Cayman 2006 Exterior & Interior Care — Section 3 • 67
EXTERIOR CARE
Corrosion
The most common cause of corrosion to the motorhome exterior is accumulation of road salts, grime and dirt.
These elements, combined with moisture, may possibly cause early component failure. The undercarriage, around
wheel openings and the radiator charge air cooler package require periodic cleaning to prevent component failure
caused by corrosive materials collected from roadways. If the motorhome is driven in areas where road salts are
used it should be washed at least once a week. Otherwise, it is recommended to hose off the undercarriage area
at least once a month to help minimize the corrosion process. High-pressure washers or steam cleaners are the
most effective way of cleaning off the underside and inside wheel openings. Avoid directly spraying the painted
surface with a high-pressure washer.
CAUTION:
Exercise caution when cleaning the radiator charge air cooler package. Damage to the fins
can result when using a high-pressure washer or steam cleaner. Nozzle discharge pressure
can exceed 1800 psi. Avoid using high-pressure steam cleaners on the exterior paint surfaces.
Remove all spattered washing debris from the exterior paint surfaces as soon as possible.
Washing
Periodic cleaning will help to preserve the paint fi nish. The motorhome is painted with a “base coat, clear coat
system.” Clear coat is a polyurethane-based material which brings out the shine and luster to the base coat paint.
Care should be used when washing the motorhome. Use only mild detergents or specifi cally designed automotive
detergents. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or laundry detergents that will scratch the clear coat and leave a soap
fi lm. Use a soft cloth to wash the paint fi nish. Avoid using brushes as they can scratch the surface and damage the
paint. Before washing the motorhome, remove most of the accumulated dirt from behind wheel openings, below
the windshield and on the rear of the motorhome. If build-up is excessive, run water over a soft cotton cloth
while gently wiping the surface in one direction. This will help fl oat away the build-up from the clear coat. Avoid
back and forth or circular motions as this may act like sandpaper, scratching the clear coat and leaving a haze or
swirl marks. After removing the heavy build-up, use the mixed detergent solution to wash the motorhome. Start
washing at the top of the motorhome and work towards the bottom. If possible, wash the motorhome in a shaded
area when the exterior is not hot to the touch. If necessary, turn the motorhome around to keep the area being
washed in the shade. Try not to allow the detergent to dry onto the clear coat surface. Use plenty of water when
rinsing the surface to remove all detergent 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 by 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.
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