Undercoating new Tacoma

Hello I have a 2022 Tacoma bought it brand new first brand new truck I ever got I upgraded from my 2006 Tacoma which I undercoated with fluid film cause the 2nd gen frames are known to rot did they fix the issue on the 3rd gens do you think it’s worth under coating a brand new truck I live in New York

 

Totally worth every penny. Do it every year.

 

Fluid film yes. Undercoating no. There is a huge difference.

 

Elaboration? I have read about people using Cosmoline but that sounds like DIY, I'm looking for something with a warranty.

 

He's probably referring to the rubberized undercoating that traps moisture and causes more rust.

I personally have used Cosmoline with fantastic results. Pretty easy to apply. Doesn't hold onto all of the dirt like Fluid Film. Lasts much longer.

One place that seems to rust super easily (not that it matters, but for reference) is the rear shock bolts/nuts at the top. I applied Cosmoline two years ago (pretty shoddily) and there isn't a speck of rust. It also makes hardware look Kashima coated if you're a mountain biker and know what I mean.

 

I think the only way you'd get a warranty like that was if you bought a contact to have your truck inspected every year, and they would reapply ff or whatever rust inhibiter as needed.
I'm no fan of fluid flim as its a pita to keep up with it every 6 months here. I used cosmoline rp-342 this time when my truck was new. So far all is still good like the day i did it. I only did a 5 minute touchup between the rear leaf springs. Cosmoline even works better on my tractors mower deck.

 

Do it, do it!

But not just the frame, do it all. Save those rocker panels, doors, fenders, etc.... KROWN Rustproofing for the win!

 

I totally agree with @zoo truck on using Cosmoline on a new truck...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rp-342-cosmoline.687112/

 

I use woolwax basically a thicker version of fluid film with no horrible smell but I’m thinking of giving cosmology a try next year since the woolwax like FF holds all the dirt to it

 

Undercoating is a petroleum based rubberized coating that is about a sixteenth inch thick. As it fully dries over the years it cracks and salt water gets in behind and starts rusting but you can't see it until too late.
POR or Cosmolene is a thin coating that protects well but needs to be reapplied every year. You don't need a warranty with this because it works as long as the owner makes sure all surfaces are covered before the first snow.
The undercoating guys offer a warranty simply as a sales tool. Most of the warranty they offer is 3rd party and by the time the owner notices the rust a few years down the road the undercoating guy is gone or warranty is useless.
Find a quality shop to coat the underside with Fluid film or POR and do it every year and you won't have a rust problem. Google it.

 

about how many cans do i need of the cosmoline?

 

My recollection is that I used 3 or 4 cans.

 

I’m considering Bosswax which is warrantied and is not the rubber crap. Still on the fence about it though

https://nhoilundercoating.com/rust-prevention-rustproofing-nhou/

 

WADR, I don't think you are correct.
- EDIT: I don't think hiPSI was referring to Cosmoline when he mentioned cracking. I read it incorrectly. I believe he references the rubberized coating that cracks.

Please refer to "Features / Benefits" on the data sheet: https://www.cosmolinedirect.com/content/Cosmoline-Industrial_Grade_RV_342_TDS.pdf
- "Film won’t crack or flow from - 40º F to 175º F (-40º C to 79.4º C)"

CdnSldr did an impressive writeup complete with many photos of his (beyond excellent) job: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-veto-342-cosmoline-undercoating.651180/#post-22805203
- read the whole thread. He references his experience with FluidFilm. Don't miss that part.
- also, don't miss the part about FF and Cosmoline incompatibility. In short, if you start with FF forget covering it with Cosmoline - you're now committed to FF and its yearly application unless you completely remove it. Good luck with that...
- you do not need 5 gallons. A single gallon is more than sufficient - if - using a compressor and spray gun (see below). If you use the Smith contractor pump sprayer you might need more than a single gallon. Wasteful!

Don't buy that noise about Cosmoline not flowing / creeping. It can be thinned with mineral spirits to the point it runs like water. Just takes a little longer to dry.
- EDIT: the DRY film will not flow. When it is in suspension with the solvent it will, obviously.

From experience, don't use the Smith contractor sprayer. Yes, it works but the finest spray using the adjustable nozzle is like a water fountain and wastes a lot of product. If you have a compressor, definitely go with the other sprayer Cosmoline suggests on their site. You can find it cheaper at the Chemicar (manufacturer) site here: https://www.chemicarshop.com/undercoating-gun-ra-1t/
- the wands can be found as an option in the "Unit" drop down box, e.g. RA1T + SWK
- I initially bought the Smith sprayer and realized my mistake right away. The Chemicar sprayer is the far, far superior option and is actually cheaper in the end due to its efficiency and precision.

I'm sure FF works but you're gonna be doing it every year. CdnSldr gives an update or two in the above referenced thread and says he only needed to do spot touchups after a year driving on gravel roads. It would be great if he is reading this and would give us another update soon.

Bottom line is that, whichever you choose, it's a messy, dirty job. It's just a question of how many times you want to put yourself through it.

 

Not all undercoating is rubberized

 

Wool Wax or Fluid Film. Annual recoat. Your undercarriage will be super protected.

 

This I hadn't considered. I would like to go with Krown eventually but cannot this 1st winter.

Anyone know if FF and Krown play nice together? I was planning on using FF until I can get around to one of the elusive Krown shops in the US.

 

https://youtu.be/NE1_EiZIVHs

 

I'm a big fan of CRC's Marine Corrosion inhibitor which is a cosmoline based inhibitor.

Mines lasted 2 years with no degradation in protection. 3 cans is all it took, but I'm not crazy and spraying the underside of the cab or anything.

 

6-8 cans will cover 99% of the chassis thats steel with 2 coats. You want to remove the tires, and put the truck on jack stands removing the engine shield, and air dam if it has one. Remove the rear bumper covers, and spare tire to. You want to get inside the boxed frame sections also. I ordered more of it to get inside those rockers in the future.