SECTION 11 –
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
11-4
•
Avoid paste waxes. They sometimes have
fillers and additives that give a very short term
result. Stay away from silicones in polishes
and soaps.
•
Buffing compounds remove some of the mil
film of the clearcoat, so we recommend that
only professionals or very experienced users
apply this type of product.
Inspection
A motorhome 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
referred to as "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
vehicle 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 vehicle, 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.
Here is a list of mild cleaners that
may be used
safely
:
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.
