SECTION 12
STORAGE & MAINTENANCE
95
REAR BUMPER
The rear bumper of your RV is not designed
to carry cargo. Items that extend beyond the
bumper OR weigh over 100 lbs. (45kg) will
place undo strain on the bumper. The 100 lb.
bumper capacity includes the weight of the
spare tire that may have been attached at the
factory.
Some items may fall within the given weight
range, however, can still cause damage. Over
time, weight added to the bumper will cause
damage from the motion created while
traveling. In addition, extra weight behind the
axle may reduce the hitch weight (leading to
adverse handling conditions from wind gusts
and/or passing traffic).
SEALANTS
Water is a RV’s worst enemy when it enters
where it is not intended. Sealants perform a
very important function; they must be
inspected closely and be regularly
maintained.
We incorporate many different types of
sealants, including butyl/putty, black butyl-
encapsulated foam, silicone (clear and
colored), roof sealant, foam, etc. In general,
sealants do not have “set” lifetimes. Varying
environmental factors affect the pliability and
adhesiveness of sealants.
Sealants can be affected by ultraviolet
exposure, air pollution, extreme temperatures
and exposure to other elements. Conditions
such as rain, salt, dust and pollution may
increase the need to maintain your RV’s
sealants. Checking the sealants is considered
customer maintenance.
It is recommended that you or your dealer
Inspect all sealants a minimum of every six
months. Make sure to check the roof and all
four sides of the RV including all moldings,
windows, doors, vents and exterior
attachments. Reseal as necessary and at
least one time each year as preventative
maintenance.
Replace sealant and cap seal if you notice
any cracks, gaps, lifting, looseness,
peeling, shrinkage, voids or any sign of
physical deterioration. Complete your
repairs immediately to prevent damage to
your RV.
Always use the same type of sealant
originally used to build your RV. Consult
your dealer for assistance with the proper
sealant(s) to use on the specific area(s) of
your RV.
If you notice water inside the RV,
immediately have the dealer check for the
source of the leak. Failure to correct the
leak may result in serious damage to your
RV; this damage may not be warrantable.
Although the following diagrams may not
accurately reflect the exact model of your RV,
make sure you inspect all sealants as
indicated in the text. If you have questions
and/or need assistance with sealing your RV,
consult with your dealer.
Do not add items to the RV rear bumper.
Add-on items will eventually damage your
bumper. Damage caused by such
aftermarket equipment installation or
improper loading voids the Towable
Limited Warranty.
Failure to properly maintain or reseal your
RV may result in serious water damage to
the roof and other parts of the RV. This
damage is not covered by the Towable
Limited Warranty.
To check the exterior sidewall sealants,
use a stepladder placed safely beside the
RV. Do not prop a ladder against the body
of the RV as it may damage the finish.
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