[A/S] Salt Damage - was - Uh Oh, I think I have a problem

["Thomas Dickieson" <lleather@xxxxxxxx>]

The possibilities of extreme rot due to salt damage is the reason 
that I searched for a U.S. Airstream when I decided to buy bigger.  I 
looked at a couple up here in Mid Northern Ontario, Canada, a 1982 
and a 1987 and there was salt perferation to the frame on both; 
behind the trailer on the ends that stick out for the bumper and the 
storage area.  The A frames in front had been painted on both, and 
seemed rusted, but stopped by the paint, but on both the rears, the 
owner had taped over the holes, and then painted over the tape to 
hide it.  Both these trailers did sell eventually, and the previous 
owners got their asking prices.  BUT, not from me, thank the Lord, 
Harry.  Mine came from North Dakota, and had seen some winter use, 
but the frame was solid and salvageable with only a bit of sand 
blasting, and aluminum paint.  Now the the skin question that was 
asked.  No, there did not seem to be any damage at all to the 
exterior skin of the two trailers I saw with rust perforated frames.  
So, it must take more to get to the aluminum than it does to 
seriously damage the steel frames.  Am I wrong here, or are new 
Airstreams coming with Aluminum frames?

Tom
Ontario, Canada