Airstream 2023 INTERSTATE 24X, Owner'S Manual

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Exterior
2023 Interstate 24X
6-3
Washing Your Touring Coach
Make sure the touring coach’s surface temperature
is not too hot, under 90°F, and not in direct sunlight�
A shady area is ideal for washing your vehicle, as
direct sunlight causes water and soap to evaporate
too fast, resulting in water spotting� Use a mild soap or
detergent�
Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo� Try
to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these
waxes cause buildup and are designed for smaller
surfaces� Have two dedicated sponges or wax mitts:
one for the paint finish and one for the wheels and
under carriage� Brushes or wash mitts that have plastic
bristles are acceptable for use on tires and wheel wells,
but are not intended for use on the paint finish. Avoid
using such items on painted surfaces, as they will
damage the touring coach paint and finish.
Wash the wheels and wheel wells first as this prevents
splattering on already clean panels� Wash from the top
and work your way down, frequently rinsing to minimize
grit abrasion. Follow with a final rinse of water. This
process will remove most contamination from the
touring coach’s surface� For stubborn stains such as
road tar, use an ammonia-based glass cleaner or a
small amount of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth� This
may not dissolve the road tar, but will loosen tar and
bug stains and remove them from the surface� Do not
use solvent-based cleaners on bird droppings or tree
sap as these are water-based stains and will eventually
dissolve using an ammonia-based glass cleaner, warm
soapy water and a little “elbow grease�” Once again,
after removing stubborn stains immediately rinse with
clean water�
Drying the touring coach is just as important as
washing your vehicle as today’s tap water and well
water contain many chemicals that could water stain
your touring coach’s finish. We suggest using a damp
natural or synthetic chamois, however, there are other
drying products such as lint free micro-fiber towels that
work just as well�
Follow the simple cautionary measures, and your new
finish will give you maximum gloss and durability.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used
in external seams and joints such as window frames,
light bezels, beltline, and rub-rail molding, etc�, be
checked regularly� If this material has dried out and
becomes cracked or checked, or if a portion has fallen
out, it should be replaced with fresh material to prevent
possible rain leaks� Caulking and sealing material is
available from your touring coach dealer and most RV
supply stores�
Raptor Liner Body Protection
The body kit provided on your touring coach is
made from state- of-the-art high impact plastic� The
same material is used in the automotive industry for
moldings, bumper guards, and trim� The body kit is
sprayed with an impact and abrasion coating that
requires no paint or finish. The coating provides good
impact and abrasion resistance, as well as excellent
corrosion resistance� The cleaning procedures are
the same as the painted finish on the Sprinter body;
however, a nylon bristle brush can be used to remove
dirt from the textured surface� There are several
automotive care products on the market for exterior
care that will provide added protection from UV ray
damage� Find one you like and use it as often as
needed to help prevent fading�
Windows
Clean your touring coach windows the same way you
clean the windows in your home� Clean the seals with
a damp cloth and mild detergent every 3 to 6 months�
Do not use strong solvents, as they will damage the
seals� A coat of natural silicone lubricant applied after
the seal has dried will keep it flexible. Spread the
lubricant evenly with a brush or finger, working it into
the surface� This is a good practice for all rubber seals
in your touring coach�
WARNING
Failure to properly clean and lubricate the window
seals could result in the window sticking to the
jamb and should only be released by a qualified
technician trained in the procedure. Do not force,
pry, or apply great pressure to open the window.
For replacement of a damaged window, contact an
Airstream Service Center�