New Gladiator Owner - rust protection advice needed

[chorky]

That’s not necessarily correct. Corrosion resistant steel like Corten will form surface rust. That creates what is called a patina layer. The alloying elements in the steel are chosen to bond with the iron and carbon of the steel so that moisture can not bond with the iron and create iron oxide past a surface layer.

Normally when plain carbon steel rusts, the rust is soft and porous that allows moisture to move through it to the base metal and more rust is created when thhe water bonds with the iron. The patina of corrosion resistant steel in contrast is hard and dense and blocks furthure moisture incursion into the base metal.

Now steels that have alloying elements that completely prevent a patina start to fall into the family of steels known as stainless. The chemistry is different between the two, but the principle is similar. O

But considering the market is basically built for people to get a new vehicle every 5-10 years, I doubt it would be a corrosion resistant metal like you see on bridges and structural steel... Maybe just some really good coatings?

One thing that is interesting though, in my experience, is I always see rust in some form on frames. But, I rarely see rust on the underside of bodies. Bodies are usually steel. I'm not sure about the gladiator, but if you think about how many rocks get thrown up under the body and how much paint chipping there must be its surprising it doesn't rust more than the frame.

it would be neat to hear from some engineers at Jeep what they actually use.

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[HankB]

But considering the market is basically built for people to get a new vehicle every 5-10 years, I doubt it would be a corrosion resistant metal like you see on bridges and structural steel... Maybe just some really good coatings?

One thing that is interesting though, in my experience, is I always see rust in some form on frames. But, I rarely see rust on the underside of bodies. Bodies are usually steel. I'm not sure about the gladiator, but if you think about how many rocks get thrown up under the body and how much paint chipping there must be its surprising it doesn't rust more than the frame.

it would be neat to hear from some engineers at Jeep what they actually use.

It is amazing the insight that comes from people who base their entire world view on what they have seen in passing and then dismiss the knowledge of someone who has actual experience in the topic. As an FYI, I actually designed commercial vehicles and managed very large fleets and know the use of corrosion resistant steel on vehicles is very commonplace.

 

[teamblkdog]

My 2021 has been through two Iowa winters (salt ?) and it sits outside 24/7. I also offroad frequently in CO, so it's seen plenty of dust/mud. I haven't applied any coatings, but I do regularly (every other week at minimum) wash the Jeep and spray the underside thoroughly. The first winter I used automatic carwashes with underbody wash, but after installing an Alucab canopy camper, I now use a DIY car wash. My Jeep still looks great all around.

 

[Mike-len]

My 2021 has been through two Iowa winters (salt ?) and it sits outside 24/7. I also offroad frequently in CO, so it's seen plenty of dust/mud. I haven't applied any coatings, but I do regularly (every other week at minimum) wash the Jeep and spray the underside thoroughly. The first winter I used automatic carwashes with underbody wash, but after installing an Alucab canopy camper, I now use a DIY car wash. My Jeep still looks great all around.

I think I will do this as well. I’m just very worried about rust after spending so much money on a brand new vehicle. I also do not want any greasy substance under the vehicle that will collect dust and dirt which will make it a pain to do any work underneath. There is a DIY car wash right around the corner from my house.

 

[PlayfulBird]

@Mike-len
Living in Germany we have lots of salt on the roads.
We bought a 2020 imported and stored in a show room in 2022 and it had already started rusting on the frame ends and the hitch, the vehicle itself was well painted except where the tow points are located were it also rusted. The door hinges are also bubbling, which I know is a Jeep Issue.

When we bought it I had the rust that had accumulated dry ice blasted off.
Any cavity, frame and body, was flooded with a Mike Sanders. It is an anticorrosion fat (sprayed in at 90-110°C). If I was to do it myself I can only recommend fluid film, it is good stuff and easy to do yourself. Just make sure to work with a system to get it everywhere. We will, every year, spray about 8 cans into the cavities on top of the professional done stuff. This stuff (also the fat we used) will run out when it is hot, this is good as it creeps into all the hard places. A film remains. A bit messy but worth if you want to keep your vehicle for long.
The Undercarriage was sprayed with dinitrol wax, which collects a little dust and then stops being sticky or picking up more stuff.
Just remember when you do work like this, the rust may be going on behind what you can see, so sometimes coating everything can lead to you not being aware of what is still rusting. Another solution is when you see rust, wire brush it off and use rust converters that can be painted on. Treat and then spray over it with a see through wax or fat. You Tube also shows some good how to and reviews of products.

 

[Mike-len]

@Mike-len
Living in Germany we have lots of salt on the roads.
We bought a 2020 imported and stored in a show room in 2022 and it had already started rusting on the frame ends and the hitch, the vehicle itself was well painted except where the tow points are located were it also rusted. The door hinges are also bubbling, which I know is a Jeep Issue.

When we bought it I had the rust that had accumulated dry ice blasted off.
Any cavity, frame and body, was flooded with a Mike Sanders. It is an anticorrosion fat (sprayed in at 90-110°C). If I was to do it myself I can only recommend fluid film, it is good stuff and easy to do yourself. Just make sure to work with a system to get it everywhere. We will, every year, spray about 8 cans into the cavities on top of the professional done stuff. This stuff (also the fat we used) will run out when it is hot, this is good as it creeps into all the hard places. A film remains. A bit messy but worth if you want to keep your vehicle for long.
The Undercarriage was sprayed with dinitrol wax, which collects a little dust and then stops being sticky or picking up more stuff.
Just remember when you do work like this, the rust may be going on behind what you can see, so sometimes coating everything can lead to you not being aware of what is still rusting. Another solution is when you see rust, wire brush it off and use rust converters that can be painted on. Treat and then spray over it with a see through wax or fat. You Tube also shows some good how to and reviews of products.

Great information! Thank you.

 

[Minty JL]

First post here on the forum! I picked up my new JTRD 3 days ago. I’m in love with it so far. I live in Minnesota, and I am very worried about rust forming on the underside and frame of the Gladiator from the salt they use here in the winter. I am having the dealer rust protect the body and underfloor, but they do not touch the frame. I have been researching and I am considering starting Krown Rust Protection. The nearest location is about 3 hours away. I have heard some great things about it, and I have also heard a few negatives. I’m wondering if the formula would attract a lot of dust and dirt on the frame and underneath the vehicle in general, and also if it would damage any of the sensitive diesel components. Does anyone have any experience with this at all?

Here is another option for some DIY kits/products: https://nhoilundercoating.com/

 

[Chris262]

Just hose it down throughout winter and don't let packed up snow stay stuck on my vehicle all winter. Still haven't had a vehicle fall into pieces before I decided to get rid of it.

 

[Mike-len]

If you are going to rust protect, then you need to do ASAP buying new.

I would recommend against it. I would recommend - going to car washes offering undercarriage rinse and/or buying tall car ramps, then spraying the under side yourself.

Get a foam king, soap it up, then rinse.

Why do recommend against it?

 

[Rusty PW]

Another product to use is 3M's Cavity Wax. When I got my JT. I sprayed inside the frame rails and all the hidden areas with it.

 

[IOS-XR]

We did the Krown treatment last October on our HA diesel. So far so good making it through an Indiana/Michigan winter. I do wash it regularly including an underbody spray.

Im planning on doing Krown again this October. To me the whole Krown/Fluid Film seeping oil idea makes sense.

 

[Rocksalt]

wash, rinse repeat

 

[Mike-len]

We did the Krown treatment last October on our HA diesel. So far so good making it through an Indiana/Michigan winter. I do wash it regularly including an underbody spray.

Im planning on doing Krown again this October. To me the whole Krown/Fluid Film seeping oil idea makes sense.

Does it catch a lot of dirt? How does it look underneath?

 

[IOS-XR]

It honestly looks pretty Normal to me. We got it pretty dirty in May at a Jeep Adventure Academy and it cleaned up in the car wash without issue.

I‘ll admit I wasn’t brave enough to let them drill holes in the door sills. They did pull the tail lights and spray the inside of the bed.

 

[PlayfulBird]

Might also be interesting, his channel does a good job and these are products available in the US

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