Explorer Group 2003 Tourers Owner'S Handbook Manual Download

Page: 49 / 110

This section of the guide is devoted to the care,
cleaning and general preservation of your
caravan in order to retain its showroom
condition.

CLEANING

Under no circumstances should an abrasive or
harsh cleaner be used. Do not use a pressure
wash as this can disturb mastic seals.

Exterior Painted Body

Part of the exterior of

your caravan, usually the side walls, is acrylic
finished aluminium, which is extremely durable
and easy to clean. It is recommended that a
proprietary brand wash and wax shampoo with
plenty of cold water is used.

GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED PLASTIC

GRP is a light, durable and astonishingly tough
constructional material which can be fabricated
into all manner of products. It may be
translucent, opaque or coloured, flat or shaped,
thin or thick.

The exposed surface of a GRP component on a
caravan is always a gel coat surface. This gives
the laminate its colour and surface finish. The
gel coats used are made to the highest
standards to give optimum performance in
gloss retention and UV stability. GRP
components need to be washed, waxed and
taken care of like a car. Chemicals and dirt can

collect during storage, and the gel coat can be
stained or marked when chemicals combine
with rain or dew. Most stains or marks can be
removed with mild dishwashing detergent, but
more stubborn marks may require a (fine grit)
rubbing compound such as T-cut.

To help keep your GRP components looking
almost like new, it is wise to wash the parts
monthly (or more frequently) using mild
dishwashing detergent, but avoid using strong
alkaline (e.g. tri-sodium phosphate) or acidic
cleaners or abrasives. Waxing the components
once or twice a year with a good grade paste
wax will help to maintain the colour and finish.

A significant benefit of using GRP components
is the ability to repair most scratches or damage
that may be inflicted upon the panel. GRP
components are tough, but like any other
products they can be damaged. Excessive
pressure or impact to the face or reverse of the
component can cause the gel coat to crack.
This does not mean the entire panel is
damaged and the standard industry method of
dealing with such a crack is to apply a minor
repair.

Any scratches or nicks that occur in normal use
can usually be removed with rubbing
compound. If the scratch is too deep, then (fine
grade) wet sandpaper may be used followed by
rubbing compound and finally wax.

One of the characteristics of GRP is the way
light may be transmitted through the
component. If the component is viewed from
the gel coat side it will appear opaque and of a
solid colour. However, if viewed from the
reverse side with a strong light source behind
the laminate, some light will be transmitted.
This is normal for components of this thickness.

Under no circumstances should alcohol, spirit
or solvent-based liquids be used on GRP or
plastic panel as these substances may react
with the material and cause visible damaged

ACRYLIC WINDOWS

Your caravan is fitted with shatter resistant
acrylic windows. To preserve their clarity and
unblemished transparency it is essential that
the following cleaning instructions are strictly
adhered to:

Road grit, dust, sand, flies, lime tree secretions,
bird droppings etc., should be ‘swilled off’ using
plenty of cold water. Any remaining dirt should
be washed off using a soft cloth and warm
water. Under NO circumstances should any
abrasive cleaning agents, household
detergents or proprietary cleaning fluids be
used.

Wash the window again using only cold water
and dry off with a chamois leather.

CARE OF YOUR CARAVAN