Airstream INTERNATIONAL CCD - Manual (Page 40)

D
EXTERIOR
D - 1
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.
CAUTION : 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.
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.
CAUTION : It may be possible for solvents other than those recommended to ex-
tract 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.