Heartland 2014 Bighorn, Owner'S Manual

Page: 70 / 92

68 HEARTLAND Recreational Vehicles, LLC
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Please refer to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this manual.
Seals
The seals around doors, windows, vents and external
seams must be checked every 3 months or change of
season. If deterioration is noted, reseal the seams or
seals with an approved sealant to prevent leaks. Your
dealer can perform the resealing inspections and work
for you. Your dealer is also able to inform you of the
appropriate sealants to be used, if you prefer to do the
job yourself. Sealants can be purchased from your
dealer or manufacturer. Seals are not covered under
warranty
Note
HEARTLAND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, LLC,
DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS RV FOR USE IN
THE WINTER UNLESS IT IS EQUIPPED WITH
ADDITIONAL INSULATION AND PROPERLY SEALED
UNDERBELLY. SEE YOUR DEALER OR CONTACT
HEARTLAND FOR MORE DETAILS.
Rubber Roof
The rubber roof system should be cleaned periodically
and inspected for tears or voids in the sealants (see
maintenance schedule). When cleaning the rubber roof
you only need to use a mild detergent, plenty of water,
and a medium bristle scrub brush. Special cleaners
are not necessary. You should check with the rubber
roof manufacturer prior to using cleaners, coatings or
sealants advertised to prolong the life of your rubber
roof, as they are not necessary.
When cleaning your roof it is recommended that you use
a long handled bristle brush and a steady ladder to reach
all parts of the roof.
Lack of maintenance may allow mildew to form and
discolor the rubber membrane. Although this may be
unsightly, it is not cause for roof replacement. Simply
use a scrub brush to clean as much as possible and
touch up and areas of sealant that look suspicious. This
is not covered under warranty.
Rubber Roof Repair
Small tears or punctures in the rubber roof membrane
can easily be repaired and will have the same life span
as the rest of the rubber roof. Most RV dealers carry
rubber roof repair kits at a very nominal price. Please
refer to your specific repair kit for proper applications.
Fiberglass Exterior Skin (Optional)
Wash the RV with a quality, mild soap. There are special
fiberglass cleaners on the market and available at
most RV dealers. DO NOT USE STRONG ALKALINE
CLEANERS OR CLEANERS WITH ABRASIVES.
Waxing the exterior will further protect the outside
surfaces. USE A WAX FORMULATED FOR
FIBERGLASS. Follow the instructions found on the
product label.
When washing and waxing the exterior of your RV,
be sure to inspect all seams and trim for damaged or
missing sealants. Occasionally during washing some
sealants may be washed away, and harsh climates can
accelerate the deterioration of sealants. As a guideline,
inspect these areas four (4) times a year or whenever
the RV is washed or waxed, whichever is more frequent.
Unsealed areas can lead to expensive structure repairs
in the future.
The bonded fiberglass wall may show a “print through” of
the inner structure supports and beams. This is normal
and may be more evident in harsh climates.
Washing
The exterior of your new recreation vehicle is made of pre-
finished aluminum or fiberglass. Frequent washing and
thorough cleaning is recommended to prevent damage
to the vehicle finish caused by exposure to calcium
chloride, road tar, tree sap, insects and other foreign
material. Corrosive materials, such as those used for ice
and snow removal and dust control, also accumulate on
the underside of the vehicle. These materials should be
removed by flushing the underbelly regularly with water,
especially areas where mud and other foreign materials
collect. The change of corrosion can be minimized by
frequent washings of the vehicle.
Corrosion Protection
Your HEARTLAND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, LLC
recreational vehicle has been designed to withstand
normal environmental condition. But, the sand and
salt used on the highways and the salt spray in the air
near oceans can cause the metal components on your
recreational vehicle to corrode.
To protect your recreational vehicle from this corrosion,
it must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible after
exposure to these elements. Washing the undercarriage
with a high-pressure washer will remove the majority of