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Sealant Renewal
The adhesives and sealants used in the construction of your camper were developed to remain waterproof under sustained effects of
weather and vibration. However, even the finest materials will eventually dry out and lose their effectiveness under the constant heat
of the sun, attack by other elements and road vibration. This section outlines the procedures that you must follow to maintain the
weather-resistant integrity of you camper.
Leak damage caused by neglecting to follow these procedures may affect your warranty.
Your
Pleasant Valley
Dealer can perform the resealing inspection and work for you, and has current information on sealants used in
your camper and can recommend the appropriate sealants if you prefer to do this work yourself. Always use the recommended
sealants.
To protect your camper from possible water intrusion damage, your unit should be inspected thoroughly and resealed bi-annually.
Inspect the sealant around the roof moldings, windows and doors at least every six months. If any of the following are evident during
inspection, the affected areas must be resealed:
Weathering or drying of sealant.
Sealant cracked or peeling.
Voids in sealant.
Shrunken or separated sealant.
Clean all areas to be resealed with mineral spirits. Make sure that all areas to be resealed are absolutely dry before new
sealant is applied.
Mineral spirits is a flammable liquid. Use extreme care when handling. Do not expose to open flame, sparks, or smoking
materials. Do not use in unventilated areas.
Check and tighten any loose fasteners. Be careful not to over-tighten, or stripping will occur.
If you find any of the above:
If areas on the roof need to be resealed, remove any loose or cracked sealant being careful not to damage the roof. Use a wooden or
plastic scraper that will not gouge, pierce, or otherwise damage the roof. The roof can be cut or punctured by sharp objects.
Apply the new sealant in a continuous bead along the seams and flanges, being careful not to leave any voids. Apply enough sealant to
flow over the heads of all fasteners.
Allow at least 48 hours for the sealant to set completely (firm and tack-free when pushed with the thumb) before washing or waxing
the camper.
Doors and Windows
Lubricate door hinges, locks and window mechanisms periodically with powdered graphite. Clean window frames and tracks to
ensure easy operation. Clean the glass windows, inside and out, with a commercially available glass cleaner. You can also use a
mixture of one-part white vinegar to ten parts water. This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the glass windows. Use
a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass. Clean the seals with a damp cloth or mild detergent every three to six months, taking
care not to 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. This is a good practice for all the rubber seals in your camper. If the camper is exposed to salt air, more frequent
lubrication will be required.
Acrylic Windows/Skylight
Keep your acrylic windows and/or skylight vent looking and performing like new by using the proper care, products and techniques,
and by understanding a little about the material you are working with. Acrylic windows and/or skylight vents can be scratched with a
rough cloth, harsh soaps, or cleaning products and these must be avoided. When cleaning a window/skylight vent always remove as
much abrasive dirt as possible without touching the surface. It’s also a good idea to remove jewelry, which can cause deep scratches.
Ideally this would involve flushing the surface with water and allowing the accumulated bug residue to soak, possibly with a mild dish
washing liquid added to the water. Use a non-abrasive soap or detergent and water. Use a soft sponge, cloth or chamois and rinse often
to keep it free of grit. Wash up and down or side to side, never is a circular motion. After a final flushing with more water carefully
dry with a clean soft cloth, a good rule of thumb is to gently (let the weight of the cloth do the work) wick up the excess water on your
first pass which will also wick up any residual loose particles. With windows, start at the top of the window and work down turning
the cloth to a fresh side after each pass. Again do not use a circular motion on the windows/skylight vent. Acrylic Cleaning Kits are
available from your
Pleasant Valley
Dealer.
NOTE:
Never use abrasive, caustic cleaners, alcohol or solvents as they can cause permanent damage to the finish.
