MAINTENANCE
121
AL-KO CHASSIS
Galvanised Parts
Wet storage stain (white rust)
Hot dip galvanising has been used for many
years throughout the automotive industry and
is widely regarded as one of the best forms of
corrosion protection.
When the steel is withdrawn from the
galvanising bath it has a clean, bright surface.
Over a period of time this changes to a dull
grey colour as the surface zinc reacts with
oxygen, water and carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere to form a tough, stable, protective
layer.
During this time, if galvanised items are
stored in damp or wet conditions, where
there is little or no air movement then the zinc
will continue to react with the moisture that
is present. In so doing the zinc will produce
excessive amounts of zinc hydroxide. This is
seen as a bulky white deposit on the surface
of the galvanising and is often referred to as
wet storage stain(white rust).
You can help to prevent wet storage stain
(white rust) occurring. You can do this by
washing the chassis with clean water. You
must then allow an adequate flow of dry air to
ensure that they dry off completely.
The caravan should not be parked on long
grass where the air flow around the chassis
is hindered and the dampness retained. It is
most likely that the chassis will rapidly show
signs of wet storage stain under
these conditions.
It is also very important to do this during the
winter months to ensure all salt deposits from
road spray are completely rinsed off.
AL-KO chassis
Manufactured from high quality steel, the
chassis has extra deep sections to provide
strength at points of maximum stress.
Large elongated holes are punched in the
longitudinal chassis members, to reduce
weight to a minimum. Each hole incorporates a
return flange to maintain the required strength
and provide rigidity in the extra deep sections.
The chassis frame is of a bolted construction
which allows replacement of individual parts
should the need arise.
The chassis is Hot Dipped Galvanised. This is
regarded as one of the best forms of corrosion
protection. It does however require minimal
maintenance in certain circumstances and
should, if properly maintained, last the lifetime
of the vehicle.
When new, the chassis is of a bright and
shiny appearance. As the galvanising cures
during the initial 2/3 month period, this will
gradually change to a medium/dark grey
colour. This grey finish is the ideal, giving the
correct protective coating. During this curing
period the surface should be protected to
avoid possible wet storage stain, in the form
of a soft, light coloured, porous, oxidation
layer. If the chassis members are in contact
with any salt deposits from roads this
should immediately be washed off with a
high pressure washer. Salt attracts moisture
allowing the surfaces to remain wet, this
prevents curing and also allows formation of
wet storage stain.
It is recommended that the chassis/
components are washed off, using a pressure
washer on an annual basis (especially after
winter usage), to avoid undesirable build up of
salt and dirt deposits.
The galvanised chassis should not be painted
or subjected to any other protective treatment.
Should the galvanising become superficially
damaged exposing the steel core, this
should be cleaned and treated with a Cold
Galvanising Spray obtainable from vehicle
accessory outlets.
Summary of Contents for Basecamp 2018
Page 1: ...Swift Group Owner s Handbook Basecamp Issued July 2017 CREATING SMILES FOR LIFE ...
Page 48: ...S E RVICE S 46 GAS SCHEMATIC Gas schematic Back to section menu ...
Page 141: ...MA INT E NA N CE 140 WIRING DIAGRAM ROAD LIGHTING Back to section menu ...
Page 142: ...MA INT E NA NCE 141 WIRING DIAGRAM CONSUMER CIRCUITS Back to section menu ...
Page 143: ...MA INT E NA N CE 142 WIRING DIAGRAM CONSUMER CIRCUITS ROOF Back to section menu ...
Page 144: ...MA INT E NA NCE 143 WIRING DIAGRAM POWER CIRCUITS Back to section menu ...
Page 145: ...MA INT E NA N CE 144 WIRING DIAGRAM 230V CIRCUITS Back to section menu ...
Page 146: ...MA INT E NA NCE 145 WIRING DIAGRAM 13 PIN SOCKET Back to section menu ...
Page 147: ...MA INT E NA N CE 146 WIRING DIAGRAM CABLE COLOUR CHART Back to section menu ...
