34 replies to this topic

[buckland]

2011 Eagle with gobs of miles and being from road salt heaven Northeast...the rear wall exterior white screws are all showing rust signs. I would like to replace. Two thoughts on that are: stainless or simply the same new white screws (threads dipped in sealant) ?? 

Thanks in advance for your take.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

2011 Eagle with gobs of miles and being from road salt heaven Northeast...the rear wall exterior white screws are all showing rust signs. I would like to replace. Two thoughts on that are: stainless or simply the same new white screws (threads dipped in sealant) ?? 

Thanks in advance for your take.

Rob, if remember correctly, stainless screws can cause galvanic action with the siding, and that galvanized are the preferred fasteners.   There are a few threads from days gone by.

[fish more]

I replaced the screws on my Hawk with steel plated square headed screws. I sprayed the screws inserted into cardboard with white Rust-Oleum paint. The replacement screws have held up alot longer than the originals. Don't use stainless !!

[buckland]

GOTCHA! No stainless Good idea on the pre-spray with rustr-oleum ... Thanks for your advice.

I love a plan.

[Jon R]

Here’s a link to a galvanic corrosion metal combination chart. On an aircraft you’d use cad-plated steel, but galvanized steel is commonly used on rv aluminum siding. Wet installing with sealant reduces corrosion as well.


https://hosting.phot...zps2iwmt2do.jpg

Edited by Jon R, 02 April 2023 - 04:12 AM.

[DavidGraves]

Buckland

 

One can buy a large variety of coatings and finishes on screws these days.

 

Galvanized steel screws with a white baked finish might serve your needs.

 

Fastenal is a good source in my part of the county and they will ship....bags of 100.

 

David Graves

[buckland]

Thanks David that just might be the ticket. They used to have a store 'near' here but they've left... not enough business. I'll check the online but I bet the shipping will be more than the screws!

[fish more]

buckland, the prepainted screws are coated with just a thin layer of paint, I used some at first and ended up replacing those also because of poor finish. If you are going to replace all the screws, do yourself a favor, use some good paint. I think you would be happier with the finished product. It's time consuming replacing the screws.

[Vic Harder]

Rob, you may also find a screw or two that will no longer bite, and will need one size thicker.  If you are ordering screws, it might be good to get a few the next size up.

[buckland]

So Vic you're saying I have a few screws loose !!!   I know a number of people who would agree with you!

Good point though... I hadn't expected so much good advice. I have had some screws I bought that were painted just splinter off when torqued, so will probably go the suggested punch them through a sheet of cardboard and top paint the heads white. 

 

After a long trip when one has time to think about mods, I have a long list of improvements and repairs to do. Part of the fun. My brother, a now retired marine mechanic, suggested a foot pump for the water. That I will do too. No wet counters and two hands free!

Thanks all for the ideas/suggestions. !0 heads are better than one.