2021 RAM 2500 6.7, Undercoating Carriage

[Dan M.]

Different thoughts on this topic I am sure. However, I chose to have the undercarriage sealed under my new RAM 2500. While installing my running boards I noticed how much bare paint was visible under the carriage. Granted, the automobile manufacturers are using new metal alloys that are suppose to be better at rust prevention and Ford has gone aluminum. With this much investment, I decided that an extra $332.00 was pretty cheap insurance in rust prevention. Our winter mountain passes, local roads and interstates are now using a combination of chemicals and salt for deicing. Also, I am in and out of saltwater boat ramps throughout the year with my fishing boat and tire spray from launching and retrieving tend to find all those bare spots. Sorry, mid-west guys, not ready yet to become a freshwater fisherman. I have salt in my blood. So below is a shoutout to the local company who did my undercarriage. Anybody in the Seattle area and north these guys are awesome. No overspray and only sealed the bare metal. Look them up, all 5 star ratings.

Truck Builders, LLC
17709 Hwy 99
Lynwood, WA. 98037
(425) 742-9566

 

[whitexc]

What type of undercoating are we talking about? I get my vehicles sprayed with fluid film annually. I feel it's the best $120 one can spend living in our climate/conditions(NE US....think road salt).

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Undercoating is not even close to as good as annual under oiling, every year i use fluid film it is the best on the market

 

[Dan M.]

Hi Whitexc,
This a similar product used in the bed liners. We are an avid snow ski family and due a lot of mountain driving in the winter. I have had this process done to all my winter vehicles in the past. The dealerships around here used to offer this to new buyers as part of a "winter package" but now it seems they just outsource it. I have never had any rust issues with any of my vehicles that have had this application applied. I like it because it is a one and done application. I use a marine product similar to "Fluid Film" on my boat trailer that gets dunked in the salt. Didn't think about using it under the new truck but sounds like a good preventive as well. I feel any preventive is better than no preventive.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Hi Whitexc,
This a similar product used in the bed liners. We are an avid snow ski family and due a lot of mountain driving in the winter. I have had this process done to all my winter vehicles in the past. The dealerships around here used to offer this to new buyers as part of a "winter package" but now it seems they just outsource it. I have never had any rust issues with any of my vehicles that have had this application applied. I like it because it is a one and done application. I use a marine product similar to "Fluid Film" on my boat trailer that gets dunked in the salt. Didn't think about using it under the new truck but sounds like a good preventive as well. I feel any preventive is better than no preventive.

Any rubber coating traps moisture and rots from underneath the coating, how long do you keep your vehicles

 

[Dan M.]

Yes, that is why it should only be offered as a "new" car option. Under carriage must be totally clean and dry upon application and should have another 24hrs to dry without moisture. As for my past vehicles, we drive them to almost 200K, mostly trip miles, usually about 10 years. My commute, before retiring, was only 9 miles. With the kids growing up we were in the mountains every weekend and winter ski trips all through British Columbia.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Yes, that is why it should only be offered as a "new" car option. Under carriage must be totally clean and dry upon application and should have another 24hrs to dry without moisture. As for my past vehicles, we drive them to almost 200K, mostly trip miles, usually about 10 years. My commute, before retiring, was only 9 miles. With the kids growing up we were in the mountains every weekend and winter ski trips all through British Columbia.

Moisture gets under it, it has nothing to do with when its sprayed

 

[Greenhills]

Undercoat is unfortunately not really a "thing" in industry anymore. Fluid film or a similar type product is your best option.

Having worked in autobody, i can tell you there is absolutely rust underneath that pretty undercoat.

 

[Dan M.]

As I mentioned in my first post. I know that there are different thoughts on this topic. I am only going from my past experiences and 46 years of winter mountain driving. The only undercoated vehicle that ever rusted on me was my 1986 Nissan Pathfinder and it was the metal rear bumper. Should have sprayed back side with Fluid Film. Note to self. Just sold my 2010 Tundra, no rust , $23K. The new RAM is the most expensive rig I have purchased, so just trying to preserve my investment. Hopefully, I won't be visiting a body shop anytime soon. Cheers All!