Exterior Care; Exterior Care; How To Care For Your Touring Coach Finish; Washing Your Touring Coach - Airstream Rangeline 2023 Owner's Manual

Exterior

Exterior Care

Please refer to the Ram ProMaster manual for
information on maintaining the bodywork� Airstream
provides the following additional information to help
you understand the finish and its care. Following these
instructions will provide a long-lasting, high-gloss finish
for your recreational vehicle�
NOTE
Airstream's information on finish care may provide
additional information and tips on the use of the
Ram ProMaster Van as a touring coach; however,
no information about the exterior finish of your
touring coach in this manual should be interpreted
as advice or directions to disregard or void the
warnings, cautions, or other information contained
in the Ram ProMaster's manuals.

How to Care for Your Touring Coach Finish

Keeping your touring coach looking its best always
involves keeping the paint finish clean and in good
condition� It is essential to wash and polish periodically;
should the paint finish ever be damaged and need
repair, do so as soon as possible� The purpose of the
paint finish is twofold:
• Provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance�
• Protect the vehicle from the environment�
Your touring coach is exposed to many environmental
conditions that have an adverse effect on the paint
finish:
1� Road salts and sodium chloride
2� Road tar/bugs
3� Bird droppings/tree sap
4� Industrial fallout/acid rain/pollution
5� Ultraviolet exposure and moisture
The most common problems resulting from these
conditions are corrosion, staining, and chemical
spotting� Minimize these issues by regularly-scheduled
washing and polishing�
Regularly check the caulking and sealant used in
external seams and joints, such as window frames,
light bezels, beltline, and rub-rail molding� 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�
6-2

Washing Your Touring Coach

The first step to caring for the exterior should always
be to wash the surface prior to applying wax or polish�
Ensure 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 spots� Use a mild soap or detergent�
Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo�
Avoid combination wash-n-wax products, as these
waxes cause buildup� Have two dedicated sponges
or wax mitts: one for the paint finish and one for the
wheels and undercarriage� Brushes or wash mitts with
plastic bristles are acceptable for use on tires and
wheel wells but 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, preventing
splattering on already clean panels� Using a different
sponge/wash mit, wash the body 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�
These products may not dissolve the road tar but will
loosen tar and bug 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�" 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, other drying
products, such as lint-free micro-fiber towels, work just
as well�
CAUTION
When using a power washer with a round
jet nozzle, maintain a proper distance of
approximately 2.2 feet; 1 foot when using a 25
degree flat spray jet nozzle. Never point the jet
nozzle at moldings, hoses, exhaust pipes, electrical
components, seals, or plug connections. Never use
round jet nozzles on tires, the pulsating water can
damage the sub-structure of tires.
2023 Rangeline