SECTION 14 CARE & MAINTENANCE
14-1
14 - CARE & MAINTENA
NCE
SEALANTS
Water is a recreational vehicle’s worst enemy
when it is allowed to enter where it’s not intend-
ed. Sealants perform a very important function
and should be inspected closely and maintained
regularly. Winnebago Industries utilizes many
different types of sealants.
Refer to Sealant Specification page at the end
of this section.
Sealants, in general, do not have “set” life-
times. Varying environmental factors affect the
pliability and adhesiveness of sealants. You or
your dealer must:
•
Inspect all sealants, a minimum of every six
months. (A quick walk around before trips
will help prevent potential problems during
trips and vacations.)
* Inspect the moldings, windows, clear-
ance lights, compartment doors and all
their attachments.
* Check for cracks, voids, gaps, breaks,
adhesion, and any sign of physical deteri-
oration.
NOTE: Proper sealant inspection includes not
just visual observation but running a
finger along sealant seams to verify
proper adhesion to the surface. Any
loosened areas must be replaced.
•
Have the sealant replaced if you notice any
of the above. Your local Winnebago Indus-
tries dealer has the correct and necessary
parts and experience to help you maintain
your sealants.
•
Always use the same type sealant that was
removed.
•
Immediately have dealership check mold-
ings, windows and exterior attachments for
leak source if you notice water inside of unit.
ROOF
The roof is made of Thermo-Panel materials
like the walls and floor. It will support the weight
of an average adult should it become necessary to
repair the roof or roof mounted components. It is
not recommended, however, that very large or
heavy objects be carried on the roof while the ve-
hicle is in motion. (See Section 3 for roof loading
specifications.) Always have damage to the roof
area repaired immediately. Damaged or detached
sealant around the vents, air conditioner, body-
to-roof seams, etc., should also receive immedi-
ate attention. Delaying these repairs may allow
water leakage and result in damage to interior
ceiling and body panels, upholstery, etc., which
is not covered by the limited warranty.
UNDERBODY
Buildup of mud and dirt under the body can
cause damaging rust on steel parts and can add
needless weight to the vehicle. This, in effect, re-
duces the amount of cargo you can carry and re-
main within GVWR and GAWR limits.
Corrosive materials, such as those used for ice
and snow removal and dust control, also accumu-
late on the underside of a vehicle. These materi-
als should be removed by flushing the underbody
regularly with water, especially areas where mud
and other foreign materials collect.
NOTE: Anytime an RV technician is beneath the
coach or it is on a hoist for service, have
the underbody and chassis checked for
proper condition, clearance and routing
of hydraulic hoses and wires for slideout
rooms to avoid kinks or leaks and
pinched wires, etc.
Sealants must be inspected every 6
months and resealed if necessary.
CAUTION
