Have you discovered white spots or deposits on your caravan chassis? Don't worry - this is usually so-called white rust. White rust may look unattractive, but it is not a technical defect and does not affect the quality of the galvanisation.
Causes of white rust
White rust is an optical change that can occur on galvanised or hot-dip galvanised metal parts, e.g. on the chassis or add-on parts of your caravan. It is caused by exposure to moisture, not by errors in the manufacturing process. Common causes are
- Road salt in winter: Salt water build-up
- Condensation water: Under tarpaulins or foils
- Damp substrate: Parking on high grass, puddles, mud
- Unsuitable cleaning agents
- Snow or sea air: Longer contact
- Lack of air circulation: For installed parts
- Skirting on the caravan: Hinder air circulation in the underbody
How to avoid white rust
To avoid white rust, you should take the following measures:
- Thorough cleaning: After winter driving, rinse the chassis with clear water to remove any salt residue.
- Correct parking of the caravan: Avoid damp surfaces and ensure good ventilation.
- Do not use aggressive cleaning agents: Use products that are suitable for galvanised surfaces.
- Ensure air circulation: Especially with longer service life or covers.
How to remove white rust
If white rust is already visible, you can treat affected areas with a zinc cleaner. A tried and tested product is, for example, Poligrat zinc cleaner - specially developed for galvanised surfaces.
Any questions? Contact your dealer!
If you are not sure whether it is white rust or how best to treat it, your Bürstner dealer is your first point of contact. Just go directly to your dealer or give them a call - they will be happy to help you.
💡 Our tip
Regular inspections of your chassis are particularly important after winter driving. AL-KO offers care products and accessories that are specially tailored to your chassis. You can find more information directly on the AL-KO website.
This website uses automatic translations. Please excuse any errors. In case of doubt, the original German version applies.