Hi all. Looking for some ideas. I just bought a used 2009 XLT crew cab with just over 100k miles. The undercarriage is in pristine condition. There's only the slightest amount of rust on screws etc and no where else. What I want is some creative ideas to help thwart any rust on the bed rails, body panels etc. I live in Virginia and don't go off road. The primary purpose of my inquiry is to just run this f150 for 300-400K miles and have it look good too. Thanks for all your input and help ahead of time.

 

Look up “NH OIL undercoating” I use it on my truck every other year and the undercarriage looks rust free. I also live in New Hampshire, part of the rust belt.

 

awesome. Will check it out.

 

Fluid Film/Woolwax gets my vote

 

Thanks 77ranger. will look at it too.

 

If you have access to Krown undercoating (which you may not that far south), you won't find anything better. I've had it applied every year since I bought my 2013 new and there is not a spot of rust on the truck after 240k miles through the northeast winters and salt. I used to run it through a wash once or twice a month during the winter to spray the salt off, but since the last few years I've gotten lazy and let the salt cake on during the winter. Still no rust.

Whatever you end up going with, DO NOT get a permanent undercoating, especially with a used truck. It tends to lock in moisture and will increase the electro-chemical process which accelerates corrosion, and will let in more moisture when it eventually fails. Spend the extra money to get it re-coated with a liquid hydrocarbon based undercoating at least once a year. That will actively make its way into cracks and push out the moisture which tends to accelerate corrosion in those locations. It is hands-down the best type of undercoating if you are planning to get extreme life/miles out of your vehicle.

 

fluid film. been using it for years on all my vehicles. costs about $150 for a full spray. not only prevents rust but keeps out all water and is a lubricant. in addition to the underside i have all door jams, latches, bottom of the doors (inside), tailgate latches, etc etc - essentially anything that moves or could be prone to water. get it done every year just before the snow starts falling and the salt is on the roads.

 

Great suggestions! Thanks all.

Any downsides to the lanolin products like attracting more dirt?

 

Lanolin products does attract dust, but that's great. The oil sticks to the metal and the dust sticks to the lanolin and makes a nice layer of protection. I use fluid film for years on everything even my snow blower.