Rusty screws

C. Brown · 10-26-2016, 06:52 AM

I had to replace the plastic entry door holder on my Crusader 330 MKS recently and noticed the screws holding it to the side wall had some rust on them. Does this mean there may be water in sidewall?

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clr · 10-26-2016, 07:26 AM

Not an expert here, but when I had rusty screws upon removal in one of my old units it did mean that I had a water problem. Of course the extent of the water problem will have to be determined. It could be as simple as a small leak around the screw. The floor of the camper in that area should be checked out since that is where any water would collect.

**Bama Rambler** · 10-26-2016, 07:34 AM

It depends on whether the threads or just the head had rust. If it was the threaded portion then it means that there is/was significant moisture in the wall.

snipe · 10-26-2016, 07:38 AM

When I see a rusty screw on the outside I will remove it and replace it with a stainless steel screw, also a dab of of sealer on the screw before it is seated in. Could be water from inside or just the screw has started to rust over time. Check all seams to see if caulking may need to be re-applied.

C. Brown · 10-26-2016, 07:48 AM

The rust is on the threads. I put silicone sealant on the plastic bracket and the screws and put them back in. Will check floor inside today. I guess my concern is delamination on side wall now.

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5picker · 10-26-2016, 07:55 AM

Rust on the threads of a screw doesn't automatically mean the wall is full of water or there is moisture inside.

Water can (and will) seep under the head of an outside screw and follow the threads into the wall where the screw will then rust. I've seen water follow a screw into a compartment and cause a puddle on the inside floor.

I'm also NOT saying you don't have water intrusion from another source.
You will have to do the investigative work. We can't see it from here.
I just wanted it clear that screws can rust (on the threads) from simple capillary action at the head.

Asrabbit · 10-26-2016, 08:20 AM

Seems like mine came from the factory with rusty screws. Sometimes I feel like taking up a collection for Forest River so they can buy a box of stainless steal screws.

SeaDog · 10-26-2016, 08:39 AM

X2 with 5picker. Depending on the material being fastened stainless might not always be the best choice. On my said boat chrome plated screws seemed to preform better then the stainless steel when against aluminum.

C. Brown · 10-26-2016, 12:43 PM

Talked to a buddy and he eased my mind a little. Prime Time, or any other manufacturer, does not use the most expensive screws and bolts to start with. So the possibility of condensation to form from the heating and cooling of the camper is a good possibility. I will continue to check side wall and floor just in case.

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SidecarFlip · 10-26-2016, 01:08 PM

My SOP is replace any and all factory screws with stainless when I do anything Just replaced my tail light bulbs with LED's and replaced all the factory screws with stainless ones.

RV builders like to cheap out on fasteners as a rule.

C. Brown · 10-26-2016, 01:49 PM

Thanks guys. I always learn something on this forum.

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SeaDog · 10-26-2016, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDog

X2 with 5picker. Depending on the material being fastened stainless might not always be the best choice. On my said boat chrome plated screws seemed to preform better then the stainless steel when against aluminum.

I have the auto spell check the was Sail boat not said boat

Thumper7 · 10-28-2016, 07:43 AM

About 3 months after buying our fifth wheel, I replaced every outside screw with a stainless steel one. I also put a sealant into the screw hole before putting in the new ss screw. I think it was just over 200 screws total. It seems every rv manufacturer uses the same cheap screws that rust and the head breaks off.

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