Tiffin Motorhomes 2014 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual

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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –PHAETON® Chapter 13 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
13-2
Washing
Since 2003, Volatile Organic Compound regulations (formulated by EPA)
prohibit the use of lead in paint. Lead made paint quite hard to prevent
oxidation. Since 2003, paint manufacturing companies have had to find a
new base for their
paints. The paint on your Tiffin motor home has a polyurethane base called
Diamont. While multiple layers of clear coat sealants protect the paint
against oxidation, the sealant must be protected from deterioration or the
paint will oxidize faster than the lead based paints of prior years.
Paint manufacturers advise against using harsh cleaners such as Simple
Green, Mr. Clean, or liquid dish washing soaps. The degreasing agents in
these cleaners leave a residue on the sealant, which soften and damage the
clear coat in time. It’s akin to the sticky residue felt on a linoleum floor after cleaning the floor with any heavy duty,
degreasing cleaner.
Baby shampoo provides an effective yet gentle cleaner. Without the typical heavy degreasers of most detergents, baby
shampoo cleans without fear of leaving a residue to gum up the clear coat finish. Generally one ounce (1 oz.) is all you
need per five gallon bucket of water. Also, add one-half to one cup of food grade distilled white vinegar to your wash
bucket. If your water is soft, one-half cup is sufficient. Hard water requires a full cup per five gallon bucket.
Vinegar serves a two-fold purpose. First, it boosts the cleaning ability of the baby shampoo so you don’t need as much.
Second, food grade vinegar is made from grain and slightly acidic. The naturally occurring acid neutralizes the alkaline
in the water to prevent water spots from forming. Make certain your jug of vinegar states “food grade” or “made for
pickles,” otherwise it may be made from petroleum.
Sliding manufacturers for years have recommended using 100% cotton pads like Sof Wash for washing. Since the
introduction of the new lead free paints, lambswool, even softer than cotton, is now recommended. Tiffin Motorhomes
uses the lambswool pad carried by Mary Moppins. It allows you to safely wash your coach from the ground.
Do not mistake lambswool with imitations. Imitation pads are made from 100% polyester, which is plastic. Plastic
imitations will scratch the finish—but the scratches are so minute that they are barely noticeable at first. Eventually,
continued scratching will remove the clear coat from the surface of your coach, vehicle, boat, floor, cabinets, and
furniture. For this same reason avoid microfiber products to wash or dry your motor home, car, boat, airplane,
motorcycle, vehicle, furniture, or cabinets. Microfiber is made from 80% polyester.
Important
Damage caused by improperly performed maintenance or inadequate maintenance
is not covered by your Tiffin Motorhomes Limited Warranty.
Figure 13-1. Typical Motor Home Exterior
Exterior Care