SECTION 11 -
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
11-2
weight to the vehicle. This, in effect, reduces the
amount of cargo you can carry and remain within
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Corrosive materials, such as those used for ice
and snow removal and dust control, can also
accumulate on the underside of a vehicle. These
materials should be removed by flushing the
undercarriage regularly with water, especially
horizontal surfaces, cavities and other areas
where mud and other deposits may collect.
EXTERIOR FINISH
The exterior surface of your motor home has
an automotive gel-coated fiberglass finish.
Follow these precautions to keep it looking its
best and preserve maximum gloss and durability.
Parking
• Avoid parking under trees. Rinse bird
droppings and tree sap off as soon as possible.
Lukewarm soapy water can help speed up the
cleaning process.
• Avoid parking near ocean salt spray.
• Avoid parking near factories with heavy
smoke or industrial fallout
Driving
• Gravel roads should be avoided.
• Antifreeze, fuel, or window solution spilled
on plastic surfaces, decals and appliques
should be rinsed off immediately with water.
• Bugs and bird droppings should be rinsed off
with water or washed with lukewarm soapy
water daily.
Washing
• Frequent washing and thorough cleaning is
recommended to prevent damage to the finish
from exposure to damaging salts, calcium
chloride, road tar, tree sap, insects and other
foreign material.
• Do not use strong soaps or detergents for
washing the motor home.
• Wash with cool water out of direct sun light
using a mild liquid soap (any ‘no-tears’ baby
shampoo can be used). Never wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle
surface is hot.
• Be careful when using pressure-type washers
to avoid loosening exterior decals or sealants.
NOTE: Avoid aiming water flow from a hose or
spray from high pressure washing
equipment into any appliance intake
because damage or difficulty in
operating appliances may occur.
• Commercial vehicle wash facilities should be
avoided. Revolving brushes, ‘soaking’
solutions and high pressure water spray may
damage sealants, decals and appliques.
• Pressure-sensitive appliques or decals on your
coach require very little maintenance, but
should be treated like any painted surface on
your vehicle. Wash with mild soap and water
and rinse thoroughly. See “Care of Appliques
and Decals” for details.
• After washing the coach, carefully inspect
sealant around window frames and vents and
any other joints that may have loosened or
separated. See “Sealants” at the beginning of
this section for details.
Waxing and Polishing
When water will not bead up and roll off the
finish of your freshly washed vehicle, a coat of
automotive wax may be applied to the finish.
Wax not only improves the appearance of the
vehicle, but protects the finish against oxidation
and corrosive substances.
We recommend using a wax that is compatible
with painted and gel-coated fiberglass finishes.
CAUTION
Never use a strong solvent such as
lacquer thinner, or harsh abrasives on
plastics, decals and painted surfaces.
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