Care and Maintenance

Periodic maintenance and cleaning of your RV is necessary to retain the dependability, safety and appearance that will provide you with many miles of trouble free operation, as well as protecting your investment.

Make sure you read and follow all the maintenance tips and schedules that appear not only here, but also in your owner's manual and the manuals provided by the chassis manufacturer and various component manufacturers. Keep good records of maintenance functions performed, and make sure to perform all owner obligations as may be required by the chassis and component manufacturers to keep warranties in force.

If a situation arises involving maintenance or a cleaning activity for which you are not sure of the proper procedure, do not hesitate to contact your dealer or chassis service representative for information.

Click here for a maintenance schedule to assist you throughout the year

Fiberglass Siding

The care of fiberglass siding is essentially the same as any automotive finish. Wash your RV at least once a month. Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the finish. Take care to avoid spraying water directly into refrigerator and furnace vents when washing the RV. Remove bird and tree sap droppings, insects, and tar as soon as possible to avoid staining the finish.

It is important to note that any finish will deteriorate with time. Dulling and fading can be increased by exposure to extreme sunlight, air pollutants, and excessive moisture. Surface weathering of fiberglass does not change the strength of the fiberglass. Regular washing and waxing of exterior surface is the best insurance against surface deterioration such as fading, yellowing, or chalking.

If surface deterioration has occurred, check with your dealer for the steps required to restore the finish; buffing or even painting may be necessary in extreme cases. Small cracks appearing in the fiberglass can be repaired by using a fiberglass filler. Allow the filler to harden, sand, and then repaint with gelcoat (check with your dealer for further instructions and product information

Wax fiberglass surfaces at least once a year with a standard liquid or paste wax. Make sure to follow the directions for use as outlined in your owner's manual. Make sure to wash and wax your unit out of the hot sun when exterior surfaces are cool.

Storage of the RV out of direct sun is also a primary way to help preserve fiberglass finishes.

Physical damage to fiberglass should be taken care of immediately to avoid moisture from entering through breaks and causing problems with interior walls and components. Cover breaks in the fiberglass with plastic, sealing the edges with tape until proper repairs can be made.

NOTE: DO NOT use rubber compound or any abrasive cleaner or cloth on the RV. If using a tar and insect remover, make sure it is safe for use on painted surfaces.

Seals and Adhesives

It is important to maintain the seals and adhesives of your RV to prevent moisture from entering and destroying RV components. When washing your RV, inspect the seals for signs of drying out and wear. Be aware that weather, sun, and road vibration will have an affect on seals, causing them to dry, crack, or separate. If you are unsure of what to look for, have your dealer instruct you, and also show you the correct method for renewing the seals. If you prefer, your dealer will be able to perform seal maintenance for you also.

NOTE: Failure to maintain seals through regular maintenance can lead to damage of the coach components and may be considered abusive treatment under terms of your RV warranty.

Frame

Check the condition of the frame regularly. Keep it clean, and repaint as necessary to help avoid rust. It is especially important to keep underbody components clean when driving the RV in the winter in areas where salts are used.

Tires

In areas where hot sun constantly beats down on the RV, shading the tires by covering can reduce tire sidewall cracks from forming.

Roof

Inspection of roof components at least twice a year is very important in order to make sure seams and seals are not cracked or worn. Proper maintenance of seals is necessary to keep moisture from entering and causing severe damage such as rot, mold, or mildew. If you encounter drying, cracked, or weathered seals, make sure to reseal as necessary. Check with your dealer for the type of caulking required for rubber roofs and correct methods of resealing. Silicones and synthetic sealers cannot be used on the rubber roofs. Special sealers are also required for the skylights.

It is especially important to check the seals before and after periods of extended storage or non-use. Fall and spring inspections are recommended. A mild household soap solution can be used to clean a rubber roof. Stubborn stains may require use of a scouring powder type cleanser.

NOTE: If your roof should somehow become punctured, cover the puncture to seal out moisture, and have it repaired as soon as possible (check with your dealer).

Extrusions and Aluminum Surfaces

Clean and wax extrusions when waxing RV sidewalls to help avoid surface pitting. Special aluminum cleaners are available to restore the original luster to aluminum surfaces. Make sure to follow the instructions for use as outlined on the product package.

Chrome surfaces can be restored with special chrome polish if regular cleaning methods are not successful. Again, make sure to follow product instructions for use.

Windows and Doors

Check the seal around the windows at regular intervals. Follow previous instructions for checking the condition of seals and repairing as necessary.

Make sure that windows remain operative by adjusting and lubricating latches and moving parts annually. Also check the condition and operation of the door locks, adjusting and lubricating as necessary. Use powdered graphite or light oil to lubricate moving panes on doors and windows.

Vinyl seals around windows and doors should be cleaned regularly and kept supple by use of a silicone spray (make sure to follow the directions on the product).

Keep screens and window slides clean and free of debris in order to maintain proper operation and avoid component damage. Test the operation of all windows occasionally to make sure they are working properly, closing flush and locks holding tight.

Check with your dealer if you are unsure about the correct methods of lubrication and adjustment.

NOTE: Be aware that moisture can accumulate in lock and hinges of windows and doors, causing damage or faulty operation. Do not force the operation of these components in sub-freezing weather.

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