Exterior Care; Corrosion; Washing; Drying - Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL Owner's Manual

eXterIor & InterIor care — 3
NOTE:
"Section 3 - Exterior Care &
Maintenance" is a general cleaning
section. Some of the articles within this
section may or may not apply to all
motorhomes.

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 from
corrosive materials collected on 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.
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Washing

Periodic cleaning will help to preserve the
paint finish. 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 (preferred)
specifically designed automotive detergents.
Avoid abrasive cleansers or laundry detergents
that will scratch the clear coat and leave a soap
film. Use a soft cloth to wash the paint finish.
Avoid brushes as they can scratch the surface
and damage the paint. Before washing the
motorhome, remove most of the accumulated
dirt and "road wash" 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 float
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 working 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.
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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, 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.

Waxing

It is recommended to wax the motorhome
twice a year: spring and fall. Many types of
protective barriers are available today that may
be applied to the clear coat: glazes, waxes,
polishes, rubbing compounds or combinations of
these products.
NOTE:
Use a grease and wax remover before
applying another coat of wax. Chemicals
can become trapped between layers of
wax, possibly damaging the paint finish.
INFORMATION:
When selecting a product, follow the
product manufacturer's recommended
application instructions.
Types of Products:
Glazes - Glazes are generally used
to fill very fine scratches in the clear
coat. They are applied either by hand
or by using a polisher with a special
pad.