Rust Stains

kkgadd

Has anyone else had this issue of rust stains coming from the Boondock grab handle?Second instance of the factory needing to do more sealing in certain areas. First instance was the Yakima rail system screws were not siliconed and water found its way in and damaged my interior wall in the back. 

I purchased this trailer for the quality build, but guess mine was manufactured on a Friday 🤣. 

EasternJL

On my new 320, I had rust in the crotch of that handle where it meets the flat base.  Nucamp said some black rustoleum spray paint would be fine.  I usually spray it in a cup and then dab it on with a brush.  Yours clearly has some unpainted (or poorly painted) areas on the back.  You might have to take that off and find the trouble spot- and maybe paint it.  Of course, if you had warranty left, you could let them do it.  I'm with you on that type of stuff though-- I had a list of things like that where I had to touch up paint, re-caulk, file some spots and just touch things up.  I still think Nucamp is going to have less of this stuff than most companies, but it does seem that they could be a little more in tune with these details (especially for the price of these campers).  

Cherokee

We are fortunate to to have 2019 329 Boondock which has never shown rust stains

donmontalvo

My grab handle had rust stains like the original post image. Wiping it doesn't remove it. Didn’t think it was that noticeable but it is an Oct 2024 320S BBC build.

Kiosk

Trust no one, reseal everything you think could fail, nu camp is a company likeall others trying to save those pennies which cost us, the owners, dollars

donmontalvo

Kiosk said:

Trust no one, reseal everything you think could fail, nu camp is a company likeall others trying to save those pennies which cost us, the owners, dollars

Good idea, I'll detach it and put clear silicone caulking in the holes and put it back on.

jcook32937

donmontalvo said:

Kiosk said:

Trust no one, reseal everything you think could fail, nu camp is a company likeall others trying to save those pennies which cost us, the owners, dollars

Good idea, I'll detach it and put clear silicone caulking in the holes and put it back on

Did you have any luck removing the handle? I was able to remove the rust stains with some Simple Green but I want to remove, paint, and seal the handle. I removed the screws but it it still holding tight. I suspect it is some kind of sealant holding it on.

jcook32937

I'll answer my own question. I did get the handle off by applying heat with a heat gun and using a couple of plastic spatulas and a lot of pushing and pulling (and cussing). What I found disappointed me. Apparently, NuCamp puts the double backed tape on either side of the base but nothing in the center, leaving a nice path for water to get into that part and cause the corrosion you can see. The part itself is also flaking and rusted on the face. Overall, not a high quality product (I still love NuCamp, this just wasn't their best effort).

EasternJL

I'd rather just have a plain, unbranded aluminum or stainless handle than that mess.   

donmontalvo

jcook32937 said:

donmontalvo said:

Kiosk said:

Trust no one, reseal everything you think could fail, nu camp is a company likeall others trying to save those pennies which cost us, the owners, dollars

Good idea, I'll detach it and put clear silicone caulking in the holes and put it back on

Did you have any luck removing the handle? I was able to remove the rust stains with some Simple Green but I want to remove, paint, and seal the handle. I removed the screws but it it still holding tight. I suspect it is some kind of sealant holding it on.

It's on my todo list but haven't looked into it yet. Thanks for your follow up. Guessing the source that provides that item got away with shoddy work. Hoping nuCamp is aware.

andytabrv

Oof, looks like the only way to prevent water entering is to either caulk in all the letters.  Or would it be better would be to keep the path for the water to drain out and use rustoleum on the inside of the handle?

jcook32937

andytabrv said:

Oof, looks like the only way to prevent water entering is to either caulk in all the letters.  Or would it be better would be to keep the path for the water to drain out and use rustoleum on the inside of the handle?

I plan to add a coat of Rust-Oleum to the handle before installing it. I'm also considering a coat of clear urethane on the back side.

I am still debating using the 3M VHB tape that NuCamp used or switching to a clear sealant as you say. Either way, the goal is to completely cover the back of the handle. I'm also going to fill the round handle with sealant after I apply more paint.