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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
This section explains why it is important to keep your
RV well maintained, how to preserve the
appearance of the exterior and interior and to follow
basic maintenance safety precautions. Also included
are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion.
This section also includes Maintenance
Schedules for when service should be performed on
your camper and instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of yourself. Regularly
maintaining your camper is the best way to protect
your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to
your safety and will also reward you with many years
of trouble-free use of your trailer.
The Maintenance Schedules specifies how often you
should have your RV serviced and what things
need attention. It is essential that you have your
trailer serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of
safety and dependability.
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Some exterior parts of your RV are made of
fiberglass, metal, rubber and plastic materials. The
finish on these parts is durable, but not indestructible.
Any material and finish will deteriorate over time.
Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and airborne pollutants
can chemically alter the composition of the base and
finish materials and cause dulling and fading of the
finish. Generally, changes in the finish due to
weathering are cosmetic. They are on the surface of
the part and do not affect its strength.
The best insurance against these effects is routine
maintenance. If the finish is not washed thoroughly
and waxed, the surface can deteriorate very rapidly.
The following guidelines can help you reduce these
weathering effects:
Wash the exterior at least once a month using a mild
liquid detergent. Never use strong abrasives to clean
the exterior surfaces. Wash your RV in a shady
area, not in direct sunlight. If the camper is parked in
the sun, move it into the shade and let the exterior
cool down before you start. Chemical solvents and
strong cleaners can damage the siding, roofing, metal
and plastic trims on your trailer. Rinse the RV
thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt. Fill a
bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild detergent, such
as dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for
auto or RV washing. Wash the trailer using the water
and mild detergent solution and a soft-bristle brush,
sponge, or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your
way down. Rinse frequently. Check the surface for
road tar, tree sap, etc. Remove these stains with tar
remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it
does not harm the finish. Remember to re-wax these
areas, even if the rest of the RV does not need
waxing. When you have washed and rinsed the whole
exterior, dry it with a chamois or soft towel. Letting it
air-dry will cause dulling and water spots. As you dry
your trailer, inspect around the seals and repair as
necessary.
Wax the exterior at least once a year, preferably twice.
Use automotive waxes or cleaners/polishes developed
for use on fiberglass boats, showers and tubs. Be sure
to follow the directions on the wax container. Some
cleaners and waxes are recommended for use on only
certain types of surfaces. Exterior streaking is reduced
with more frequent waxing.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or rubbing compounds.
Always wash and dry the whole RV before waxing it.
Rubbing alcohol can be used on caulking that show
signs of yellowing.
You should clean your roof at least four (4) times a
year. For normal cleaning use a mild liquid detergent
and water mixture, with a soft nylon brush or sponge.
Do not use solid or granulated cleaners, as they will mar
the finish. For more difficult stains, use a cloth dampened
with mineral spirits.
DO NOT
use mineral spirits in a large area or allow it to
soak into the roof membrane.
ROOF IS SLIPPERY WHEN WET
EXTERIOR GRAPHICS
The pressure sensitive vinyl graphics installed on the
exterior surface of your RV require little
maintenance and should be treated similarly to a
painted surface. The following cleaning and
maintenance recommendations should be followed to
ensure the maximum appearance and performance of
your exterior graphics.
Wash your graphics with the same solution as noted
above for washing the exterior of your RV. Be
sure to rinse thoroughly.
Test any cleaning solution on a small section of the
graphic before using the cleaning solution on a larger
surface. A non-abrasive cleaner, suitable for high
quality painted surfaces, is recommended. The
cleaning solution should be neither high acidic nor
highly alkaline; a pH range of 3 to 11 is recommended.
The cleaning solution should be free of strong solvents
or alcohol. Avoid contact of window cleaners that
contain ammonia.
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