Tool rust prevention is essential for the growing number of individuals, couples, families and digital nomads are ditching “sticks and bricks” homes for full-time RV life.

According to the RV Industry Association, manufacturer RV shipments increased 44 percent in 2020 over 2019, and survey data indicates the demand is likely to continue, with more than 60 million Americans planning to take at least one RV trip in the next 12 months.

Whether you are a newbie, a part-timer, a full-timer or a snowbird, one thing that can’t be overstated is the importance of your tools. Things like pliers, wrenches, ladders, flashlights, knives, socket sets and more – all essential to road life. But pretty much all tools with metal components are vulnerable to rust and corrosion – especially when they’re in and out of storage and routinely exposed to sweat, humidity and moisture.

Campers and recreational vehicles of any size are essentially traps for humidity because of the compact living quarters. Many don’t come standard with significant insulation, either. Any time your metal tools are exposed to air and humidity, you run he risk of rust and corrosion. The same goes for things like cast iron skillets, propane tanks, boating equipment, fishing and tackle gear, electronics, bicycles and other items you may use frequently on the road.

The risk is even more outsized if you spend a considerable time boondocking (dry camping) because your equipment is more likely to meet the direct impact of the elements.

Zerust offers numerous tool rust prevention solutions for road warriors of all stripes.

Tool Rust Prevention No Matter Where the Road Takes You

There are several steps you can take to ensure the longevity of all your metal materials on the road. Understand that rust is already a common problem for many tools. Constant travel and exposure is going to heighten that risk. The good news is that rust and corrosion is largely preventable with a little care and some extra precautious.

First, it helps to understand what the rust process is. Rust is a chemical reaction. Iron plus oxygen plus moisture equals rust. This process is called oxidation. Other metals can be susceptible to similar types of corrosion when oxygen and moisture are present.

Rust-proofing is something in which people traveling full-time often invest because regardless of the vehicle make or model, repairing rust can require extensive (and expensive) bodywork. At the very least, make sure to routinely remove corrosive elements like moisture and salt from the undercarriage before they have a chance to take hold. But don’t overlook the tools you use regularly to make road life possible.

Zerust offers numerous consumer products to help keep your tools in top working order while you’re on the move. Zerust uses VCI technology, an environmentally-friendly vapor corrosion-inhibiting compound that forms a thin molecular layer of protection around your metal tools while they’re in storage. Each are lightweight, inexpensive and effective.

Among the RV tool rust prevention products we offer:

• Plastabs. These are small, thin squares with VCI protection molded into the plastic. They’re great for protecting key surfaces in narrow or hard-to-reach areas containing compact electrical components, control boxes, tackle boxes and toolboxes.
• Rust Prevention Vapor Capsules. These are great rust prevention solutions for tools, sporting goods, electronics and other home goods. Wherever you’re storing your items, just place a vapor capsule inside.
• Toolbox drawer liners. These can be cut to size and placed on the bottom of shelves, inside tool boxes, truck boxes, storage boxes or drawers. They’re fire retardant, easy to clean and not only keep your tools rust-free, but also in good shape by preventing slipping and denting.

In addition to these, we offer rust prevention bicycle covers, multi-purpose VCI poly bags, ATV covers and more.

If you have questions about which products would work best for the items you’re seeking to protect or how best to arrange shipping, we can help.

Contact Zerust for information on RV tool rust prevention by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

1 million Americans live in RVs. Meet the ‘modern nomads’, Nov. 12, 2018, By Heather Long, Washington Post

More Blog Entries:

Preventing Boat Rust if You’re Buying a Used Boat, May 31, 2020, Zerust RV Tool Rust Prevention Blog