Fleetwood Pace Arrow - Washing; Drying; Waxing

58
Discovery, Discovery LXE, Pace Arrow, and
The consequence of using
LMC is that it is highly corrosive
to all metals, plastics and can
even destroy rebar embedded in
concrete. After application, road
trafc will cause LMC to become
an airborne vapor traveling as
much as 2000 feet from the point
of origin. Vehicles located within
that distance, even when stored
outside, are exposed to the same
corrosive affects as vehicles
traveling over a road treated with
LMC. LMC lowers the freeze
point allowing moisture to further
penetrate surfaces, and remains
active down to 27% humidity. Foot
trafc will also track road salt and
LMC into living spaces.
While most sand, road salt
and LMC accumulation can be
washed away through use of a
high-pressure washer, road salt and
LMC is still bonded to all exposed
surfaces including paint. Only
chemical washing can neutralize
road salts or LMC. However,
chemical washing can only
neutralize open surfaces. LMC and
road salt remains trapped between
mating surfaces and will corrode
wiring as well.
Local or state governments
determine what to apply to the
road surface during winter months
and substances can change by
location. It is possible to encounter
one or all of these substances
while driving. Only regular
weekly washing of the exterior and
undercarriage can slow corrosion
during the winter months. No
single treatment can be used to
eliminate and neutralize the affects
of these corrosive substances.
Diligent washing and awareness
of what substances applied to
the road surface will dictate if
a neutralizing agent must be
applied to help slow the process
of corrosion to exterior surfaces
including the paint nish.
Therefore; it is up to the
motorhome owner to perform
regular washing maintenance and
neutralize any corrosive agent
applied to the roadway by local or
state governments.
Washing
The recreational vehicle is
painted with a “base coat, clear
coat system.” Clear coat is a
polyurethane-based material that
brings out the shine and luster
to the base coat paint. Periodic
cleaning will help to preserve the
nish. Care should be used when
washing the recreational vehicle.
Use only mild soap or (preferred)
specically designed automotive
shampoo. Do not use abrasive
cleansers or laundry detergents
as these will scratch the clear
coat and leave a soap lm. Use
a soft cotton cloth or specially
designed microber and/or wool
washing mitt when washing the
paint nish. Do not use a brush
as it can scratch the surface and
damage the clear coat. Remove
most of the accumulated dirt and
road wash behind wheel openings
and the rear of the recreational
vehicle before washing. If build
up is excessive, run water over
a soft cotton cloth while gently
wiping the surface in a downward
direction. This will help oat
away the build up from the
clear coat. Avoid using back and
forth or circular motions when
washing away build up as this
can trap particulates and scratch
the clear coat leaving a haze and
swirl marks that will require a
professional to repair.
After removing the heavy build
up then wash the recreational
vehicle. Start washing at the top
working towards the bottom. If
possible, wash the recreational
vehicle in a shaded area when the
exterior is not hot to the touch.
If necessary, turn the recreational
vehicle around to keep the area
being washed in the shade. Keep
the surface wet and try not to allow
the washing solution to dry before
rinsing. Use plenty of water when
rinsing the surface to remove all
washing residue.
Drying
Chamois cloths come in natural
and synthetic materials. Either type
is acceptable as long as the surface
is clean. Soak the chamois in clean
water, then wring it dry. Remove
the water from the surface, starting
at the top and working towards
the bottom, using a downward “S”
pattern. Wring out the chamois
as needed. Using a chamois cloth
to remove the rinse water is not
necessary, but the effort can be
worthwhile.
Waxing
It is recommended to wax the
motorhome twice a year: spring
and fall. Many types of protective
barriers are available today that
may be applied to the clear coat:
glazes, waxes, polishes, rubbing
compounds or combinations of
these products.
NOTE:
Use a grease and wax
remover before applying
another coat of wax.
Chemicals can become
trapped between layers of
wax, possibly damaging the
paint finish.
INFORMATION:
When selecting a
product, follow the
product manufacturer’s
recommended application
instructions.