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Aluminum body F-150 and F250 and Steel eye bolts.

eye bolts aluminum F150 four wheel camper

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#1 Detox916

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Posted 24 March 2019 - 08:29 PM

Ok i recently started a purchase on a floor model shell. My issue is drilling holes in my aluminum bed and putting in steel eyebolts. This will cause galvanic corrosion no matter what they say they are drilling a hole and creating a contact between two metals. I have placed my 3k non refundable deposit before understanding how they secure the camper. I am now forced to cancel the order. i cant ruin my truck. it states the refund isn't refundable. I hope they will understand my issue because i cant afford to just give away money and cant risk the load on the truck being secured by something that will corrode. I really wanted the camper. :(  


Edited by Detox916, 24 March 2019 - 10:27 PM.

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#2 PaulT

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Posted 24 March 2019 - 08:51 PM

Before giving up & losing your deposit, look into something like a nylon, Delrin, UHMW, or other polymer flanged bushing to separate the dissimilar metals.
Something like this: in concept:
https://www.amazon.c...g/dp/B00MND8EE6

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I thought getting old would take longer.

#3 larryqp

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Posted 24 March 2019 - 10:11 PM

Why not have them mount it and then remove the bolts and solve the problem as PaulT suggests or replace them with structural aluminum bolts. should be an easy job of removing one bolt at a time and use the thread lock compound "locktite". You may want to ask them not to use locktite, so you can remove them.

 

I believe you can buy rated aluminum bolts that are as strong as steel.

 

Good luck


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2016 F150, FX4, XLT super cab

2019 FWC Hawk Shell

2009 Ford Ranger 4x4, XLT, Supercab total loss on 7/30/19

2014 FWC Shell total loss on 7/30/19

Towed behind our home which is a 2005 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher


#4 Chadx

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Posted 24 March 2019 - 11:25 PM

I think you are blowing the issue way out of proportion. Even if all the conditions are right and you live, or often travel, oceanside, it's not like the entire bed of your truck is going to rot off in 5 years. Ha. Corrosion would be minor at worst if the proper conditions exist and you did nothing. If you are worried, make a couple simple and minor accommodations to eliminate it all together, take delivery of your camper, then enjoy your new truck and camper.
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#5 Detox916

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Posted 24 March 2019 - 11:42 PM

I’m not blowing things out of proportion. You can’t use steel on aluminum. When you drill you expose the metal and I drive where the roads are heavily salted.Ford states special fasteners need to be added to the aluminum beds as stated in there bulletins.
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#6 longhorn1

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Posted 25 March 2019 - 12:13 AM

I’m not blowing things out of proportion. You can’t use steel on aluminum. When you drill you expose the metal and I drive where the roads are heavily salted.Ford states special fasteners need to be added to the aluminum beds as stated in there bulletins.

I'm afraid you are wrong. I believe FWC has been using zinc coated steel, which is the best against galvanic issues. FWC has been installing campers on new aluminum bodied Ford's. Have you you discussed the procedures that FWC is using. I spent 40 years in the building envelope business working and designing sheet metal systems. Zinc coated bolts and screws are better than stainless steel. You should have FWC install the bolts and you should have contacted FWC. You have blown this way out of proportion. FWC isn't going to do something to damage your truck. All of the screws on a FWC are zinc coated steel. I haven't seen the slightest amount of damage to the siding or other parts.
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http://texaslonghorns01.blogspot.com/

 

Ford F-250 Long bed, 2014 Grandby

 


#7 Bill D

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Posted 25 March 2019 - 12:19 AM

As indicated above, zinc plated steel is used.  The zinc coating is sacrificial.

As Paul mentioned, you could take it a step further by isolating the bolts from coming in contact with the aluminum bed.


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#8 longhorn1

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Posted 25 March 2019 - 12:26 AM

I believe FWC also makes the hole slightly larger than the bolt. Also the bed is painted which isolates the metals.

Edited by longhorn1, 25 March 2019 - 12:29 AM.

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http://texaslonghorns01.blogspot.com/

 

Ford F-250 Long bed, 2014 Grandby

 


#9 Detox916

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Posted 25 March 2019 - 12:36 AM

 The bed isn't plated when you drill it and remove the plating. Not trying to complain simply looking into something that isn't disclosed on the web site anywhere. I don't see any warranty on installation anywhere. So drilling into a 50k truck bed and putting bolts on not knowing what they are could be a issue, Isn't that what forums are for  "information"? 


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#10 longhorn1

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Posted 25 March 2019 - 01:50 AM

In addition to this site you should join the Facebook Four Wheel Camper Owners site. Lots of new FWC owners installing new FWC's on new Ford trucks.
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http://texaslonghorns01.blogspot.com/

 

Ford F-250 Long bed, 2014 Grandby

 






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