Oxidized gal tent frame???

[harvs]

Hi folks,

The tent frame on our CT has a bit of a dusty white appearance, and any areas that have been welded and painted on the frame have a little rust on them.
I'm guessing the frame might have been affected by being packed away with damp canvas for a period of time. But the canvas has no stains, mildew, or smell.

I have just removed the tent from the frame to get a couple of minor repairs carried out. I'd like to give the frame a tidy up, and maybe run some wiring while the tent is off.

What would cause this? And what is the best way to treat the frame?
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks Harvs.

I'm not sure if this shot shows it, but it's all I have at hand

[Gunna Do]

If you've got all the canvas off the tent frame, perhaps give it a clean up and spray it with some cold-gal spray paint.  It might give it  a bit of protection for a while.

[gronk]

When I used to "look " after the tent poles, I'd pull them apart and wipe them down with a rag and some CRC....used to come up almost new looking!!

[gu tourer]

I get a similar white powder on my steel spreaders and aluminium awning poles, especially after a week or two camped on the beach. 

I use a good amount of lanolin sprayed onto a rag and then wipe the poles to remove the white stuff and leave a protective coating.  It lasts about a year before I need to repeat the process.

I used to use WD40 but the lanolin smells nicer and seems to last longer!

Hope this helps!
Adrian

[davo69 and the Nurse]

The oxidation or white rust is common if poles have been exposed to the damp from either wet canvas, condensation etc. I would be careful using WD40 and the likes near the canvas, as it may damage the waterproofing and mould resistant coatings.

the Nurse

[berlitza]

Rehatching old thread:

Found a few oxidised poles stored in pole carrier from last trip. I'm guessing the pole carrier creates a nice tropical climate and any form of undetected moisture within the poles creates rapid oxidation.

A wiper over with wd40 and a bake in the sun has returned them to there forumer glory,,,,so far