat similar climates.

 

Plug it with Sikaflex. Rust needs oxygen. Start with a dry tube and plug the tube just inside of where the bushing ends. There's no way that water can get in and if rust is already occurring you can stop it by cutting off its supply of oxygen. Also Sikaflex will cure in moist conditions; in fact its moisture cured. I've used it a lot in the marine trades. It will stick to most anything.

 

Another constructive comment from the NorCal crew.

For a fair comparison, someone should park a vagabond outside for 3.5 months over winter durring an above-average snow year in a ski town. Let me know how that shiny aluminum looks.

Yes, just pulled the two Allen head bolts.

No. This is the tube on the outside in the front, between the hinges.

 

I would drill some small holes in the bottom of the tube for drainage, then add the wind skid so you never see the holes, at least that is probably what I will do if I have the problem - still a few weeks out from picking my GFC up.

 

Sorry it’s wrapped but you get the idea.

http://www.capradio.org/articles/20...-measured-in-sierra-nevada-lake-tahoe-region/

 

Can’t you just park it on a hill for a little bit and let the water run to one side then shop vac it out?
I know this doesn’t fix your issue but I would for sure recommend contacting GFC before you go drilling holes or filling it with foam.

I haven’t received my camper yet and I’m still kind if wondering where this tube is exactly and how is it covered normally? Can you take more photos?

 

You’re expecting a constructive comment after saying that it’s not a huge deal to replace a section of the frame if need be?

Constructive comment: Put down the Kool-aid, you’re not helping folks.

 

And it sat like that parked for 3.5 months?

I know you guys got hammered this winter, but buried in one storm isn't the same.

That would get some water out, but not all of it. I would really like to just remove that tube.

It's a straight piece of tube with no welds, holes, etc. Not the main frame.

Kool-aid? LOL. Coming from one of the first few guys to get the competition. You're not biased at all.



I don't think anyone else on here has let one sit like I did over winter, and I wouldn't exactly consider that typical use.

 

This one. Got ya!
Is the black area around the Allen bolt rubber? Like an expanding plug or?
Sorry, haven’t even seen one in person just curious.

 

Not a full 3.5 months, some people enjoy their trucks and camp year round when they have the proper gear.

But owner broke his back late January and that truck sat for over a month during what was coined around the lake as ‘Febru-buried’. It was probably brushed off once of twice so I’m sure that doesn’t meet your test requirements.

I get what you’re trying to prove, but I don’t know anyone would want to let their camper just sit for months without using it. Seems like a waste but that’s just me.

 

Sorry you let your truck sit all winter. I took mine out a few times and camped. In the rain, cuz i can.

Good luck getting the water out of that tube. Hopefully that’s the only issues you have.
Get out and enjoy what you have, cuz that’s really what it’s all about.

 

Same, my steel tubes are full of water too. They always are leaking water... Everytime I move the truck there is are drips either towards the wrong or the back. Not a big deal, hopefully it doesnt get all moldy/rusty in their though. BTW I live in San Diego so its not like it rains here often...

 

I understand that argument, but unfortunately I don't have access to anything worth wheeling within a day's drive of me during winter, and don't have the ability to take extended time off work that time of year. Yes, I could pull off the side of the road and winter camp, but I really only want to camp in between wheeling, or for fishing or some other activity, not just for the sake of camping. Call it a waste if you will.

Anyways, I'm back at if for the season and I assure you the truck will see plenty off offroad miles this year.

IMG_1789-Pano by Brett Bjorgum, on Flickr

 

Vacuum cleaner.