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Your motor home has been designed to provide you with many years of use with a minimum amount of maintenance. This section will familiarize you with the areas of your motor home that require scheduled care. Time spent taking care of your motor home on a regular basis will pay for itself in extended service and will protect your investment. If you are mechanically inclined and regularly perform routine maintenance and repairs on your car or truck, you may want to do the mechanical work on your motor home yourself. If you prefer, your dealer can perform these services for you. His trained personnel will assure that your motor home is maintained and repaired in keeping with original performance expectations.
This section is intended to provide the owner and operator with a general overview of service and maintenance information for the motor home.
Some exterior parts of your motor home are made of fiberglass. The finish on these parts is durable, but not indestructible. Any material and finish will deteriorate in time. Exposure to sunlight, moisture and airborne pollutants can cause dulling and fading of the finish. Generally, changes in the finish due to weathering are cosmetic - they are on the surface of the part and do not affect its strength. Weathering can take the form of chalking, fading and yellowing.
The best insurance against these effects is routine maintenance. If the finish is not washed and waxed thoroughly, the surface can deteriorate very rapidly. The following maintenance guidelines can help you reduce these weathering effects:
- Wash the exterior with a mild soap monthly, at least. Avoid strong alkaline cleaners and abrasives.
- Wax the exterior at least once a year - twice, if possible -with a wax formulated for fiberglass. When waxing, always read and follow the instructions and precautions on the container. Some cleaners and waxes are recommended for use on only certain types of surfaces. In some cases, a light rubbing compound may be required. Always follow rubbing compound with a high quality wax.
Stains are generally caused by two types of substances -water soluble and non-water soluble. Water soluble stains can usually be washed away with water and mild detergent. Follow the washing with wax.
Non-water soluble stains are usually oil-based. Removal of this type of stain may require the use of highly flammable or poisonous solvents. Refer this type of service to your dealer or an authorized Fleetwood Service Center. Never use strong solvents or abrasives to clean plastic surfaces.
Keep moving parts, hinges and latches adjusted and maintained. Lubricate with a light oil at least once a year. Check and tighten the screws holding the windows in place as required. Clean screens by gently wiping with a damp cloth or soft flat brush. Not all screens are removable.
Inspect the sealants around doors and windows every three months. See "Sealant Renewal" section.
Lubricate locksets in doors and exterior storage compartments at least annually with powdered graphite. If the motor home is located at a beach or is exposed to salt air, more frequent lubrication may be required.
Cleaning
For normal cleaning, standard household detergents or cleansers may be used. Use a non-abrasive, common household detergent and plenty of water. Be sure to keep the side walls wet to reduce streaking. Road tar, tree sap or other stubborn stains can be removed with a soft rag and xylene.
WARNING
XYLENE IS A FLAMMABLE LIQUID. USE EXTREME CARE WHEN HANDLING AND USING. DO NOT EXPOSE TO OPEN FLAME, SPARK OR SMOKING MATERIAL. DO NOT USE IN UNVENTILATED AREA.
Door, Window, Roof Component And Molding Resealing
Inspect the sealants around windows and doors at least every three months. Also inspect roof vents, other roof components, moldings at front and rear caps, and perimeter molding. If any of the following defects are evident during inspection, the affected areas must be resealed.
- Excessive amount of sealant protruding from joints.
- Sealant cracked or peeling.
- Voids in sealant.
The rubber roof itself does not require annual coatings or additional sealants. Periodic washing with soap and water is all that is required.
The rubber roof material can be cut by sharp objects. Use caution when loading sharp articles on the roof. If you add accessories or new equipment on the roof, be sure the installer is qualified to work on the rubber roof material. This is required under the terms of the warranty.
Repair kits are available through your dealer. The roof requires special adhesives and material.
WARNING
RUBBER ROOF MATERIAL IS SLIPPERY WHEN WET
The adhesives and sealants used in the construction of your motor home were developed to remain waterproof under sustained effects of weather and vibration. However, even the finest materials will eventually dry out and lose their effectiveness under constant heat of the sun and attack by other elements. This section outlines the procedures you must follow to maintain the weatherproof integrity of your motor home.
NOTE.- Failure to seal could cause serious damage and will affect your warranty coverage.
Your dealer can perform the resealing inspection and workforyou. Your dealer also has current information on sealants used in your motor home, and can recommend the appropriate sealants for you if you prefer to do this work yourself. Always use the recommended sealants.
NOTE. Do not seal the bottom flanges of windows and doors. Sealant voids have been intentionally left in the bottom flange to provide exterior drainage in the event of leakage.
If you find any of the above defects:
- Use a plastic scraper to remove excess sealant.
- Clean all areas to be resealed with mineral spirits and clean rags.
WARNING
MINERAL SPIRITS IS A FLAMMABLE LIQUID. USE EXTREME CARE WHEN HANDLING AND USING. DO NOT EXPOSE TO OPEN FLAME, SPARKS, OR SMOKING MATERIAL. DO NOT USE IN UNVENTILATED AREAS.
Make sure that all areas to be resealed are absolutely dry before new sealant is applied.
Upholstery & DrapesThe upholstery/decor items are made of flame-retardant material. To retain the flame retardant nature o these fabrics, dry clean only.
Frequent vacuuming or light brushing between cleanings will help prevent accumulation of dirt and grim Use of water-based or detergent based cleaners m cause shrinking or other fabric damage. Water stain may become permanent.
WARNING
DO NOT USE LACQUER THINNER, NAIL POLISH REMOVER, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, SPOT REMOVER, GASOLINE, OR NAPHTHA FOR ANY CLEANING PURPOSE. THESE PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MATERIAL BEING CLEANED, AND MAY BE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE OR POISONOUS.
The pure oil hand rubbed finish ensures natural lasting beauty (no wood sealants are used) and may be cleaned by using soap and water. Do not immerse board in water, store above sink containing water or expose to continuous sunlight.
For cleaning laminate surfaces, use a mild dishwashing liquid with warm water. Use a soft cloth for both washing and drying.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or gritty cleaners or damage will occur to the surface.
The paneling and the ceiling of your motor home may be any of several finishes and textures, Never use harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners on walls or ceilings. Most surfaces will clean with a soft cloth moistened with mild liquid detergent in warm water. Do not use large amounts of water which could saturate the material.
Fiberglass Bathtub And Plastic Shower Stall
Some cleaners attack the material causing it to discolor and become brittle. The following cleaners have been tested and approved when mixed with water: Distilled vinegar, mild dishwasher detergent, or liquid deodorizing cleaner. Avoid cleaners with any level of abrasives, acetone or MEK (methyl ethyl ketone).
Vinyl flooring requires only washing and periodic waxing. Vacuum carpeting regularly, and clean it with quality carpet cleaner. Do not use water or waxes mixed with water on wood floor.
The top of the engine may be accessed for service by removing the engine cover.
WARNING
WHEN INSTALLING THE ENGINE COVER, BE SURE THE COVER IS FULLY SEATED ON THE GASKET SEAL AND SECURED BY THE COVER SCREWS OR CLAMPS. DO NOT ALLOW CARPETING, FLOOR MATS OR OTHER MATERIAL TO INTERRUPT THE SEAL BETWEEN THE COVER AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
IF THE ENGINE COVER IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY, ENGINE EXHAUST GASES COULD LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD.
IF THE ENGINE MUST BE RUN WITH THE ENGINE COVER OFF FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES, BE SURE THE VEHICLE INTERIOR IS ADEQUATELY VENTILATED.
For your convenience, a maintenance checklist is included in this manual. This comprehensive list is the most up to date available at the time of publication. Options and accessories usually have their own owner/ user manuals that often contain added maintenance instructions. Consult these manuals as required.
NOTE: This online manual is a work in progress and is subject to change at any given time. It is also a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide. Each Caravan/RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact Caravan/RV you will be using.