My 3612 will be 3 years old this summer, and already there is significant rust on the wheel hubs and lug nuts. Very disappointing! Anyone else have this problem? How did you solve it?
I have the Raptor 3814 and I have the same problem. The lugs and center caps are rusty and it looks like dog doo doo Some one suggested taking Never Dull and getting it off. I think it is just superficial so when I get the time, I am going to try it. The wheels themselves look great.
Big Dave
2008 F350 Superduty 6.4 TD "Bumbles"
2007 Keystone Raptor 3814
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 EFI
2008 Yamaha Raptor 250 SE
2007 Yamaha YZ85
2006 Polaris TB250
Assorted other toys
2 Boys who only know one speed
There was a lengthy thread on this issue about three weeks/a month ago - so you might search on "Raptor rust" to see what folks suggested; I think it's a common problem (our 3-year-old 3712 has the same issue), so you're not alone. My hubs are pitted too, so Never Dull will clean the surface rust, but won't get the pitting.
I'm going to pull my hubs/lug nuts this fall and glass bead them, then maybe get them powder coated as that's a lot cheaper than re-chrome and very durable.
2005 F-350 SRW LB Black Harley Davdsn, 6.0 Pstroke w/auto, Excite liner, ARE "Z" cap w/Yakima rails & slide/tilt window, PIAA 1500 bu lights. B&W TO Ball hitch, Firestone bags
Wife: Stef the quilter
Dog: Chase, the Golden Retriever
3 sons, 8 grandkids
The rust has already begun on my '08 Raptor 3814. This is our 6th RV (3 motorhomes, 3 trailers), and it has never ceased to amaze me how cheaply the manufacturers do some things. Especially as you dig into the 'bowels' of these units. The fit and finish leaves much to be desired. I understand that the competition for low price is fierce, but jeepers!!
Thanks for your input guys. Iv'e got some brasso & chrome polish I can try on it. Just frustrating when you see how cheaply done some of the finish work is on these expensive rigs!!
Not to make you feel bad, but look underneath the rest of your Raptor. Mine had rust EVERYWHERE! Frame, crossmembers, springs, axles, brake drums, etc. I actually got under there on my creeper for half a day with sand paper and about 6 cans of gloss black to dress it up (I am pretty anal about that stuff, I also used to wax my truck frames when I was young)! But even after done, I knew it was still there underneath the new coat of paint. I didnt have any problems, but on a typical 15 year loan on these units, you have to wonder whats in store down the road.
HOTSKI2 wrote: Not to make you feel bad, but look underneath the rest of your Raptor. Mine had rust EVERYWHERE! Frame, crossmembers, springs, axles, brake drums, etc. I actually got under there on my creeper for half a day with sand paper and about 6 cans of gloss black to dress it up (I am pretty anal about that stuff, I also used to wax my truck frames when I was young)! But even after done, I knew it was still there underneath the new coat of paint. I didnt have any problems, but on a typical 15 year loan on these units, you have to wonder whats in store down the road.
Good luck.
Same here in Southern CA. I go around every now and then and hit is with rust inhibitor. You will never get away from the rust. I actually thought about using "bed-liner" spray and doing it right, once and for all.
bkirkpatrick -- I checked your Profile to get a look at your rig.
"PROBABLE CAUSE" -- That's cute. That can mean only one thing.
Retired Salt Lake Co. S.O. here (30 years), glad to make your acquaintance.
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Some one suggested taking Never Dull and getting it off. I think it is just superficial so when I get the time, I am going to try it. The wheels themselves look great.
