Airstream Safari - Manual (Page 39)

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EXTERIOR
CLEANING
Exterior Skin
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 OR ACID ETCH CLEANERS ARE TOO STRONG AND SHOULD
NEVER BE USED. RINSE ALL GRIT FROM SURFACE PRIOR TO WASHING. Use
soft rags or wash mitts always moving lengthwise with the trailer. NEVER rub
hard on the coating. Even the softest rag will damage the coating if excessive
pressure is applied.
ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR TRAILER IN THE SHADE OR ON A CLOUDY DAY WHEN
THE ALUMINUM SKIN IS COOL. Oil, grease, dust and dirt may be removed by wash-
ing with any mild non-abrasive soap or detergent. 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 POLISHING YOUR TRAILER, ALWAYS WIPE
“WITH” THE GRAIN OF THE METAL.
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 asphalt remains on
the trailer after washing, use a small amount of kerosene on a rag and wipe the spots
individually, being careful not to scratch the finish.
If a substance is found on the coating that cannot be removed by normal washing pro-
cedures, 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 condi-
tions. Use the Acryli-Clean as sparingly as possible to remove glue, tar, and other
similar substance.
To keep your trailer looking new, paint the “A’ frame, LPG tanks, and rear frame
periodically.
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.
Aluminum Wheels
The aluminum wheels and axle end cover come clear-coated. They keep their good
looks simply by washing with soap and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or polishes
on coated aluminum wheels.
Exterior Shower
Certain units are equipped with a exterior shower. This shower consists of a shower
hose, shower head, and water valve inside of a lockable exterior door. Water is sup-
plied by the pump or city water hookup.