Monaco 2009 Knight, Owner'S Manual

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1
2009
K
night
Exterior & Interior Care - 3
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.
Washing
Periodic cleaning will help to preserve the
paint finish. The motorhome is painted with a
“base coat, clear coat system.” Clear coat is a
polyurethane-based material which brings out
the shine and luster to the base coat paint. Care
should be used when washing the motorhome.
Use only mild detergents or (preferred)
specifically designed automotive detergents.
Avoid abrasive cleansers or laundry detergents
that will scratch the clear coat and leave a soap
film. Use a soft cloth to wash the paint finish.
Avoid brushes as they can scratch the surface
and damage the paint. Before washing the
motorhome, remove most of the accumulated
dirt and “road wash” behind wheel openings,
below the windshield and on the rear of the
motorhome. If build up is excessive, run water
over a soft cotton cloth while gently wiping the
surface in one direction. This will help float
away the “build-up” from the clear coat. Avoid
back and forth or circular motions as this may
act like sandpaper, scratching the clear coat
and leaving a haze or “swirl marks.” After
removing the heavy build-up, use the mixed
detergent solution to wash the motorhome.
Start washing at the top of the motorhome
working towards the bottom. If possible, wash
the motorhome in a shaded area when the
exterior is not hot to the touch. If necessary,
turn the motorhome around to keep the area
being washed in the shade. Try not to allow
the detergent to dry onto the clear coat surface.
Use plenty of water when rinsing the surface
to remove all detergent residue.
Drying
Chamois cloths come in natural and synthetic
materials. Either type is acceptable as long
as the surface is clean. Soak the chamois in
clean water, then wring it dry. Remove the
water from the surface, starting at the top
and working towards the bottom, using a
downward “S” pattern. Wring out the chamois
as needed. Using a chamois cloth to remove
the rinse water is not necessary, but the effort
can be worthwhile.
Waxing
It is recommended to wax the motorhome
twice a year: spring and fall. Many types of
protective barriers are available today that may
be applied to the clear coat: glazes, waxes,
polishes, rubbing compounds or combinations
of these products.
NOTE
Use a grease and wax remover
before applying another coat of
wax. Chemicals can become trapped
between layers of wax, possibly
damaging the paint finish.
INFORMATION
When selecting a product, follow the
product manufacturer’s recommended
application instructions.
Types of Products:
Glazes -
Glazes are generally used
to fill very fine scratches in the
clear coat. They are applied either
by hand or by using a polisher with
a special pad.
Waxes - Waxes come in many
types of chemical make-up. Most
contain cleaning agents, lubricants
and wax. Cleaning agents remove
oxidation and leave a high gloss
and wax leaves a clear film that
protects the finish.
Polishes -
Polishes combine wax
based substances with abrasives
to clean and polish at the same
time. These products can be too
abrasive for clear coats and are not
recommended for use.
Rubbing Compounds - These
types of products are generally
applied by using a buffer. The use
of rubbing compounds should be
left to professionals as undesired
results can quickly occur. These
types of products are generally
used to correct or flatten a surface
by removing high spots or small
amounts of material.
When selecting a product, the container
should be marked, “safe for clear coats”
or “clear coat safe.” Carefully follow the
application instructions when using a product.
Upon first use of a product, try it on a small
test spot in an inconspicuous area in case an
undesired reaction occurs.