Should I get under spray rust protectant?

OK guys, I need some input. I was at the local LineX and they had recommended undercoating to protect my TRDP to protect it from any future rust. However, I've done some research and it seems that all 2016 and future cars are galvanized steel so it isn't necessarily needed. I do plan to take it off-road in dirt, mud and sand but not sure if I should get this or not. I know its better to be safe than sorry and the local said there was a special for $400.

 

where are you located ? if you in the North East I would get it done.

 

I'm located in DFW TX. I don't plan on being in the snow but maybe once a year. I can just spray wash it underneath when I get to a car wash.

 

do you get snow or do they heavily salt the roads where you at ?
you can also DIY with some Fluid Film.check Amazon.

 

I dont know if they salt. I'm new to DFW. I've lived here before and do remember it snowing but not salting the roads. I think not but not 100%. Yeah, it would be cheaper but I don't have a lift. So I think I may have to just have them do it.

 

you can just crawl underneath and spray it. pretty easy. I did it once just for peace of mind and it was easy.

 

So if you knew someone possibly moving from CA to UT in February would you recommend they look into this as well?

 

yeah you can spray it yourself with Fluid Film. plenty of guys doing it here with great success.

 

Dallas rarely gets snow, and used to only spread sand.(It has been six years since I lived in DFW, 2003-2012) I never undercoated my truck when I lived in Dallas, and rust never became an issue. Now that I am in Ohio, I use Fluid Film, no lift, just ramps. It is an easy application. I bought the kit. 1 gallon was plenty for an application.

 

This is what I used and others.....

 

Ha! You did the reverse of what I did from OH to TX. OK, I guess I will go this route, probably much more economical. Any prep or hazmat needed? I'm think I may have to craw under my truck. Luckily its tall enough where I don't need a lift.

 

I think you should know that when using fluid film, it isn't 1 and done. You have to respray it once a year as it does wash and wear away over time.I have my truck sprayed once a year in October.And it needs it, as there is little left on the truck from the year before. I live in NH and they salt the roads like you wouldn't believe. And so far my 2011 has no rust except 1 small spot on the tailgate.I hope this helps your decision!

 

Thanks, that does help. I see a $125 kit on Amazon but if its yearly spray, I may have to go back to the LineX dealer for a 1 and done. Just found an interesting thread on the products out there.

https://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/anti-corrosion-product-shootout-1073581.html

 

I do it in early November. Bought mine at Lowes. Takes about 6 cans. I also buy one of those step in, painters, body suits. It helps if you can jack the front of the truck up. Take your skid plate off. The first time I did it I was covered in it. It gets easier every time you do it. Also, were some protective eye wear. Cheers!

 

Dallas doesn’t see much snow or ice, if we do about 90% of the time it is gone by noon. They are known for sanding the roads. No salt

 

Line x known spray is also an annual application. I have it done because they guarantee no rust and I live in salt country

 

Krown applied here in Michigan. The stuff works $190 first app. then once a year $50. 2015 taco frame and even leaf springs look like it was just from the factory.

 

Just spoke to the LineX dealer and they are using what is called ValueGuard. It is a one and done application. Anyone know of this product and reviews?

 

I pre-ordered some of these guys.

https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/steel-it-1012b-black-polyurethane-aerosol

 

I’m always leery of “one and done” things, especially on vehicles.

With as many moving parts as a truck has, not to mention the crud/dust/mud/moisture we drive through daily, I find it hard to believe that this will protect your undercarriage for however long.

Personally, as little snow as DFW gets even if they did salt the roads, a good 10 minute session with a pressure washer would be enough.

Your money, your truck though

 

After doing a bunch of research, and Ziebarting my truck when I first bought it, I am now leary of rubber/asphalt spray undercoating. It appears like moisture can get behind such coatings, and rot the metal from the inside out. A spray like Fluid Film or Crown appeals to me in that it can creep into places and repel water. If you do not plan on keeping the truck for more than 5 years, I would not worry about it. If you want to preserve your truck as best as possible, I think it is well worth the effort. I only use eye protection to spray. I spray outside, and the fumes are tolerable. NH Undercoating Oil intrigues me as well. I like that they have a black spray. Since I have the FF setup, I will stick to FF.

Noticed you posted a link from MTBR. The DFW mtn bike community is great. They def make the best of the limited elevation change. Boulder, Big Cedar, and Oak Cliff were a couple of my favorites. Taking the drive to Waco was also another great ride.

 

I just had the Value guard applied to my 2018 Tundra.
The shocks and other moving parts were masked off. I am most concerned about coverage on the frame.
Suspension components are consumables in my mind.
Dampening performance will diminish on a strut before it rusts away. Same with ball joints and bushings
I had a shop do the value guard because:
1: I'm lazy
2: I don't have the time
3: I live in a HOA and would make a mess all over my concrete.
IMO the "one and done" method should only be followed before the vehicle is exposed to a salt environment.
Otherwise, it can trap in salt &moisture.
I have assisted fluid filming a few friends trucks it is messy at first depending on how you try to apply it.
The aerosol can method seems to be the easiest. Get the nozzle extension for the boxed frame sections (Amazon)
As for best protection, Yearly touch-up /re-application of Fluid film or equivalent cannot be beat.