Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 Exterior Care User Manual
Exterior Care
The exterior of your Airstream Interstate 19 Touring Coach, except for the body kit, has been painted by Sprinter. The care of the paint is detailed in the Sprinter manual. The following additional information is provided by Airstream to help you understand the finish and its care. Following these instructions will provide a long-lasting, high-gloss finish for your recreational vehicle. These same procedures can also be applied to your everyday automobile, producing the same long-lasting results.
NOTE
Information on finish care may provide additional information and tips on the use of the Sprinter Van as a touring coach, however, no information about the exterior finish of your touring coach in this manual should be interpreted as advice or directions to disregard or void the warnings, cautions, or other information contained in the Sprinter’s manuals.
Waxes and Polishes
Over 90 percent of all automotive finishes are clear coat. The finish on your touring coach is a state-of-the-art Acrylic Urethane Basecoat/Clear Coat. This means you will wash and polish a clear urethane coating designed to protect the basecoat: the pigmented coating that provides color. As its main function is protecting the basecoat, the clearcoat needs to be maintained especially in harsh environments. Clearcoats do not fade themselves but appear to fade or lose gloss as the surface becomes contaminated by the environment. If this contamination is not removed frequently, the result will be a dull or low-gloss finish. Occasional washing alone will not adequately remove some forms of contamination and polishing will be required.
Polishes and waxes primarily serve the following purposes:
- To remove minor surface imperfections caused by water spots and acid rain
- To remove minor scratches by filling them and leveling the surface
- To beautify the paint finish appearances with more depth and high-gloss
- To protect the paint finish from the elements
Do not use products that contain harsh abrasives such as rubbing or polishing compounds. These products should be used by experienced technicians with the proper training and equipment. Most polishes and waxes are designed to clean and polish in one application.
A hand-applied polish or wax will offer outstanding performance and protect the touring coach finish. When applying polish or wax, do so in a shaded area making sure the surface is at the specified temperature according to the polish manufacturer’s recommendations. Due to the variations of polishes and waxes, incorporate the following suggestions into the polishing technique:
- Condition the polishing pad by rubbing a slight amount of polish on it.
- Use only the amount of polish specified in the label directions.
- Work a small area at a time.
- Rinse off and remove dried polish from crevices, trim, and moldings.
- Follow the product manufacturer’s directions.
How to Care for Your Touring Coach Finish
Keeping your touring coach looking its best at all times involves keeping the paint finish clean and in good condition. This means periodic washing and polishing, as well as getting the paint finish repaired as soon as possible when the paint is damaged or affected in any way. The purpose of the paint finish is twofold:
- Provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Protect the vehicle from the environment.
Your touring coach is exposed to many environmental conditions that have an adverse effect on the paint finish:
- Road salts and sodium chloride
- Road tar/bugs
- Bird droppings/tree sap
- Industrial fallout/acid rain/pollution
- Ultraviolet exposure and moisture
The most common problems resulting from these conditions are corrosion, staining, and chemical spotting. These problems can be minimized through regularly-scheduled washing and polishing.
Washing Your Touring Coach
Make sure the touring coach’s surface temperature is not too hot, under 90°F, and not in direct sunlight. A shady area is ideal for washing your vehicle, as direct sunlight causes water and soap to evaporate too fast, resulting in water spots. Use a mild soap or detergent. Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo. Try to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these waxes cause buildup and are designed for smaller surfaces. Have two dedicated sponges or wax mitts: one for the paint finish and one for the wheels and undercarriage. Brushes or wash mitts that have plastic bristles are acceptable for use on tires and wheel wells, but are not intended for use on the paint finish. Avoid using such items on painted surfaces, as they will damage the touring coach paint and finish.
Wash the wheels and wheel wells first as this prevents splattering on already clean panels. Wash from the top and work your way down, frequently rinsing to minimize grit abrasion. Follow with a final rinse of water. This process will remove most contamination from the touring coach’s surface. For stubborn stains such as road tar, use an ammonia-based glass cleaner or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth. This may not dissolve the road tar, but will loosen tar and bug stains and remove them from the surface. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on bird droppings or tree sap as these are water-based stains and will eventually dissolve using an ammonia-based glass cleaner, warm soapy water and a little “elbow grease.” Once again, after removing stubborn stains immediately rinse with clean water.
Drying the touring coach is just as important as washing your vehicle as today’s tap water and well water contain many chemicals that could water stain your touring coach’s finish. We suggest using a damp natural or synthetic chamois, however, there are other drying products such as lint-free micro-fiber towels that work just as well. Follow the simple cautionary measures, and your new finish will give you maximum gloss and durability.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used in external seams and joints such as window frames, light bezels, beltline, and rub-rail molding, etc., be checked regularly. If this material has dried out and becomes 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 touring coach dealer and most RV supply stores.
Body Kit
The body kit provided by Airstream is made from state-of-the-art high-impact plastic. The same material is used in the automotive industry for moldings, bumper guards, and trim. The kit is made to color specifications and requires no paint or finish. The cleaning procedures are the same as the painted finish on the Sprinter body; however, there are several automotive plastic care products on the market for exterior parts that will provide added protection from UV ray damage, dirt, and stains. Find one you like and use it as often as needed to help prevent fading.
CAUTION
When using a power washer, maintain a proper distance from the touring coach. The proper distance is approximately 2.2 ft. when using a round jet nozzle, and 1 ft. when using a 25-degree flat spray jet nozzle. Never point the jet nozzle at moldings, hoses, electrical components, seals, plug connections, etc. Never use round jet nozzles on tires, the pulsating water can damage the sub-structure of tires.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.airstream.com/owners/manuals/