Monday, December 2, 2013

Country Coach Motorhome Exterior Care

Pat Lillie, a former service employee of the defunct Country Coach, LLC motorcoach manufacturer, shared some timely info years ago with his owner friends....For those who desire to preserve that showroom clean exterior as you continue to enjoy the World's Finest Motorcoaches, here is Pat Lillie's timely group of suggestions revisited today.

"...Washing and keeping your Coach clean can be one of the most rewarding jobs as a coach owner. There are several areas to discuss when addressing exterior maintenance.

Paint/Clear Coat/Gel Coat: Maintaining that look requires more than being aware of conditions through which you travel. Rule 1: Do not allow excessive dirt or grease to build up on the coach. Washing your coach once or twice a month (depending on conditions) is recommended. Warm water along with any top quality auto soap, such as 3-M or Meguiar's with a soft brush or wash mitt, should take care of the initial wash. Wax your coach with a top quality automotive wax every three months.

Rule 2: Maintaining your Gel Coat should also be a top priority. Since CC did not clear coat the roof caps, wash your roof each time you wash the coach. Apply a coat of gel coat polish as well as a coat of wax to your roof. Gel coat polish can be purchased at automotive retail stores as can wax, soap, bucket, and mitt...

Glass: When cleaning your coach glass there are several things to keep in mind. Tap water will normall leave water spots. These water spots are formed by calcium in the water. Fortunately, glass is fairly self-sufficient and easy to clean. Use any top quality foaming glass cleaner with ammonia, such as Mack 8100 by Napa and a soft cotton cloth or paper towel. If you choose to use paper towels, it is best to use a high fiber paper towel. they leave less lint deposits. Water spots are also caused by rain water in areas which have a higher degree of air pollution. If you notice permanent water spots and are unable to clean them with normal glass cleaner, I suggest contacting a professional detailer. they have the proper compounds and tools to address the more difficult problems.

Wheels & Cab Mirrors: Maintaining your polished alloy wheels and aluminum alloy cab mirrors is quick and easy, although polished alloy requires more maintenance than any other finish. Polished alloy should be washed on a regular basis with any top quality alloy wheel cleaner, such as Eagle One Aluminum Wash and Brightener. Polishing aluminum alloy wheels is another important step in the overall maintenance. Polish with a high grade alloy polish (like Heavy Metal or Never Dull) several times per year.

Tires: Tire maintenance is fairly simple but important. Keep your tires inflated to the proper air pressure to reduce permanent wear and cracking (consult your owners guide regarding suggested tire pressures). Wash your tires on a regular basis with soap and water. Complete this process by applying a silicone based tire dressing with UV Ray Protection. Be aware that some off brand tire dressings may damage tires.

Interior Air Filters: Although not directly related to the coach exterior's care, here is a word about interior air filters. Cleaning your interior roof air conditioning air take and outlet filters is important to maintain efficient air flow. Wash the filters in warm water with any soft dish washing soap and pat dry. To operate the air vents correctly you need to close the main vent (located directly under your main air conditioning unit). By opening the individual vents that are positioned throughout the coach, you will maintain an even air flow and air temperature."


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