02/09/2026
Chassis corrosion develops slowly, underneath the van, out of sight. A caravan can look great above the floor while the structure holding it together is already compromised. It doesn’t announce itself the way a cracked panel does, which is exactly why it gets missed.
The parts most at risk: the chassis itself, awning hardware, wheel arches and any exposed steel fittings. Wind damage is actually the leading cause of awning failure, and salt corrosion is a big part of why.
A chassis check should happen at least once a year. If you’re regularly near the coast or doing beach trips, once a year isn’t enough.
The gap between prevention and repair is significant. A wash, a protective coating and a proper inspection cost very little. Structural corrosion repair, once it’s set in, is a different category of expense entirely.
If you can’t remember the last time your chassis was checked, that’s your answer.
RV Solutions WA — Rockingham & Mandurah
rvsolutionswa.com.au