SECTION 11 –
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
11-4
caused by routine cornering and turning, and by
uneven road surfaces, such as bumps, potholes,
railroad tracks and parking lot entrances.
Inspect the exterior fiberglass shell
periodically for cracks which may represent a
threat to the integrity of the fiberglass.
Minute cracks in the surface, commonly
called "spider cracks" or "hairline cracks" caused
by normal flexing of the fiberglass exterior are
normal and typically pose no threat to the
integrity of the vehicle other than appearance.
However, if a crack has opened up and the
weave of the cloth is visible, this does represent a
threat to the integrity of the fiberglass and must
be repaired or covered as quickly as possible to
avoid penetration by moisture, especially in
freezing climates.
If the fiberglass has been damaged and
contains cracks, tears or holes, use plastic
sheeting and duct tape, if necessary, to prevent
moisture from damaging the sidewall material or
the interior of the coach.
EXTERIOR GRAPHIC CARE
The pressure-sensitive graphics on your coach
require very little maintenance. In order to allow
the graphics to have the longest life possible, the
following steps should be taken.
•
Wash graphics with plain soap and water or
any car wash detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
•
High pressure water spray may loosen or
damage graphics. Keep spray nozzle at least
1 1/2 feet from the edge of the graphics.
•
Test any cleaning solution on a small section
of graphic before using.
•
Never use aromatic solvents such as acetone,
M.E.K., toulene, paint thinner or lacquer
thinner on graphics. Solvents may soften the
vinyl and smear colors.
•
Gasoline or other fuels spilled on graphics
should be rinsed off immediately with water.
•
Do not apply paint or clearcoat over the
graphics.
•
Do not apply wax over the graphics,
especially wax containing petroleum
distillates. Wax that has dried along the edge
of a graphic can be removed with cotton
swabs after softening it with isopropyl
alcohol. Rinse area thoroughly after cleaning.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Most Winnebago Industries
®
vehicles have
polycarbonate lenses on exterior lamps, which
are very sensitive to a variety of chemical
solvents and cleaners.
Use only soap and water to clean exterior
lamp lenses, especially headlights.
•
Contact with certain chemicals can cause
etching, “crazing” or cracking of the lens,
which can significantly reduce the lens clarity
and effectiveness of the lamp and may require
replacement of the complete lamp housing.
•
Some popular citric acid cleaners may cause
polycarbonate lenses to become “hazy” or
“foggy”.
•
Do not use a pressure washer to clean
headlights.
•
Inspect and operate the lights regularly to
confirm proper operation and mounting
condition.
PLASTIC PARTS – CLEANING
Many parts in your motorhome, such as the
dash, exterior light lenses, and certain exterior
body panels are made of high-impact plastic
materials that can be damaged by wiping with
solvents or improper cleaning products.
Always try cleaning plastic parts with the
mildest cleaners first and work your way up to
stronger cleaning products. Use the following
cautionary lists as a guide when selecting
cleaning products to use on plastic parts.
