11-3
SECTION 11 –
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
If the finish begins to look dull or discolored,
it may need to be cleaned with a polishing or
cleaning compound formulated for gel-coated
fiberglass finishes.
NOTE: If you use a polish or a cleaning
compound that does not contain a wax
preservative, we recommend reapplying
a coat of hard wax after cleaning or
polishing the finish.
Inspection
A motor home exterior is subjected to many
physical forces and environmental conditions.
While the coach is parked, it is exposed to
climate and weather extremes and other
environmental conditions. While in operation, it
is subjected to various twisting and flexing forces
caused by routine cornering and turning, and by
uneven road surfaces, such as bumps, potholes,
railroad tracks, and parking lot entrances.
Inspect the exterior fiberglass shell
periodically for cracks, which may represent a
threat to the integrity of the fiberglass.
Minute cracks in the surface, commonly
called "spider cracks" or "hairline cracks" caused
by normal flexing of the fiberglass exterior are
normal and typically pose no threat to the
integrity of the vehicle other than appearance.
However, if a crack has opened up and the
weave of the cloth is visible, this does represent a
threat to the integrity of the fiberglass and must
be repaired or covered as quickly as possible to
avoid penetration by moisture, especially in
freezing climates.
If the fiberglass has been damaged and
contains cracks, tears or holes, use plastic
sheeting and duct tape, if necessary, to prevent
moisture from damaging the sidewall material or
the interior of the coach.
EXTERIOR GRAPHIC CARE
The pressure-sensitive graphics on your coach
require very little maintenance. In order to allow
the graphics to have the longest life possible, the
following steps should be taken.
•
Wash graphics with plain soap and water or
any car wash detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
•
High pressure water spray may loosen or
damage graphics. Keep spray nozzle at least
1 1/2 feet from the edge of the graphics.
•
Test any cleaning solution on a small section
of graphic before using.
•
Never use aromatic solvents such as acetone,
M.E.K., toulene, paint thinner or lacquer
thinner on graphics. Solvents may soften the
vinyl and smear colors.
•
Gasoline or other fuels spilled on graphics
should be rinsed off immediately with water.
•
Do not apply paint or clearcoat over the
graphics.
•
Do not apply wax over the graphics,
especially wax containing petroleum
distillates. Wax that has dried along the edge
of a graphic can be removed with cotton
swabs after softening it with isopropyl
alcohol. Rinse area thoroughly after cleaning.
PLASTIC PARTS – CLEANING
Many parts in your motorhome, such as the
dash, exterior light lenses, and certain exterior
body panels are made of high-impact plastic
materials that can be damaged by wiping with
solvents or improper cleaning products.
Always try cleaning plastic parts with the
mildest cleaners first and work your way up to
stronger cleaning products. Use the following
cautionary lists as a guide when selecting
cleaning products to use on plastic parts.
NOTICE
Do not use citrus-based cleaners on
polycarbonate finishes. Citric compounds
will damage the high-gloss surface,
causing it to appear dull or “flat”. Always
test a cleaning product on a hidden area
to be sure it will not cause damage to the
appearance of the part.
