Airstream Classic Trailer 25' 2005, Owner'S Manual

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AIRSTREAM CLASSIC TRAILER
D-1
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 industrial areas cleaning and waxing should be done on a more frequent schedule.
CAUTION
: 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, ALWAYS WIPE "WITH" THE GRAIN OF THE
METAL.
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.
The Limited option includes gold plated medallions. Use mild soap and water on a soft cotton cloth to
clean. Gold is a soft metal and will scratch, If that doesn’t not work, use a mild metal polish such as PEAK
METAL POLISH applying lightly with a clean soft cotton cloth.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used in external seams and joints such as end shell
segments and around window frames, light bezels, beltline and rub rail molding, etc. be checked regularly.
If this material has dried out and become 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 Airstream dealer.
Precautions should be taken to prevent excessive sealant from getting on the coated surfaces. Remove
excessive sealant before it cures using DX 330 Acryli-Clean made by PPG Industries as explained above.
CAUTION:
It may be possible for solvents other than those recommended to extract materials
from sealants that could stain the coated surface or could prove harmful to the sealants; therefore,
these possible effects must be considered. Test a small area first.