FLEETWOOD RV Class A Gas 2020 Owner'S Manual Download

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Interior & Exterior Care

SECTION FOUR

Local or state governments determine what to apply to
the road surface during winter months and substances
can change by location . It is possible to encounter one
or  all  of  these  substances  while  driving .  Only  regular
weekly washing of the exterior and undercarriage can
slow  corrosion  during  the  winter  months .  No  single
treatment can be used to eliminate and neutralize the
affects of these corrosive substances .
Diligent  washing  and  awareness  of  what  substances
applied to the road surface will dictate if a neutralizing
agent  must  be  applied  to  help  slow  the  process  of
corrosion to exterior surfaces including the paint finish .
Therefore; it is up to the motorhome owner to perform
regular  washing  maintenance  and  neutralize  any
corrosive agent applied to the roadway by local or state
governments .

WASHING

The recreational vehicle is painted with a “base coat, clear
coat system .” Clear coat is a polyurethane-based material
that brings out the shine and luster to the base coat paint .
Periodic  cleaning  will  help  to  preserve  the  finish .  Care
should  be  used  when  washing  the  recreational  vehicle .
Use  only  mild  soap  or  (preferred)  specifically  designed
automotive shampoo . Do not use abrasive cleansers or
laundry  detergents  as  these  will  scratch  the  clear  coat
and leave a soap film . Use a soft cotton cloth or specially
designed  microfiber  and/or  wool  washing  mitt  when
washing  the  paint  finish .  Do  not  use  a  brush  as  it  can
scratch the surface and damage the clear coat . Remove
most  of  the  accumulated  dirt  and  road  wash  behind
wheel openings and the rear of the recreational vehicle
before  washing .  If  build  up  is  excessive,  run  water  over
a  soft  cotton  cloth  while  gently  wiping  the  surface  in  a
downward direction . This will help float away the build up
from the clear coat . Avoid using back and forth or circular
motions  when  washing  away  build  up  as  this  can  trap
particulates and scratch the clear coat leaving a haze and
swirl marks that will require a professional to repair .
After  removing  the  heavy  build  up  then  wash  the
recreational vehicle . Start washing at the top working
towards the bottom . If possible, wash the recreational
vehicle in a shaded area when the exterior is not hot to
the touch .

If necessary, turn the recreational vehicle around to
keep the area being washed in the shade . Keep the
surface wet and try not to allow the washing solution
to dry before rinsing . Use plenty of water when rinsing
the surface to remove all washing residue .

DRYING

Chamois cloths come in natural and synthetic materials .
Either type is acceptable as long as the surface is clean .
Soak  the  chamois  in  clean  water,  then  wring  it  dry .
Remove the water from the surface, starting at the top
and  working  towards  the  bottom,  using  a  downward
“S” pattern . Wring out the chamois as needed . Using
a  chamois  cloth  to  remove  the  rinse  water  is  not
necessary, but the effort can be worthwhile .

WAXING

It  is  recommended  to  wax  the  motorhome  twice  a
year: spring and fall . Many types of protective barriers
are  available  today  that  may  be  applied  to  the  clear
coat:  glazes,  waxes,  polishes,  rubbing  compounds  or
combinations of these products .

Types of Products:

•

Glazes

: Glazes are generally used to fill very fine

scratches in the clear coat . They are applied either
by hand or by using a polisher with a special pad .

•

Waxes:

Waxes come in many types of chemical

make-up . Most contain cleaning agents, lubricants
and wax . Cleaning agents remove oxidation and
leave a high gloss . Wax leaves a clear film that
protects the finish

•

Polishes:

Polishes combine wax based substances

with abrasives to clean and polish at the same time .
These products can be too abrasive for clear coats
and are not recommended for use .

NOTE:

Use a grease and wax remover before applying
another coat of wax . Chemicals can become
trapped between layers of wax, possibly damaging
the paint finish .

INFORMATION:

When selecting a product, follow the product
manufacturer’s

recommended

application

instructions .