Airstream INTERNATIONAL TRAILER Owner's Manual page 35

AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
EXTERIOR
Cleaning
As a general rule of thumb we recommend the trailer be washed about every four weeks and waxed in the
spring and fall. To make sure your new unit is always protected you should wax it immediately or have
your dealer wax it just prior to delivery. In industrial areas cleaning and waxing should be done on a more
frequent schedule.
CAUTION
: ABRASIVE POLISHES OR CLEANING SOLVENTS SUCH AS AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER OR ACID ETCH CLEANERS ARE TOO STRONG AND SHOULD NEVER BE
USED. RINSE ALL GRIT FROM SURFACE PRIOR TO WASHING. Use soft rags or wash mitts
always moving lengthwise with the trailer. NEVER rub hard on the coating. Even the softest rag will
damage the coating if excessive pressure is applied.
ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR TRAILER IN THE SHADE OR ON A CLOUDY DAY WHEN THE
ALUMINUM SKIN IS COOL. Oil, grease, dust and dirt may be removed by washing with any mild non-
abrasive soap or detergent. Cleaning should be followed by a thorough clean water rinse. Drying the unit
with a chamois or a soft cloth may prevent spots and streaks. WHEN WASHING OR POLISHING YOUR
TRAILER, ALWAYS WIPE "WITH" THE GRAIN OF THE METAL.
After cleaning and drying, a good grade of nonabrasive automotive paste or liquid wax will increase the life
of the finish, especially in coastal areas where the finish is exposed to salt air or in polluted industrial areas.
It will also protect the shell from minor scratches and make subsequent cleaning easier.
It is important to remove sap, gum, resin, asphalt, etc. as soon as possible after they appear by washing and
waxing. Sunlight and time will bake-harden these materials making them almost impossible to remove
without heavy buffing. If asphalt remains on the trailer after washing, use a small amount of kerosene on a
rag and wipe the spots individually, being careful not to scratch the finish.
If a substance is found on the coating that cannot be removed by normal washing procedures, Airstream
recommends using DX 330 Acryli-Clean made by PPG Industries. Follow all directions and warnings on
the product container. Acryli-Clean should be used by trained personnel only, using the proper equipment
under controlled conditions. Use the Acryli-Clean as sparingly as possible to remove glue, tar, and other
similar substance.
To keep your trailer looking new, paint the "A' frame, LPG tanks, and rear frame periodically.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used in external seams and joints such as end shell
segments and around window frames, light bezels, beltline and rub rail molding, etc. be checked regularly.
If this material has dried out and become cracked or checked, or if a portion has fallen out, it should be
replaced with fresh material to prevent possible rain leaks. Caulking and sealing material is available from
your Airstream dealer.
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