This bulletin applies to 2015 and later Ford F-150 trucks that feature aluminum bodies. When installing aftermarket equipment, be aware that aluminum can corrode when mated to steel, as dissimilar metals can experience galvanic corrosion. This can occur when there is contact between different metals, such as steel or stainless steel fasteners. When installing aftermarket equipment, it is necessary for the installer to pay special attention when drilling or clamping dissimilar metals to the aluminum body.
Anytime the factory paint is damaged/disturbed, it is recommended that the paint is repaired with a suitable coating prior to installing items such as splash guards, bug shields, tool boxes, etc. When installing fasteners into the mounting hole, the fastener should not have contact with the aluminum sheet metal (no interference fit to the hole). When using zinc coated steel bolts or screws, an aluminum washer should be installed. For further protection, an isolation layer should be used between the two dissimilar metals. When clamping onto the truck, a polypropylene or urethane tape can be used as an isolation layer. Ford-approved anti-corrosion coatings include Motorcraft PM13-A, NOX-Rust 7703-W or Zinc-Rich primer.
