Washing Your Touring Coach; Body Kit - Airstream 2017 Interstate Owner's Manual

Washing Your Touring Coach

Make sure the touring coach's surface temperature
is not too hot, under 90°F, and not in direct sunlight�
A shady area is ideal for washing your vehicle, as
direct sunlight causes water and soap to evaporate
too fast, resulting in water spotting� Use a mild soap or
detergent�
Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo� Try
to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these
waxes cause buildup and are designed for smaller
surfaces� Have two dedicated sponges or wax mitts:
one for the paint finish and one for the wheels and
under carriage� Brushes or wash mitts that have plastic
bristles are acceptable for use on tires and wheel wells,
but are not intended for use on the paint finish. Avoid
using such items on painted surfaces, as they will
damage the touring coach paint and finish.
Wash the wheels and wheel wells first as this removes
heavy dirt and debris and prevents it from splattering
on already clean panels� Wet the entire area down to
remove loose dirt and grime, and hand wash one area
at time using your dedicated paint finish sponge or
wash mitt� Wash from the top and work your way down,
frequently rinsing to minimize grit abrasion� Follow with
a final rinse of water.
This process will remove most contamination from
the touring coach's surface� For stubborn stains such
as road tar, use an ammonia-based glass cleaner or
a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth
immediately followed by warm soapy water and rinse
with clean water� This may not dissolve the road tar, but
will loosen tar and bugs stains and remove them from
the surface� Do not use solvent-based cleaners on bird
droppings or tree sap as these are water-based stains
and will eventually dissolve using an ammonia-based
glass cleaner, warm soapy water and a little "elbow
grease�" Once again, after removing stubborn stains
immediately rinse with clean water�
Drying the touring coach is just as important as
washing your vehicle as today's tap water and well
water contain many chemicals that could water stain
your touring coach's finish. We suggest using a damp
natural or synthetic chamois, however, there are other
drying products such as lint free micro-fiber towels that
work just as well�
Follow the simple cautionary measures, and your new
finish will give you maximum gloss and durability.
2017 Interstate
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used
in external seams and joints such as window frames,
light bezels, beltline, and rub-rail molding, etc�, be
checked regularly� If this material has dried out and
becomes 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 touring coach dealer and most RV
supply stores�

Body Kit

The body kit provided by Airstream is made from state-
of-the-art high impact plastic� The same material is
used in the automotive industry for moldings, bumper
guards, and trim. The kit is made to color specifications
and requires no paint or finish. The cleaning
procedures are the same as the painted finish on the
Sprinter body; however, there are several automotive
plastic care products on the market for exterior parts
that will provide added protection from UV ray damage,
dirt, and stains� Find one you like and use it as often as
needed to help prevent fading�
Exterior
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