FLEETWOOD RV CLASS A GAS 2020 OWNER’S MANUAL
59
EXTERIOR CARE
CORROSION
The most common cause of corrosion to the
motorhome exterior is accumulation of road salt, grime
and dirt . These elements, combined with moisture,
may possibly cause early component failure . The
undercarriage, around wheel openings and the radiator
charge air cooler package require periodic cleaning
to prevent component failure caused from corrosive
materials collected on roadways .
If the motorhome is stored or driven in areas where
road salts are used or near the ocean, it should
be washed at least once a week, including the
undercarriage . Otherwise, it is recommended to hose
off the undercarriage area at least once a month to help
slow the process of corrosion .
High-pressure washers or steam cleaners are the most
effective way of cleaning the undercarriage and inside
wheel openings . However, these devices can cause
damage if used improperly . Avoid spraying directly at
the painted surface with a high-pressure washer of any
type . Also avoid spraying electrical wiring, connectors
or electro-mechanical components with high pressure .
WINTER DRIVE PROTECTION
Various substances and chemicals are applied
to roadways to reduce hazardous winter driving
conditions . These substances can include rock salt,
sand, gravel or chemical applications such as Liquid
Magnesium Chloride (LMC) .
Road salts are known for their corrosive properties
to steel and other metals . Road salt can also damage
other vehicle components and materials . Vehicles
located in or traveling through areas where road salt is
used are subject to rapid corrosion . LMC is a moisture
activated chemical applied directly to the road surface
for the purpose of lowering the freeze point of water .
According to published information, LMC is a suitable
replacement for road salt or sanding .
The consequence of using LMC is that it is highly
corrosive to all metals, plastics and can even destroy
rebar embedded in concrete . After application, road
traffic will cause LMC to become an airborne vapor
traveling as much as 2000 feet from the point of origin .
Vehicles located within that distance, even when stored
outside, are exposed to the same corrosive affects as
vehicles traveling over a road treated with LMC . LMC
lowers the freeze point allowing moisture to further
penetrate surfaces, and remains active down to 27%
humidity . Foot traffic will also track road salt and LMC
into living spaces .
While most sand, road salt and LMC accumulation
can be washed away through use of a high-pressure
washer, road salt and LMC is still bonded to all exposed
surfaces including paint . Only chemical washing
can neutralize road salts or LMC . However, chemical
washing can only neutralize open surfaces . LMC and
road salt remains trapped between mating surfaces
and will corrode wiring as well .
INFORMATION:
This section is on general cleaning and
maintenance . Some of the articles within “Exterior
& Interior Care - Section 3” may not apply to all
models . Improper or inadequate maintenance
may affect your warranty coverage . Please review
this section carefully . For more information, see
the terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty
in the front of this Manual .
CAUTION:
It is up to the motorhome owner to properly wash
and protect the motorhome and its components
from corrosion . Sources of corrosion can come
from road surfaces treated with de-icing agents or
atmospheric conditions such as coastal regions .
CAUTION:
Exercise caution when cleaning the radiator
charge air cooler package . Damage to the fins
can result when using a high-pressure washer or
steam cleaner . The nozzle discharge pressure of
these devices can exceed 1800 psi . Also avoid
using high-pressure/high-temperature steam
cleaners on the exterior paint surfaces . Remove all
spattered washing debris from the exterior paint
surfaces as soon as possible .
Summary of Contents for Class A Gas 2020
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