36
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 trailer and
instructions for simple maintenance tasks you may
want to take care of yourself. Regularly maintaining
your trailer 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 RV 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.
To Next Page
Loading...