Exterior Care; Corrosion; Washing; Drying - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE — 3

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.
56

Washing

Periodic cleaning will help to preserve the
paint fi nish. 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)
specifi cally designed automotive detergents.
Avoid abrasive cleansers or laundry detergents
that will scratch the clear coat and leave a soap
fi lm. Use a soft cloth to wash the paint fi nish.
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 fl oat
away 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.
2 00 8 I MP E R I A L

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 and 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,
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
fi ll very fi ne scratches in the clear coat.
They are applied either by hand or by
using a polisher with a special pad.