Airstream 2013 Classic, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 126

C - 10
ExTERIOR
D - 1
D
EXTERIOR
Cleaning
As a general rule of thumb we recommend the trailer be washed about every
four weeks and waxed in the spring and fall. In coastal and industrial areas
cleaning and waxing should be done on a more frequent schedule. When
traveling through winter weather all road treatment chemicals should be
removed immediately.
nOTiCE
: ABRASIVE POLISHES OR CLEANING SOLVENTS SUCH AS
AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER DETERGENTS OR ACID ETCH CLEANERS.
ARE TOO STRONG AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED. RINSE ALL GRIT
FROM SURFACE PRIOR TO WASHING. DO NOT USE WIRE BRUSHES,
STEEL WOOL, ABRASIVES OR OTHER SIMILAR CLEANING TOOLS THAT
WILL MECHANICALLY ABRADE THE COATING SURFACE. ALWAYS TEST
A SMALL INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST.
ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR TRAILER IN THE SHADE OR ON A CLOUDY DAY
WHEN THE ALUMINUM SKIN IS COOL. Use soft rags or wash mitts always
moving lengthwise with the grain of the trailer. NEVER rub hard on the coating.
Oil, grease, dust and dirt may be removed by washing with a 5% solution
in water of commonly used commercial and industrial detergents. Cleaning
should be followed by a thorough clean water rinse. Drying the unit with a
chamois or a soft cloth may prevent spots and streaks. WHEN WASHING OR
WAXING YOUR TRAILER,
After cleaning and drying, a good grade of nonabrasive automotive paste or
liquid wax will increase the life of the finish, especially in coastal areas where
the finish is exposed to salt air or in polluted industrial areas. It will also protect
the shell from minor scratches and make subsequent cleaning easier.
It is important to remove sap, gum, resin, asphalt, etc. as soon as possible after
they appear by washing and waxing. Sunlight and time will bake-harden these
materials making them almost impossible to remove without heavy buffing. If a
substance is found on the coating that cannot be removed by normal washing
procedures, Airstream recommends using DX 330 Acryli-Clean made by PPG
Industries. Follow all directions and warnings on the product container. Acryli-
Clean should be used by trained personnel only, using the proper equipment
under controlled conditions. Use the Acryli-Clean as sparingly as possible to
remove glue, tar, and other similar substance. Rinse with cool water immediately
after use.
To keep your trailer looking new, paint the “A’ frame, LPG tanks, and rear frame
periodically.