Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 39)

D
D - 1
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR
Cleaning
As a general rule of thumb we recommend the trailer be washed about every four
weeks and waxed in the spring and fall. In industrial areas cleaning and waxing should
be done on a more frequent schedule.
NOTICE : ABRASIVE POLISHES OR CLEANING SOLVENTS SUCH AS AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER DETERGENTS OR ACID ETCH CLEANERS. ARE TOO STRONG
AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED. RINSE ALL GRIT FROM SURFACE PRIOR TO
WASHING. DO NOT USE WIRE BRUSHES, STEEL WOOL, ABRASIVES OR OTHER
SIMILAR CLEANING TOOLS THAT WILL MECHANICALLY ABRADE THE COATING
SURFACE. ALWAYS TEST A SMALL INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST.
ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR TRAILER IN THE SHADE OR ON A CLOUDY DAY WHEN THE
ALUMINUM SKIN IS COOL. Use soft rags or wash mitts always moving lengthwise with
the grain of the trailer. NEVER rub hard on the coating. Oil, grease, dust and dirt may be
removed by washing with a 5% solution in water of commonly used commercial and
industrial detergents. Cleaning should be followed by a thorough clean water rinse.
Drying the unit with a chamois or a soft cloth may prevent spots and streaks. WHEN
WASHING OR WAXING YOUR TRAILER,
After cleaning and drying, a good grade of nonabrasive automotive paste or liquid
wax will increase the life of the finish, especially in coastal areas where the finish is
exposed to salt air or in polluted industrial areas. It will also protect the shell from minor
scratches and make subsequent cleaning easier.
It is important to remove sap, gum, resin, asphalt, etc. as soon as possible after they
appear by washing and waxing. Sunlight and time will bake-harden these materials
making them almost impossible to remove without heavy buffing. If a substance
is found on the coating that cannot be removed by normal washing procedures,
Airstream recommends using DX 330 Acryli-Clean made by PPG Industries. Follow
all directions and warnings on the product container. Acryli-Clean should be used
by trained personnel only, using the proper equipment under controlled conditions.
Use the Acryli-Clean as sparingly as possible to remove glue, tar, and other similar
substance. Rinse with cool water immediately after use.
To keep your trailer looking new, paint the “A’ frame, LPG tanks, and rear
frame periodically.
The exterior includes plated medallions. Use mild soap and water on a soft cotton
cloth to clean. The inish is soft metal and will scratch, If that doesn’t not work, use
a mild metal polish such as PEAK METAL POLISH applying lightly with a clean soft
cotton cloth.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used in external seams and joints
such as end shell segments and around window frames, light bezels, beltline and
rub rail molding, etc. be checked regularly. If this material has dried out and become
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 Airstream dealer.
Precautions should be taken to prevent excessive sealant from getting on the coated
surfaces. Remove excessive sealant before it cures using DX 330 Acryli-Clean made
by PPG Industries as explained above.
NOTICE : It may be possible for solvents other than those recommended to
extract materials from sealants that could stain the coated surface or could prove
harmful to the sealants; therefore, these possible effects must be considered.
Test a small area first.