As the title states, I am converting a 2003 Chevy Express Van into a custom RV to live, work, and travel in. My mini-project right now before moving on to insulation and building up the interior is to prevent rust, corrosion, mold and mildew. And if I can use a product that also will deaden sound and mitigate thermal conductivity so that the insulation I will ultimately install works better, then I want to invest in that product. So I have narrow the products down to Upol Raptor liner and KBS coatings 3 step rust prevention system. I have already painted the exterior with Upol Raptor. This post is about painting the interior. The debate in my head with using Upol Raptor or KBS is that both offer everything I think I need. Both will seal out moisture to prevent rust and corrosion. Both will prevent mold and mildew. And I am pretty sure both will mitigate thermal conductivity. However KBS RustSeal is rated for more extreme temperatures than Upol Raptor. But if I use both, I wonder if by using KBS rust prevention system as a primer to Upol Raptor liner if I am not overkilling a potiential problem thereby throwing away money on something that is not need. I already have enough Upol Raptor to do the interior. I will have to invest $175 in the KBS coating rust prevention system: Rust Klean to degrease the surface, Rust Blast as a self etching solution, and then Rust Seal paint.

So my question I want to ask here to all you long term Chevy Express owners, where on the interior do I need to be concern about rust? And what would you do if you were me given my concerns? Would you invest in the KBS coating rust prevention system? Or would you just use the Upol Raptor liner?

Thanks for your time in answering my questions in advance. I look forward to your reply.

Cheers,
Keightley

 

The RV manufacturers do not do anything regarding interior rust and there are no problems. The vans come painted and all you really need to be concerned about is where you cut openings for windows/vents. Those cut edges need to be deburred and painted a few times to ensure nothing is poking through the paint. If not, you will eventually get a rust bleed coming down the side of the van where the window/vent is installed.
The #1 solution for moisture removal is a powered roof vent. I like to use a good quality elastomeric caulking like Lepage Quad for the roof vent...just get something that smells like a potent chemical. If the tube doesn't smell like anything other than vinegar it's garbage. The Quad and caulks like it are super stretchy and adhesive unlike silicone.

 

Rust isn't an issue inside the vehicle. It is the last place you will get rust. Just don't use the factory jute or anything that holds moisture on the floor.

 

For the record, those “window” cutouts were factory installed. This is the Access package.

I did get a chance to get under the vehicle the other day. The only rust I see is very minimal. I think they call it flash rust. For a vehicle that is 16 years old, it is not in bad shape. I would just like to keep it this way even put it in better condition than it is now. So if anyone has more advice on how to do that while I have it completely gutted down to the metal, I would appreciate it!

Keightley

 

Test for water leaks. Douse the van with lots and lots of water, for at least 15 minutes, and from different angles. Check all the sheet metal joints. I found lots of gaps in the seam sealer. Make sure all sealing surfaces (gaskets) are smooth and burr free.