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SECTION 14
CARE & MAINTENANCE
thorough cleaning is recommended to prevent
damage to the vehicle finish after exposure to
damaging salts, calcium chloride, road tar, tree
sap, insects and other foreign material. Never
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight, while the
vehicle surface is hot, or using hot water.
Do not use strong soaps or detergents for
washing the motor home. Always use a mild soap
in warm water, a commercially prepared product
for cleaning automotive finishes or your local car
wash. Be careful when using pressure-type wash-
ers to avoid loosening exterior decals or sealants,
etc.
NOTE: Avoid aiming water flow from a hose or
spray from high pressure washing equip-
ment into any appliance intake because
damage or difficulty in operating appli-
ances may occur.
After washing the motor home, carefully in-
spect caulking around window frames and vents
and any other joints that may have separated. Re-
caulking, if necessary, is quite simple. Appropri-
ate compounds are sold at Winnebago and Itasca
dealers, and the materials are quickly and easily
applied. Also, inspect weather seals around door,
etc., and if necessary have a dealer replace them
immediately.
CAUTION
Never use a strong solvent such as
lacquer thinner, or harsh abrasives on
painted surfaces.
Waxing and Polishing
When water will not bead up and roll off the
finish of your freshly washed vehicle, it's time to
apply a new coat of wax to the finish. Wax not
only improves the appearance of the vehicle, but
protects the finish against oxidation and corro-
sive substances.
We recommend using a wax that is compatible
with painted and gel-coated fiberglass finishes.
If the finish begins to look dull or discolored,
it may need to be cleaned with a polishing or
cleaning compound.
14-2
NOTE: If you use a polish or a cleaning com-
pound that does not contain a wax pre-
servative, we recommend reapplying a
coat of hard wax after cleaning or pol-
ishing the finish.
Care of Stripes and Decals
The pressure-sensitive decals on your coach
require very little maintenance. They should be
treated like any painted surface on your vehicle.
Here are a few helpful hints on caring for decals:
• Wash decals with plain soap and water or any
retail car wash soap. Always rinse thorough-
ly.
• High pressure water spray may damage
decals and paint.
• Test any cleaning solution on a small section
of decal before using.
• Do Not use any aromatic solvents such as ac-
etone, MEK, toluene, xylene, etc., on decals.
Any solvent including alcohol may soften or
smear colors.
• Do Not use lacquer thinner on paint or decals.
Do Not overcoat decals with clear paint.
• Do Not let gasoline or other fuels drip and
stay on decals for any length of time. Rinse
immediately.
HEADLIGHTS AND EXTERIOR
LIGHTS
Exterior Light Lenses
Most Winnebago Industries vehicles have
poly carbonate lenses on exterior lamps, which
are very sensitive to a variety of chemical sol-
vents and cleaners.
Use only soap and water to clean exterior
lamp lenses - especially headlights!
• Contact with certain chemicals can cause
etching, 'crazing' or cracking of the lens,
which can significantly reduce the lens clari-
ty and effectiveness of the lamp and may re-
quire replacement of the complete lamp
housing.
• Some popular citric acid cleaners may cause
bicarbonate lenses to become 'hazy' or 'fog-
gy'.
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