INFORMATION
This section is on general cleaning. Some of the articles within “Exterior & Interior Care - Section 3” may
not apply to all models. Improper or inadequate maintenance may affect your warranty coverage. Please
review this section carefully. For more information, see the terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty
in the front of this Manual.
exterIor care
Corrosion
The most common cause of corrosion to the motorhome exterior is accumulation of road salt, grime and dirt. These
elements, combined with moisture, may possibly cause early component failure. The undercarriage, around wheel
openings and the radiator charge air cooler package require periodic cleaning to prevent component failure caused
from corrosive materials collected on roadways. If the motorhome is stored or driven near the ocean or in areas where
road salts are used, wash it at least once a week, including the undercarriage. Otherwise, hose off the undercarriage
area at least once a month to help minimize the corrosion process. High-pressure washers or steam cleaners are the
most effective way of cleaning off the undercarriage and inside wheel openings. However, these devices can cause
damage. Avoid directly spraying the painted surface with a high-pressure washer of any type. Also avoid directly
spraying electrical wiring, connectors or electro-mechanical components with high pressure.
CAUTION:
It is up to the motorhome owner to properly wash and protect the motorhome and its components from
corrosion. Sources of corrosion include road surfaces treated with de-icing agents and atmospheric
conditions, such as those found in coastal regions.
CAUTION:
Exercise caution when cleaning the radiator charge air cooler package. Damage to the fins can result when
using a high pressure washer or steam cleaner. The nozzle discharge pressure of these devices can exceed
1800 psi. Also avoid using high pressure/high temperature steam cleaners on the exterior paint surfaces.
Remove all spattered washing debris from the exterior paint surfaces as soon as possible.
Winter Drive Protection
Various substances and chemicals are applied to roadways to reduce hazardous winter driving conditions.
These substances can include rock salt, sand, gravel or chemical applications such as LMC
(Liquid Magnesium
Chloride)
. Road salts are known for their corrosive properties to steel and other metals. Road salt can also damage
other vehicle components and materials. Vehicles located in or traveling through areas where road salt is used
are subject to rapid corrosion. LMC is a moisture activated chemical applied directly to the road surface for the
purpose of lowering the freeze point of water. According to published information, LMC is a suitable replacement
for road salt or sanding.
The drawback is that LMC is highly corrosive to all metals and plastics and can even destroy rebar embedded in
concrete. After application, road traffic causes LMC to become airborne vapor traveling as much as 2,000 ft. from
the point of origin. Vehicles located within that distance, even when stored outside, are exposed to the same corrosive
affects as vehicles traveling over a road treated with LMC. LMC lowers the freeze point allowing moisture to further
penetrate surfaces and remains active down to 27% humidity. Foot traffic will also track road salt and LMC into
living spaces.
While most sand, road salt and LMC accumulation can be washed away through use of a high-pressure washer, road
salt and LMC is still bonded to all exposed surfaces including paint. Only chemical washing can neutralize road salts
or LMC. However, chemical washing can only neutralize open surfaces. LMC and road salt remains trapped between
mating surfaces and will corrode wiring as well.
Local or state governments determine what is applied during winter months and these substances can change by
location. It is possible to encounter one or all of these substances while driving. Only regular weekly washing of
the exterior and undercarriage can slow corrosion during the winter months. No single treatment can be used to
eliminate and neutralize the affects of these corrosive substances. Diligent washing and awareness of what substances
applied to the road surface will dictate if a neutralizing agent must be applied to help slow the process of corrosion
to exterior surfaces including the paint finish. Therefore; it is up to the motorhome owner to perform regular washing
maintenance and neutralize any corrosive agent applied to the roadway by local or state governments.