In search of a better truck for towing the M6060 and folding cutter.

[McMXi]

I recently read that the liquid de icer used in some states is causing issues with aluminum corroding. Normally aluminum builds a oxide that protects itself but the chemicals in the new de icers cut through that and attack the base metal. Seeing damage on big rigs that are using aluminum in those states at this point.

There a significant differences between big rigs and pickup trucks and cars in terms of the number of hours on the road each year exposed to all sorts of things, not to mention the types of coatings on the aluminum. Many big rigs have polished or brushed aluminum parts such as fuel tanks and steps that rely on the naturally occurring aluminum oxide layer that forms to protect the base metal. Most passenger vehicles using aluminum body panels will have coatings on them to prevent or at least reduce corrosion. Some of those coatings are proprietary, and no doubt some use a combination of anodizing, etching primers and paint.

Aluminum wheels have been used on cars and truck for decades, but they typically have a clear coat or paint to protect the substrate from corrosion.

 

[Sidekick]

There a significant differences between big rigs and pickup trucks and cars in terms of the number of hours on the road each year exposed to all sorts of things, not to mention the types of coatings on the aluminum. Many big rigs have polished or brushed aluminum parts such as fuel tanks and steps that rely on the naturally occurring aluminum oxide layer that forms to protect the base metal. Most passenger vehicles using aluminum body panels will have coatings on them to prevent or at least reduce corrosion. Some of those coatings are proprietary, and no doubt some use a combination of anodizing, etching primers and paint.

Aluminum wheels have been used on cars and truck for decades, but they typically have a clear coat or paint to protect the substrate from corrosion.

Yes aluminum has been used for years but the current liquid de icer formulas have only been used a couple years. Time will tell. My new 2018 Chevy truck frame rusted almost through in less then 2 years and Chevy blamed it on current de icing materials used in our area so it definitely is a problem with their steel. My new Ford ranger has zero rust in the same conditions and time period so Ford definitely has the coatings right.

 

[McMXi]

On a side note, once again B&W didn't disappoint and I'm reminded why I have three B&W tow and stow hitches. The gooseneck hitch kit showed up today. It appears to be typical B&W quality, and the local Ford dealer chipped in $100 towards the $300 cost since I used the maximum allowable credit card payment when I bought the truck and I get 2% cash back. It'll be a few months before I get to use it though, but now I'm ready to pick up a gooseneck trailer at least, and without having to drill, cut or weld anything! So this is how that feels.

I already know which trailer I want, and there a few available locally, but I'm going to wait a few months and try to sell my 22ft hydraulic tilt trailer first.

That's it for a while other than I did buy two gallons of pre-mixed coolant that @biketopia mentioned from the dealer and it cost almost $60!! So nothing else to add until I've put some miles on the truck and pulled the boat, the dump trailer and the tractors around. Thanks to everyone for putting up with this thread, and thanks again for all those that suggested an F-450.

 

[JasonW]

I have the same kit for mine. Scored it used probably a year before I even had a gooseneck trailer.
It’s nice to have the handle so you can pull it out without getting grease on everything.