elddis Autoquest 100 2004, Handbook

Page: 44 / 64

This section of the guide is devoted to the care,
cleaning and general preservation of your
motorhome in order to retain its showroom
condition.
EXTERIOR PAINTED BODYWORK
Part of the exterior of your motorhome, usually
the side walls, is acrylic finished aluminium,
which is extremely durable and easy to clean.
It is recommended that a proprietary brand
wash and wax shampoo with plenty of cold
water is used.
GLASSFIBRE REINFORCED PLASTIC
GRP is a light, durable and astonishingly tough
constructional material which can be
fabricated into all manner of products. It may
be translucent, opaque or coloured, flat or
shaped, thin or thick.
The exposed surface of a GRP component on
a motorhome is always a gel coat surface. This
gives the laminate its colour and surface finish.
The gel coats used are made to the highest
standards to give optimum performance in
gloss retention and UV stability.
GRP components need to be washed, waxed
and taken care of like a car.
Chemicals and dirt can collect during storage,
and the gel coat can be stained or marked
when chemicals combine with rain or dew.
Most stains or marks can be removed with mild
dishwashing detergent, but more stubborn
marks may require a (fine grit) rubbing
compound such as T-cut.
To help keep your GRP components looking
almost like new, it is wise to wash the parts
monthly (or more frequently) using mild
dishwashing detergent, but avoid using strong
alkaline (e.g. tri-sodium phosphate) or acidic
cleaners or abrasives. Waxing the components
once or twice a year with a good grade paste
wax will help to maintain the colour and finish.
A significant benefit of using GRP components
is the ability to repair most scratches or
damage that may be inflicted upon the panel.
GRP components are tough, but like any other
products they can be damaged. Excessive
pressure or impact to the face or reverse of the
component can cause the gel coat to crack.
This does not mean the entire panel is
damaged and the standard industry method of
dealing with such a crack is to apply a minor
repair.
Any scratches or nicks that occur in normal
use can usually be removed with rubbing
compound. If the scratch is too deep, then
(fine grade) wet sandpaper may be used
followed by rubbing compound and finally
wax.
One of the characteristics of GRP is the way
light may be transmitted through the
component. If the component is viewed from
the gel coat side it will appear opaque and of a
solid colour. However, if viewed from the
reverse side with a strong light source behind
the laminate, some light will be transmitted.
This is normal for components of this
thickness.
ACRYLIC WINDOWS
Your motorhome is fitted with shatter resistant
acrylic windows. To preserve their clarity and
unblemished transparency it is essential that
the following cleaning instructions are strictly
adhered to:
Road grit, dust, sand, flies, lime tree
secretions, bird droppings etc., should be
‘swilled off’ using plenty of cold water. Any
remaining dirt should be washed off using a
soft cloth and warm water. Under NO
circumstances should any abrasive cleaning
agents, household detergents or proprietary
cleaning fluids be used.
Wash the window again using only cold water
and dry off with a chamois leather.
40
CARE OF YOUR MOTORHOME