Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition, Owner'S Manual

Page: 48 / 90

Exterior
6-2
2023 REI Special Edition
Cleaning
Exterior Skin
We recommend the trailer be washed about every
four weeks and waxed with Walbernize Super Seal, or
high quality clearcoat-safe wax, in the spring and fall�
In coastal and industrial areas, cleaning and waxing
should be done more frequently� When traveling
through winter weather, all road treatment chemicals
should be removed immediately�
NOTE
Abrasive polishes or cleaning solvents such as
automatic dishwasher or acid etch cleaners are
too strong and should never be used. Rinse all
grit from surface prior to washing. Use soft rags
or wash mitts, always moving lengthwise with the
grain of the trailer (washing or polishing). Never
rub hard on the coating. Even the softest rag will
damage the coating if excessive pressure
is applied.
NOTE
Always clean your trailer in the shade or on a
cloudy day when the aluminum skin is cool.
Oil, grease, dust, and dirt may be removed by washing
with any mild non-abrasive soap or detergent� 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�
After cleaning and drying, a good grade of non-
abrasive 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 substances such as sap, gum,
resin, and asphalt as soon as possible by washing
and waxing� Sunlight and time will bake-harden these
materials, making them almost impossible to remove
without heavy buffing. If asphalt remains on the trailer
after washing, use a small amount of kerosene on a
rag and wipe the spots individually, being careful not to
scratch the finish.
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�
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 once a
year� 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 products are available from
your Airstream dealer�
Windows
Clean your trailer windows the same way you clean the
windows in your home� Clean the seals with a damp
cloth and mild detergent every three to six 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 trailer�
WARNING
Failure to properly clean and lubricate the window
seals could result in the window sticking to the
jamb. Window seals that become stuck to the
window jamb should be released by a qualified
technician trained in the procedure. Do not force,
pry, or apply great pressure to open the window.
Failure to heed this warning may cause the window
to shatter and/or cause personal injury.
For replacement of a damaged window, contact an
Airstream Service Center�
Aluminum Wheels
The aluminum wheels and axle end cover come
treated with a clear-coating� Keep them looking good
by washing with soap and water� Do not use abrasive
cleaners or polishes on coated aluminum wheels�