Starcraft Travel Star, Owner'S Manual

Page: 88 / 96

SECTION 11
STORAGE & MAINTENANCE TOWABLE
Some types of hot water washing equipment
apply high pressure and heat to the RV. They
may cause heat distortion and damage to the
resin parts and may flood the RV's interior.
Therefore, be sure to observe the following:
1. Keep the washing nozzle about 16 inches
(40 cm) or more away from the RV body.
2. When washing around the glass areas,
hold the nozzle at right angles to the glass
surface.
During cold weather
Salt and other chemicals that are spread on
winter roads in some geographical areas can
have a detrimental effect on the RV's
underbody. If your RV is exposed to these
conditions, spray the underbody with a high-
pressure hose every time you wash the
exterior of your RV. Take special care to
remove mud or other debris that could trap
and hold salt or moisture. After washing your
RV, wipe off all water drops from the rubber
parts around the slideout and doors.
If the slideout or door is frozen, opening it by
force may tear off or crack the rubber gasket
that is installed around the slideout or door.
Pour warm water on the gasket to melt the ice
(wipe off the water thoroughly after opening
the slideout or door). To prevent the weather
stripping from freezing, treat it with a silicone
spray.
Waxing your RV
Wax your RV once or twice a year, or when
painted surfaces do not shed water well. Use
a soft cloth to apply a small amount of wax to
the painted surfaces. After the wax has dried,
polish the RV with a dry, soft cloth.
Do not wax your RV in direct sunlight. Wax it
after the surfaces have cooled. Do not apply
wax to any area having a flat black finish as it
can cause discoloration. If the finish has been
stained with wax, wipe off the area with a soft
cloth and warm water.
When waxing the area around the various
openings, do not apply any wax on the
weatherstrip. If it is stained with wax, the
weatherstrip cannot maintain a weatherproof
seal around the opening.
Polishing your RV
If painted surfaces have been severely
damaged and have lost their original luster
and color tone, polish the surface lightly with
a fine polishing compound. Avoid limiting your
polishing to the damaged surface only; polish
a somewhat wider area, moving the polishing
cloth in one direction. After polishing, flush the
compound from the surface and apply a coat
of wax to regain a beautiful luster.
Damaged paint
To prevent corrosion, touch up small cracks
and scratches in the paint coat as soon as
possible with touch-up film or paint. Carefully
check the body areas facing the road and the
tires for damage to the paint coat caused by
flying stones, etc. To purchase touch-up
paint, use the closest automotive paint
(available locally) match possible.
Cleaning plastic parts
Use a sponge or chamois to clean plastic
parts. Use warm water and a soft cloth or
chamois to remove any white residue from
dark colored plastic surfaces.
Do not use a scrubbing brush or other hard
tools as they may damage the plastic surface.
Do not use wax containing abrasives that may
damage the plastic surface.
Do not use waxes containing high-abrasive
compounds. Such waxes remove rust and
stains effectively, but they are also harmful
to the luster of the surface, since they may
scrape off the coating. Further, they are
detrimental to glossy surfaces, such as the
grille, garnish, moldings, etc. Do not use
gasoline or paint thinners to remove road
tar or other contamination to the painted
surface.
Do not use a buffer and a buffing
compound as it may damage the exterior
surface. Please contact a professional
paint body shop for assistance.
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